These plants can be safely consumed as a medicinal tea to help prevent recurrent cystitis. Initially three cups per day for a period of several months may be required in chronic situations, then a reduced dose of one to two cups daily taken as maintenance.
This has worked very well for a number of my clients who were able to break the cycle of ongoing antibiotic use. Always opt for the best quality organic herbs to maximise efficacy. This should be combined with a healthy, low sugar diet that includes lots of fresh vegetables and some organic fruit, alongside plenty of pure water to support optimal diuresis.
You may also want to use a female probiotic to help restore the flora of your urogenital tract. If your condition persists, please contact your doctor and work with a Medical Herbalist to help resolve the underlying triggers that may render you prone to cystitis.
My pre-school aged son fell awkwardly and has been diagnosed with a strained, sprained hip. He has been prescribed Ibuprofen for the pain, but I'd love to be able to use something natural. Any suggestions?
Yes, there are some fantastic natural alternatives to Ibuprofen. The great news is that the key medicinal plants used in injury recovery have been subject to clinical trials, so we can say with confidence that they work based upon both traditional and modern day use.
Arnica is the most frequently used medicinal plant for sports injuries and first aid. It is most effective in the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury to reduce inflammation and relieve swelling and pain.
A 2007 study that compared a high potency topical gel of Arnica and Ibuprofen for treating pain and improving mobility in osteoarthritis of the hand found that Arnica was as effective (or in scientific language: not inferior), with Arnica showing better tolerance. This reflects longstanding clinical use of Arnica in the treatment of musculoskeletal issues, including sprains.
Beyond 48 hours, Arnica is best combined with other medicinal plants that support long term tissue repair and rehabilitation. Arnica combines well with comfrey, St. John's Wort and rue for soft tissue, bone and nerve damage recovery.
In a 2005 study, a comparison between comfrey and Diclofenac (Voltaren®) was conducted on over 160 patients with acute ankle sprains. Tenderness reaction was equally reduced by both, however the comfrey group experienced less pain upon pressure.
Willow Bark, the well-known natural source of the aspirin-like chemical salicin, is a useful addition with its proven analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Use a cream of these medicinal plants several times a day to help accelerate the injury recovery of your son.
When selecting topical treatments, keep in mind that scientific trials indicate remedial creams should incorporate 25 to 30 per cent plant extract to provide expected clinical results. For this reason, always choose the best quality products made with fresh, organic plants.
Healing of soft tissue injuries occurs from the inside out, so long term and lasting recovery should include both internal and topical treatments. Oral herbal liquids of the aforementioned herbs should be taken for a minimum of four to six weeks to build a platform of recovery.
When professionally compounded as a traditional fresh-plant remedy and used at the right dose, these medicinal plants are highly effective and have not shown any safety concerns in clinical practice. They are suitable for pre-school aged children as long as the dose is adjusted, typically a quarter to half of the adult dose, depending on age and body size. I hope your son recovers soon so that he can enjoy the Christmas and outdoor summer activities!
References for further reading:
Role of phytotherapy associated with antibiotic prophylaxis in female patients with recurrent urinary tract infections.
Efficacy of a Comfrey root extract ointment in comparison to a Diclo-fenac gel in the treatment of ankle distortions: Results of an observer-blind, randomized, multicenter study.
Choosing between NSAID and arnica for topical treatment of hand osteoarthritis in a randomised, double-blind study. Rheumatology International
