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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.
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