Treatment of cystitis with decoction and infusion of chamomile: baths, spritzing, lavage

One of the most popular medicinal plants is chamomile. In case of cystitis, it copes well with the inflammatory process and alleviates painful symptoms.

Chamomile is an annual plant, the Latin name of which translates as "uterine herb". It is one of the best remedies for the treatment of bladder inflammation. It is used for sitz baths, douches, washings and for internal use in the form of decoctions, infusions, tea.

Cystitis is an inflammatory lesion of the bladder. Both men and women face this problem, but the latter are more likely to do so due to the structural features of the genitourinary system. Inflammation can be caused by the following factors:

• Violation of genital hygiene rules.
• Hypothermia.
• Chronic inflammatory processes in the body.
• Frequent change of sexual partners.
• Congenital pathologies of the genitourinary system.
• Improper nutrition.
• Constipation, bladder straining and prolonged urinary retention.

The effectiveness of chamomile in the treatment of cystitis is explained by its composition. The greatest number of useful components are contained in the flowers of the plant:

• Compounds of coumarins, polyines and polysaccharides.
• Vitamin C and B9.
• Organic acids: salicylic, caprylic, antimycetic, isovaleric.
• Bioflavonoids: luteolin, apigenin, quercetin.
• Phytosterol and carotenes.
• Protein and tannins.

The interaction of active components provides the following medicinal properties of the herbal remedy:

1. Calming – herbal tea has a mild sedative effect, normalizes sleep, and eliminates anxiety.
2. Anti-inflammatory – essential oils relieve symptoms of inflammation and eliminate pain.
3. Antispasmodic – infusions and decoctions help relax smooth muscles and reduce the tone of blood vessels.
4. Antiviral – the plant has a moderate tonic and immunomodulatory effect.
5. Anti-allergic – relieves inflammation, itching and flaking when treating the skin with decoctions or infusions.

When treating cystitis, preparations based on medicinal chamomile are used both externally and internally.

Does chamomile help with cystitis?

Chamomile is a universal herb, as it has a wide range of action and is effective in many diseases. A large complex of chemical elements of the plant has proven itself in the treatment of bladder inflammation.

The therapeutic effect manifests itself simultaneously in several directions:

• Reduces inflammation, acting internally and externally. Disinfectant properties help with inflammation of infectious origin.
• Relieves pain, itching, burning that occur during acute cystitis. Reduces spasms and relaxes smooth muscles.
• Destroys pathogenic microorganisms, so it can be used for sitz baths, douches and as a drink for internal use. Removes bile from the body.

The plant is suitable not only for treatment, but also for prevention of inflammatory lesions of the bladder. The herb combines well with other herbal remedies and medicines.

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Treatment of cystitis with chamomile

One of the safest and at the same time effective means in the treatment of cystitis is chamomile. The herb is popular in both traditional and alternative medicine. It is valued for its rich composition and the following medicinal properties:

• Anti-inflammatory.
• Sedative.
• Antiseptic.
• Destroys pathogenic microorganisms.
• Relieves pain symptoms and stops spasms.
• Promotes the removal of bile from the body.

To treat the genitourinary system, and in particular the inflamed bladder, the plant is used for douching, washing, sitz baths. Local treatment is aimed at disinfection, eliminating pain and relaxing the muscles of the affected organ. Infusions and decoctions based on the herb have medicinal properties. They also have a calming effect on the nervous system and improve sleep.

Indications chamomile for cystitis

Chamomile has a wide range of uses. Let's consider the main indications for its use:

• Inflammation of the genitourinary system.
• Dysfunction of the biliary system.
• Skin diseases of inflammatory/bacterial etiology.
• Respiratory diseases: cough, swelling of the mucous membrane, spasms.
• Gastrointestinal diseases with inflammatory and erosive lesions of the mucosa in acute/chronic form.
• Increased anxiety and irritability.
• Injuries and sprains of connective tissues, ligaments.
• Sleep disorders.
• Severe pain syndrome during migraine and toothache.
• Gastritis of allergic origin.
• Bronchial asthma.

The herbal remedy is indicated for many inflammatory processes of organs and tissues. Therapy can last up to 3 months, and the herb does not cause addiction.

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Release form

Today, the pharmaceutical market offers a variety of chamomile-based products. The medicinal herb comes in several forms:

• Dried inflorescences in packages.
• Tea bags.
• Essential oil.
• Tincture.
• Extract.
• Syrup.
• Creams and ointments with herbal components.
• Dietary supplements.

