Bladder Infection

Description
Bladder Infection (interstitial cystitis) is the chronic Inflammation of the urinary bladder. Cystitis occurs much more frequently in women than men because the urethra in females is about one-seventh as long as it is in males. Microorganisms, which normally exist only in the external opening of the urinary tract, pass through the bladder - causing fungal, viral or bacterial Infection.

Migration of bacteria, especially Escherichia coli (E. coli) that normally live in the intestines, is also facilitated in women because the openings of the female urethra, anus and vagina are in close proximity.

Herbs
Echinacea(4)
Parsley (5)
Uva Ursi Leaves (5)

Nutritional Supplements
L-acidophilus (1)
Niacin
Pantothenic Acid
Vitamin C (2,3)

References
1. Murray MD. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996.
2. Sirsi M. Antimicrobial action of Vitamin C on M. tuberculosis and some other pathogenic organisms. Indian J Med Sci 1952;6:252-55.
3. Axelrod DR. Ascorbic acid and urinary pH. JAMA 1985;254:1310-11.
4. Bauer R and Wagner H. Echinacea species as potential immunostimulatory drugs. Econ Med Plant Res 1991; 5:253-321.
5. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al, eds. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin: American Botanical Council and Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 428.