I was doing some research on Urinary bladder irritation/ interstitial cystitis and candida issues & how certain herbs may prove beneficial for these issues. I am not a doctor and these are my personal notes and research on this topic as far as treating them with herbs. After researching for hours on end, I decided that a tea would probably be the best solution to incorporate all of the herbs I determined may be helpful. I am putting down a lot of links for reference material etc.
Bladder irritation or interstitial cystitis can have various causes, such as infections, inflammation, or damage to the bladder lining. It can lead to symptoms like pain, pressure, and frequent urination. Treatment options may include medication, lifestyle changes, or bladder instillations. Consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
This is the Tea recipe I came up with and the ingredients with a breakdown or link to why they may prove beneficial:
Tea remedy: use french press or tea bag;
Ingredients: Dried pears, dried ginger, dried calendula flower, yarrow flower, marshmallow root, thyme, goldenrod, bee balm, stinging nettle leaf, dog grass aka couch grass, chamomile, & Mint.
*dried pears: I Chose to add dried pears because they are low in acid and high acid fruits can irritate urinary bladder irritation/interstitial cystitis. Also wanted to add something a bit sweet due to all the herbs in the tea that may cause it to taste somewhat bitter. It actually is quite pleasant tasting after all.
*Thyme (for candida) : Candida is a fungal bacteria growth. Fungi and yeast feed on decomposing or dead tissues. They exist everywhere: inside our stomachs, on our skin, and all around us. When in balance, the yeast and fungi populating our bodies are harmless and digest what our bodies cannot or do not use.
When we overfeed the fungi (for example with too much sugar and dairy products) the population grows out of control. This condition is known as systemic candidiasis and is marked by fungi invading the blood, gastrointestinal tract, and tissues. Fungal cultures like candida excrete large amounts of poisons called mycotoxins as part of their life cycles. These poisons must be detoxified by the liver and immune system.
Insufficient intake of minerals and trace minerals like magnesium, potassium, and zinc may also stimulate candida and fungal overgrowth in the body. Symptoms of Systemic Fungal Infection:Insufficient intake of minerals and trace minerals like magnesium, potassium, and zinc may also stimulate candida and fungal overgrowth in the body. Symptoms of Systemic Fungal Infection:
- Fatigue/low energy
- Overweight
- Low resistance to illness
- Allergies
- Unbalanced blood sugar
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Indigestion
- Colitis and ulcers
- Diarrhea/constipation
- Urinary tract infections
- Rectal or vaginal itch
Thyme tea has been used traditionally to treat yeast infections and may be beneficial in fighting off the fungus that causes it. This is because thyme contains both antifungal and antiviral properties which can help keep Candida albicans under control. (https://www.tea-and-coffee.com/blog/thyme-tea-benefits)
*Goldenrod: (uti) Goldenrod tea is helpful for addressing the symptoms and root cause (primarily bacterial infection) of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The herbs in this formula soothe inflamed urinary mucosal membranes through their demulcent, astringent, and anti-inflammatory actions. They are also antimicrobial as well as diuretic—they help flush out bacteria by promoting urination. (https://chestnutherbs.com/goldenrod-flower/)
*Calendula (for candida): anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. Can also be taken internally to support immune system function and provide anti bacterial, anti inflammatory, anti fungal and anti yeast support. (https://periodaisle.com/blogs/all/dealing-yeast-infections-naturally)
You should not use calendula if you are allergic to ragweed, daisies, marigold, or plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family, as it could cause you to have an allergic reaction.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also not use calendula because it can change their hormone levels and may even cause a period.
