The Cranberry Solution: Homeopathy of Urinary Tract Infection
Homeopathy is an alternative form of medicine in which holistic methods are used the treat the patient. Homeopathic practitioners treat the patient, not the disease. There are three important theories that make up homeopathic practice. The first is that illness is caused by an imbalance in the body. Healthy bodies are in a state called homeostasis in which all systems are working together in harmony. Illness disrupts this harmonious state.
Give Me More Symptoms
The second theory is that symptoms are signs that the body is trying to rid itself of toxins. Thus, symptoms are encouraged with medicines that induce rather than reduce symptoms. The third theory of homeopathy is that remedies used to treat illness should be as dilute and simple as possible. Medicine is mixed and diluted many times until it becomes as effective as possible to treat the disease.
Though homeopathy is practiced by medical doctors, traditional medical practitioners are skeptical of its theories and remedies. Some doctors accept homeopathy as a treatment for common ailments but do not support alternative medicine as treatment for chronic diseases. Of particular concern are the homeopathic complexes, or mixtures of drugs, used to treat illness.
This article will focus on the homeopathy of urinary tract infection.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common ailments especially among women. They occur when bacteria enters the urinary tract, changing its natural ph balance. UTIs cause a burning sensation, painful urination, back pain, and even fever. If not treated properly, the bladder and kidneys can be permanently damaged. UTIs accompanied by fever and kidney pain should be treated by a traditional physician as they can be signs of a kidney or bladder infection and may require antibiotic treatment.
Natural Treatments For UTI
The most common remedy in homeopathy of urinary tract infection is the cranberry. Whether in berry, unsweetened juice or supplement form, the cranberry helps reset the ph balance of the urinary tract. When taken regularly, it can prevent future urinary tract infections. Other remedies in the homeopathy of urinary tract infection include belladonna, uva ursi, berberis vulgaris, borax, lycopodium, nux vomica, and sarsaparilla.
These common herbs, which can be found in most health food stores and pharmacies, are prescribed depending on the symptoms UTI sufferers are experiencing. For example, lycopodium is for those who feel the need to urinate frequently as a result of the UTI. The homeopathy of urinary tract infection involves taking as low a dose as possible and trying one treatment at a time depending on symptoms. UTIs are so common an ailment that many traditional doctors prescribe the same remedies as practitioners of the homeopathy of urinary tract infection.