Depending on the disease and its stage, as well as the need for local or systemic action, a certain type of herbal remedy is selected.

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Chamomile decoction for cystitis

Most often, chamomile decoctions are prepared for bladder inflammation. This medicinal form involves extracting useful components from plant materials by exposure to high-temperature liquid and then cooling it.

Medicinal recipes:

1. Pour 500 ml of boiling water over a tablespoon of the herb, simmer in a water bath for 20 minutes and let it brew for an hour. Strain and use for rinsing or internal use. If the solution is too saturated, it should be diluted a little with boiled warm water.
2. Pour 20 g of raw material into an enamel bowl and add 350 ml of water. Put the saucepan on low heat and cook until boiling. Strain after cooling.
3. Take equal proportions of chamomile, lingonberry leaf, St. John's wort, calendula and yarrow. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and pour 4 tablespoons of the mixture with a liter of boiled water. Place the future decoction in a water bath and boil for 10-15 minutes until boiling. The medicine should be infused until it cools in a container with a closed lid. The decoction is taken 250 ml 4 times a day before meals.

To prepare the decoction, you can buy a package of dried chamomile flowers at the pharmacy or use the raw materials you prepared and dried yourself.

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Chamomile infusion for cystitis

Another option for a herbal medicine is infusions. They are suitable for both internal and external use. The drink is prepared from the leaves, flowers and stems of the plant.

For cystitis, the infusion is usually used orally; the remedy has the following properties:

• Pain reliever.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Astringent.
• Carminative.
• Emollient.

To prepare the remedy, take two tablespoons of the herb and pour 500 ml of boiling water over them. The liquid is infused for 45 minutes, then filtered through gauze and drunk ½ glass a couple of times a day.

Chamomile is no less effective in combination with other herbs. To prepare an anti-inflammatory and soothing infusion, take chamomile flowers, mint and valerian root in a ratio of 1:1:3. Mix the plant materials and pour a couple of tablespoons with a liter of boiling water. It is better to prepare the infusion in a thermos, leaving it to infuse for 2-3 hours before use. Strain the product and drink 3-4 times a day, 250 ml.

Pharmacodynamics

Chamomile belongs to the pharmacotherapeutic group of agents that affect metabolic processes and the digestive system. The pharmacodynamics of the herb is based on its chemical composition.

The plant product contains essential oils, chamazulene, prochamazulene, terpenes and sesquiterpenes, as well as flavonoids, coumarins, polysaccharides, mineral salts, vitamins, organic acids. The interaction of active components provides anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic and regenerating effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Since the herbal remedy contains a complex of biologically active components, pharmacokinetic studies are impossible. At the same time, it is noted that the active substances are well absorbed in the intestines, excreted by the kidneys and intestines. The therapeutic effect develops with prolonged therapy with chamomile.

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Dosing and administration

The dosage and features of use depend on the type of chamomile-based medicine.

• It is recommended to drink infusions and decoctions 50-150 ml 2-3 times a day.
• For local use, for example douching, use microclysters with 50 ml of solution.
• Tea based on the plant can be drunk 200 ml 2-3 times a day.
• For baths and rinses, use 1-3 liters of decoction diluted in 5-10 liters of bathing water.

Chamomile is not addictive and is suitable for long-term use, but it should be used within the time frame strictly prescribed by the doctor, observing the dosage.

Baths, bath with chamomile for cystitis

Inflammatory lesions of the bladder mucosa cause many painful symptoms and threaten the development of more serious diseases. One of the methods of treating cystitis is sitz baths and chamomile baths. In combination with drug therapy, they eliminate unpleasant symptoms and speed up the recovery process.

Baths with medicinal preparations are physiotherapy procedures, have a positive effect on the pelvic organs. Baths have a double effect:

• Thermal – liquid at elevated temperature increases blood circulation, increases the rate of metabolic processes, and has a vasodilating and antispasmodic effect.
• Chemical - essential oils contained in chamomile suppress bacterial microorganisms, relieve pain and promote relaxation of smooth muscles.

Sitz baths can be performed in several ways. All methods are effective, but differ in the technique of implementation and the volume of the medicinal solution used.