If you take medications or have to have surgery, ask your provider before you try calendula. It might not be safe for you to use calendula if it could affect your medications or make complications from surgery (like bleeding) more likely to happen.
article on calendula benefits: https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-benefits-of-calendula-4582641
*Marshmallow root: (uti/bladder) Herbal research results reported that the root extract of Marshmallow has broad antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tussive properties along with other health benefits. Marshmallow root can also help protect the urinary tract from infections, as can a garlic tincture. Both are potent enough to help stave off and flush out anything that might try to cause a UTI. Try also increasing your vitamin C intake to help keep your immune system boosted and make your urine more acidic to prevent UTIs. Rose hips have a high concentration of vitamin C, making it ideal for prevention. (reference links: https://www.healthsoul.com/blog/marshmallow-root-benefit https://www.lonestarbotanicals.com/herbs-for-fighting-infections/)
*Yarrow flower : (uti/bladder) Yarrow is diaphoretic, hypotensive, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, antimicrobial, bitter, and hepatic. It “is a standard remedy for helping the body deal with fever,” says herbalist David Hoffmann. “It stimulates digestion and tones blood vessels. As a urinary tract antiseptic, it is indicated in infections such as cystitis, for which it is most effective if used fresh.” It is also “thought to lower blood pressure through dilation of peripheral vessels.” Some people are hypersensitive to yarrow and other plants in the Asteraceae family. Some caution against use during pregnancy. (https://wellbeingjournal.com/yarrow-and-the-urinary-tract/)
Yarrow is used as a urinary tract antiseptic, majorly indicated for the treatment of infection in the bladder (cystitis). Use Yarrow Tincture to cure urinary tract infections, restore the tone of the bladder, ease the spasms of the bladder, confront incontinence, and support the treatment of bladder cancer. Its antimicrobial action knocks down the infective bladder bacteria and reduces the risk of recurrent infection by strengthening the walls of the bladder. I used dried yarrow flower leaves in my tea. It is technically an infusion as a tea. I will be making a yarrow flower tincture as well in the future. It seems to have so many benefits. (https://www.mayernikkitchen.com/ailments/urinary-tract-infection)
*Mint (dried): (uti/bladder, candida issues) Peppermint tea because of its antimicrobial, anti-fungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory power.
*Bee balm : (yeast infection, candida, uti) Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), as well as other bee balm plant species, offers us so many benefits! The gifts of bee balm include promoting digestion, helping you recover from colds and the flu, fighting fungal and yeast infections… That’s just naming a little of what bee balm can do. (Really, bee balm can be some of our most potent herbal medicine against infections and stagnant conditions.) -https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/bee-balm.html
*Stinging nettle leaf: (uti issues)
- Relieves Urinary Tract Infections- A 2016 study titled “Novel Strategies in the Prevention and Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections“, suggests that nettle has diuretic and antibacterial properties. Therefore, drinking nettle tea aids in the removal of toxins and makes an excellent remedy for bladder infections, urinary tract infections (UTI), and edema (water retention)
- Relieves Gout – Phytotherapeutic compounds found in nettle tea have a beneficial effect on joint pain, osteoarthritis, and gout
- Acts as a Natural Diuretic – It has nephritic qualities, meaning that it can help break down stones in the kidney and gallbladder. This prevents those painful conditions from worsening or requiring those stones to be either passed or surgically removed. Also, as a diuretic, stinging nettle helps eliminate toxins quickly, thereby protecting against bladder infections and excess fluid retention (edema). This plant may help your body shed excess salt and water, which in turn could lower blood pressure temporarily
- Contains Nutrients – Vitamins A, C and K, Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid, Kaempferol, quercetin, caffeic acid, coumarins, and other flavonoids, Beta-carotene, lutein, luteoxanthin, and other carotenoids. Stinging nettle offers a variety of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, polyphenols, and pigments — many of which act as antioxidants inside your body.
- Stinging nettle sounds scary, but is one tea which is often recommended for candida treatment. Its uses are numerous, but mainly it protects the copper levels during a Candida infestation and helps to detox the body. Nettle leaf tea can be used throughout a Candida treatment. (https://blog.probacto.com/candida-benefits-of-herbal-teas/)
*Dog grass aka Couch Grass: (uti/bladder)
Couch Grass is powerfully diuretic and has a soothing, anti-inflammatory healing effect on the lining of the bladder. It is rich in mucilage, volatile oils and polysaccharides which are considered the active ingredients of this herb. The sugar compounds which are released on contact with water in the body soothe the mucosa throughout the body – especially in the urinary tract.
