Page 44 - Spring2012

year. “Congenital reflux” had been another guess. into her own hands—a necessary step in gaining control of one’s health.
But then if that was so, why didn’t she have these She found studies that showed that UTIs commonly recur and coincide
infections her entire life, instead of only in the with previous antibiotics use. “That’s it!” she suddenly recalled. “This all
last five years? The last diagnosis was that it was began around five years ago when I had my wisdom teeth removed and
an E. coli infection in her urinary tract. “What?! took a round of antibiotics.” She concluded that the antibiotics were not
I’ve been on antibiotics nearly all winter! Antibi- relieving her present condition, but worsening it month by month, year
otics are supposed to kill bacteria, aren’t they?” after year. What she read next confirmed this: E. coli infections can actu-
Answers slowly revealed themselves when ally be caused by the use of antibiotics. In other words, the drug was the
Angela did her homework and took the matter agent of this contradictory effect and had worsened her overall condition.

SOME HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

SARSAPARILLA 30
This is one of the more important remedies to consider when a woman has a urinary tract infection with pain most
concentrated at the end of urination. The urine flows in dribbles and sometimes she is unable to void completely unless
standing. This remedy is useful for pain that burns, but pain may not be the most pressing symptom.

STAPHYSAGRIA 30
Here’s a remedy most chosen for women who frequently get cystitis after sexual activity. It represents the common
ailment called “honeymoon cystitis.” This remedy also has a reputation for aiding women who suffer UTIs after being
abused, either physically or emotionally, or have recently been embarrassed. So common is Staphysagria in this malady
that it ought to be considered if no other remedy seems to fit the “picture” of the symptoms.

CANTHARIS 30
This remedy is most useful for those who have a strong sense of urgency, yet very little is voided on reaching the bath-
room. The sufferer may be compelled to rush to the toilet and may even lose urine on the way. Sometimes there’s a sense
of frenzied desperation that accompanies the infection and the pain may make this symptom worse. Oddly, the woman
may find herself interested in sexual activity during the infection.

NUX VOMICA 30
This common remedy has a reputation for addressing UTIs when the woman has overindulged in stimulating foods
such as alcohol, coffee, or foods that are of poor quality. It’s also useful for those who live a fast paced life or experience
anxiety or frustration when ambition is impeded. Most important, Nux vomica is a remedy for abuse of drugs, whether
they are over-the-counter, street, or prescribed. Over indulgence in alcohol can also set up a state that would require this
remedy. People who need Nux vomica are often irritable and wake in the night at about 3-4 a.m. Sometimes a concomi-
tant symptom is the need to have a bowel movement at the same time as the urine urgency. Chills often accompany the
infection and the urgency can be extreme.

ACONITUM 30
I call this the remedy for “quick shock.” It’s useful anytime when there might be a shock to the system that has a sud-
den onset. Imagine a hot day of swimming in warm water and then hopping into a cold, air conditioned car while still wet.
If a urinary tract infection ensues, you might immediately think of this remedy. A fright, such as after an accident, can also
be a call for Aconitum. Burning before urination as well as a sense of pressure in the bladder will also point to this choice.

ARNICA MONTANA 30
This is the quintessential remedy for injuries, such as from child birth. Women who contract cystitis after the birth of a
baby are often aided with a few days of this miracle remedy. One remarkable characteristic calling for the need of Arnica
is an inability to empty the bladder, usually due to injury to the perineum. There may be some dribbling of urine as well.

PULSATILLA 30
This is the remedy of choice if the woman has urine leaking on coughing, laughing or sneezing. She’s often a soft, round
and feminine-type and gets a bit weepy when she gets these infections. Nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms may
also be present, particularly from eating ice cream, or other rich, creamy foods. Urination may smart, but it’s not nearly as
painful as in the picture of other remedies.

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