1. Sitz baths

The procedure should be carried out in a plastic or enamel basin to avoid unwanted chemical reactions with the medicinal liquid. The basin should be large enough to immerse the pelvic area up to the navel line.

Before the procedure, you should perform hygienic measures, prepare fresh underwear and a towel. Pour a pre-prepared chamomile solution of 40-45 ºС into a basin and sit in it. Wrap yourself in a towel on top to prevent the bath from cooling down prematurely and to cover the part of the body being heated. The procedure lasts 15-20 minutes and is preferably done before bedtime. After the bath, you need to dry yourself well and wrap yourself up.

2. Medicinal baths

For bathing, prepare 3-5 liters of chamomile decoction, which is poured into a bath with warm water. The procedure involves immersing the entire body in a medicinal solution. Bathing is carried out 2-3 times a week for 20 minutes.

3. Steam baths

This procedure differs from the previous ones. The temperature of the herbal solution should be about 90 ºС. The liquid is poured into a large bowl or plastic bucket so that you can sit on the container, but not touch the water. Wrap yourself with a blanket or towel on top. The procedure lasts for 20-30 minutes. In acute cystitis, treatment is 8-10 days, in chronic inflammation 20-30 days.

To carry out the above procedures, prepare an antiseptic solution according to the following recipe: pour 2-4 tablespoons of the herb with boiling water and leave for 40-60 minutes. After cooling, dilute with warm water to the required volume. To enhance the therapeutic effect, chamomile can be combined with other herbal preparations.

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Douching with chamomile for cystitis

The introduction of a medicinal liquid into the vagina or bladder for treatment or prevention is douching. The procedures are carried out using a syringe (rubber bulb, enema, Esmarch's mug, large syringe without a needle). Such treatment is an auxiliary method for many gynecological diseases, lesions of the genitourinary system and cystitis.

For rinsing, use liquids with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, regenerating and relaxing effects. Chamomile solution has all these properties. To prepare the medicinal liquid, take two tablespoons of dry raw materials and pour a liter of boiled water. Boil the solution over low heat for 20 minutes, cool and filter.

Douching for cystitis is recommended for non-specific inflammation. The procedure stops the pathological process and destroys pathogenic microorganisms. Treatment is carried out in compliance with the following rules:

• All manipulations are done slowly so as not to damage the genitals.
• The medicinal solution is introduced with slight pressure. It should wash the walls of the vagina, but not get into the uterus.
• The liquid should not be hot or cold. The ideal temperature is 36-38 °C.
• The duration of each procedure is 10-15 minutes.
• The syringe must be clean.
• The chamomile solution should be prepared immediately before the procedure.
• The duration of treatment should not exceed 5-6 days.

It is better to douche in the evening, preferably before bedtime. The treatment regimen is prescribed by the attending physician. In case of acute cystitis, the procedures are done in the morning and evening; after the painful condition has improved, one wash before bedtime is sufficient.

As for bladder douching, this procedure is performed by a doctor in sterile conditions. A special catheter, an antiseptic solution for treating the genitals and a medicinal liquid are used for washing. 5-6 procedures are enough to achieve the maximum effect. It is recommended to combine bladder treatment with chamomile sitz baths.

How to drink chamomile for cystitis?

To treat bladder inflammation, not only local treatment of the affected organs is carried out, but also oral administration of medicinal drinks. Most often, decoctions, infusions and teas based on chamomile are used. The herb is valued for its rich chemical composition and pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.

• The easiest way to prepare medicinal tea is to mix equal parts of dried chamomile flowers, birch buds, barberry and elderberry. The herbal raw materials are poured with a liter of boiling water and infused until cool. After straining, warm it up a little and take ½ cup 2-3 times a day regardless of food. If desired, you can add honey or sugar to the tea.
• Another remedy based on chamomile is a decoction. To prepare it, pour 300 ml of boiling water over a spoonful of dry raw material and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. After cooling, strain the remedy and take small portions every 3-4 hours.

Despite the fact that chamomile is not addictive and has a minimum of contraindications, it should be taken for both medicinal and preventive purposes for no longer than 1-1.5 months.

How to brew chamomile for cystitis?

There are many ways to use medicinal plants. The most common is brewing to make infusions, decoctions, tea. Dry raw materials are used to make herbal preparations. The following have medicinal properties: leaves, flowers, roots, stems. As for chamomile, only flowers are used for treatment.