One of these compounds is triticin, a polysaccharide related to inulin which makes up around 8 percent of the herb. It is this compound that makes it a good remedy for mild cystitis. When certain sugar compounds are released into the urinary tract, the bacteria that cause cystitis are attracted to these compounds, causing them to release their hold in the urethra. As long as lots of water is drunk alongside the herb, this can help to flush the disease-causing bacteria out of the urinary tract.
As a diuretic, Couch Grass assists the kidneys in clearing out waste, salt and excess water by increasing urine production. This also inhibits microbial growth in the urinary system. (https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/natural-health-guide/benefits/couch-grass)
*German Chamomile: (bladder/uti) soothing. Chamomile tea because it contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Chamomile tea because of its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which can relieve the pain caused by infection.
*Ginger: (uti/bladder urinary health) I used dried ginger in my tea. Ginger is a well-known anti-inflammatory agent. It can help to soothe the urinary tract and reduce inflammation. 1 reference of many online: https://www.michiganurology.com/the-best-supplements-for-kidney-and-bladder-health/
Some additional herbs for uti, bladder & candida issues that I am probably going to add next time:
Purslane for (uti/bladder issues) : https://teaalmanac.com/purslane-tea-to-treat-liver-bladder-and-kidneys/
dandellion root: will be adding this to furture tea blends to treat uti’s etc.
Buchu (for bladder/uti healing)substitute dried *golden rod but will be looking into Buchu further. Currently it appears to be grown in Africa and is very expensive.
Elderberry (candida) do not have currently, but have some growing. Will experiment with this herb for sure.
Cornsilk: uti/bladder Will be harvesting my own cornsilk next season. It is a very interesting development to learn the benefits of cornsilk in relation to uti/bladder health.
Uva ursi: uti/bladder
Ground sumac berries (have powdered) high vitamin C ph 8.5 ? Not as acidic as juice, very healing & repairing.
I wanted to add Arrowroot but only had the powder on hand. Since it is a thickener when the liquid is cooling it didn’t sound like a great idea to add it to a tea. It would however seem to help the conditions mentioned above by doing the following: bladder/intestine etc. (builds healthy mucous wall to protect bladder lining & intestine lining from further breakdown.)
Dried Cranberries: I would’ve added dried cranberries had I had any, but maybe it is better to just drink that separately. Cranberry tea contains polyphenols, an antioxidant that is effective in treating UTI. Most people are already aware that cranberries can help treat a UTI. I wasn’t sure if it was an acidic fruit and didn’t research it entirely, so left it out.
I also recommend drinking green tea, but didn’t add it to my recipe because I didn’t want any caffeine. Green tea is rich in antioxidants.
Garlic is another herb you will want to incorporate into your diet. i couldn’t really add it to my tea because It would probably taste disgusting with honey.
You will want to cut down on coffee intake. Chicory could be a good herbal option: Both chicory tea and chicory coffee are recommended on our Candida Diet and Protocol; first because chicory is caffeine-free so it makes a great coffee substitute for a Candida diet, but most importantly, it’s a powerful prebiotic which means that it is capable of feeding the beneficial bacteria that you are trying so hard to reestablish in your intestines if you are suffering from a Candida overgrowth. Chicory is also a great source of vitamin A and K; it helps to control blood sugar levels, aids in the digestion of foods, cleanses the blood, acts as a natural sedative, and contains anti-inflammatory properties.
articles:
UTI: https://www.guardian.co.tt/article/home-remedies-for-urinary-tract-infections-6.2.909865.b54033e372
deep insights into urinary tract infections: https://afju.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s12301-020-00111-z leaf