Brewing rules:

• The plant material must be slightly crushed, this will increase the amount of useful substances in the finished solution. If chamomile is used in combination with other herbs, then each type of plant is crushed separately and then combined in the required proportions.
• Decoctions and infusions should be prepared in glass containers or ceramic-coated dishes with a tight lid. It is better not to use metal containers, as they destroy the beneficial properties of medicinal components.
• The finished product must be filtered through several layers of gauze or clean cotton cloth.

Types of medicinal preparations from chamomile obtained by brewing it:

1. Infusion - pour 300 ml of boiling water over a tablespoon of dry raw material and cover with a lid. It is better to prepare the drink in a thermos, leaving it to infuse overnight. After straining, the liquid is ready for use.
2. Decoction - the plant material is poured with boiled water and boiled in a water bath for 20 minutes. Then filtered, cooled and used for medicinal purposes. For internal use, the drink should be diluted with water, for external treatment a saturated solution is suitable.
3. The extract is a concentrated decoction. To prepare it, the plant material is evaporated to ½ of the original volume.
4. Tea – plant material is placed in filter bags and poured with boiling water. A teaspoon of chamomile is taken per glass of hot water. The tea is infused for 5-10 minutes, natural honey or sugar can be added for taste.

Decoctions are absorbed more slowly than infusions, but have a prolonged effect. At the same time, infusions are more effective, as they contain a maximum of useful components. It is not recommended to prepare medicinal herbs in large quantities, as they must be used within 24 hours from the moment of preparation.

How to wash with chamomile for cystitis?

Treatment of bladder inflammation, in addition to drug therapy, should include local manipulations: douching, baths. The simplest and most effective method for cystitis is washing with herbal infusions. Its effectiveness is based on the effect of a warm aqueous solution on the pelvic organs.

Chamomile has antiseptic properties, so local hyperthermia accelerates metabolic processes in the tissues of the bladder, genitals and vagina. Washing promotes mechanical washing out of secretions with pathogenic microorganisms and eliminates inflammatory processes.

For douching, prepare a medicinal solution according to the following recipe: pour a couple of tablespoons of dry raw materials with a liter of hot water and boil for 10-15 minutes. Strain, cool to 36 °C. The procedures are carried out once a day during the entire course of therapy.

Chamomile for cystitis in women

A popular folk medicine remedy used to treat bladder inflammation is chamomile. For cystitis in women, the herb is effective both internally and externally. The herbal remedy successfully fights the inflammatory process, as it has the following properties:

• Disinfectant.
• Calming.
• Antispasmodic.
• Pain reliever.
• Choleretic.

The plant is used for washing, douching, baths, and also in the form of infusions, decoctions, and tea.

Medicinal recipes:

1. Take a tablespoon of dried flowers and pour 250 ml of boiling water. The mixture should be infused for 30-45 minutes. The drink is filtered through several layers of gauze and taken 30-50 ml every 3-4 hours during the day.
2. Pour a liter of boiling water over a couple of tablespoons of inflorescences and simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes. You can add yarrow and calendula to the decoction. After the drink has cooled, strain it. Use the solution for washing, baths and douching. Douching can be done no more than twice a week.
3. Herbal baths are recommended to reduce pain. Take 100 g of the herb and brew it with 5 liters of water, boil for 10 minutes, strain and pour into a bath with warm water. Water procedures should be carried out for no more than 15 minutes, the water temperature should be about 37.5 °C.

Dried flowers are used to prepare medicinal products, as they contain the maximum amount of active components. The herb can be combined with other medicinal plants, which enhance each other's effect.

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Chamomile for cystitis in children

Both adults and children face inflammation of the bladder. Cystitis often develops against the background of an infectious process. Due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the urinary system, this problem is more often diagnosed in girls. In women, the urethra is wider and shorter, located in close proximity to the anus, which increases the risk of microbes entering the genitourinary tract.

For treatment, a comprehensive approach is used, which consists of medications, physiotherapy, diet therapy and phytotherapy. Medicinal herbs have a pronounced therapeutic effect, which are not only effective, but also safe for children.

Chamomile is most often used for cystitis. The plant has the following properties:

• Anti-inflammatory.
• Disinfectant.
• Antispasmodic.
• Pain reliever.
• Increases local immune defense.

The herb is used to make decoctions, infusions, and teas for internal use. The plant is also effective for local use, i.e. for sitz baths and douches.

1. To prepare an infusion for internal use, take 1 teaspoon of dried flowers and pour a glass of boiling water over it. The drink should be infused under the lid for 15 minutes, and then carefully filtered. To improve the taste, you can add a little natural honey or sugar to the infusion. The drink is taken 2-3 times a day, 100 ml.
2. To prepare a decoction for baths, take 3 tablespoons of dried flowers. Pour a liter of boiling water over the plant material and simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes. The product should be infused in a container with a tightly closed lid for 30-40 minutes. Then the solution is carefully filtered and diluted in 10 liters of warm water for bathing.

Despite all its medicinal properties, chamomile should be used in the treatment of children with extreme caution and after consultation with a pediatrician.

Use chamomile for cystitis during pregnancy

A fairly common disease that expectant mothers face is inflammation of the bladder. Most often, cystitis during pregnancy is associated with the following factors:

• Hormonal changes in the female body.
• Hypothermia.
• Exacerbation of chronic diseases.
• Functional disorders in the genitourinary system.

Treatment of cystitis during pregnancy is difficult, since most drugs have contraindications for women. One of the safe and at the same time effective means is chamomile.

To prepare the decoction, take a tablespoon of plant material and pour 500 ml of water, simmer until boiling. After cooling, strain and use for sitz baths or douches.

The herbal remedy is recommended for local manipulations only: washing, baths. As for installations and douching, during pregnancy these procedures should be carried out only under the supervision of a doctor, it is dangerous to do this at home. Oral use is possible only with the permission of the attending physician.

Contraindications

Like any medicine, chamomile has a number of contraindications for use. The plant is not recommended for use in such cases:

• Hypersensitivity to components.
• Lupus.
• Skin neoplasms.
• Gastric ulcer caused by anacid gastritis.
• Mental illnesses.
• Tendency to diarrhea.

The plant is used with special caution in chronic cholecystitis, conditions after cholecystectomy. Also, the medicinal herb is contraindicated in combination with homeopathic preparations.

Side effects chamomile for cystitis

The use of chamomile-based preparations in the presence of contraindications to this plant or exceeding the recommended dosage is dangerous due to the development of side effects. Most often, patients experience the following symptoms:

• Skin allergic reactions: hyperemia, rash, itching, urticaria.
• Quincke's edema.
• Anaphylactic shock.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Deterioration of general well-being.

To eliminate side effects, symptomatic therapy is indicated, followed by consultation with a doctor to adjust the dosage of the herbal remedy.

Overdose

The use of high doses of chamomile-based preparations is dangerous due to the development of painful symptoms. The following signs are characteristic of an overdose:

• Headaches.
• Cough.
• General weakness.
• Gastrointestinal disorders.
• Diarrhea.
• Decreased muscle tone.
• Increased irritability.
• Conjunctivitis.

To eliminate the above symptoms, you should stop using the herbal remedy. The correct dosage does not cause harm.

Interactions with other drugs

Chamomile in the form of decoctions and infusions is not recommended to be taken simultaneously with sedatives, as the herbal remedy enhances the effect of medications. When used simultaneously with warfarin, there is a risk of increasing its activity due to hydroxycoumarins, which are part of the herb.

Also, interaction of chamomile tea with drugs that thin the blood is not recommended. To prevent the development of side effects, any interaction of the herbal preparation with medications should be monitored by the attending physician.

Storage conditions

Dry herbal raw materials purchased at a pharmacy must be stored in the original packaging at a temperature no higher than 25 °C. Ready-made chamomile infusions and decoctions should be kept at a temperature of 8 to 15 °C and no longer than 48 hours.

It is recommended to store self-collected and dried chamomile flowers in paper bags or linen sacks. Cardboard boxes or wooden boxes are also suitable for storage. It is prohibited to use plastic bags. The storage area should be well ventilated, protected from direct sunlight and with humidity of about 13-15%.

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Shelf life

If all storage rules are observed, chamomile should be used within a year from the date of its production. The expiration date is indicated on the packages with plant materials. As for self-prepared grass, it can be stored for no longer than 12-18 months.

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Reviews

Chamomile for cystitis has numerous positive reviews. The plant alleviates painful symptoms, has an anti-inflammatory and disinfecting effect in case of bladder damage. A wide range of applications, universal properties and a minimum of contraindications allow the use of chamomile for the treatment of pregnant women and pediatric patients.