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Remedies for Menopausal Symptoms
The Menopause Self Help Book
by Susan M. Lark, M.D.,
The Wild Rose Scientific Herbal by Terry Willard, Ph.D.,
Menopausal Years The Wise Woman Way by Susun S. Weed
are drawn heavily upon for this segment. All references are provided here.
 URINARY
TRACT SYMPTOMS
The urinary tract is a particularly vulnerable area during menopausal
years and beyond because the lack of hormonal support causes tissues to
become more delicate and easily traumatized. Herbs such as goldenseal,
uva ursi, blackberry root, and wintergreen have the ability to soothe,
relieve irritation and reduce infection in the urinary tract. Research
studies suggest that the plant coleus forskohlii also decreases
urinary tract pain and discomfort.17
Bladder infections (cystitis, urethritis, UTIs) may often be headed
off by drinking a glass of water every hour as soon as burning or urgency
is felt.31 Drinking lemon juice in water hourly may also be
very effective. Mallows (Althea officinalis, Malva sylvestris, rotundifolia
and neglecta); Uva ursi; Yarrow; Echinacea purpurea
and E. angustifolia are effective antibiotics in clearing bladder
infections and do not feed vaginal yeast.31
Elimination of all forms of sugars (even fresh fruit, fruit juice and
honey) while dealing with chronic cystitis is strongly recommended.
Goldenseal contains berberine, an
alkaloid with antibiotic activity.17
Uva ursi contains arbutin, a urinary
diuretic and anti-infective agent.17 It is an old favorite
for strengthening the bladder and ending chronic silent bladder infections.
Hot water infusion of the dried leaves, cold water infusions or tinctures
with vodka or vinegar have all been successfully used. A common dosage
is 1 cup/250 ml of infusion or 2 teaspoons/10 ml of vinegar or 10 drops
of tincture 3-6 times daily initially, then 1-3 times daily for 7-10 days.
Coleus forskohlii contains forskolin,
an antispasmodic, which can relieve painful urination as well as menstrual
cramps and intestinal colic.17
Cranberry extract has been shown
by recent research to inhibit adherence of E. coli to the walls of the
urethra and bladder. An important study in 1994, reported in the Journal
of the American Medical Association (JAMA), found that cranberry juice
was more effective in treating than in preventing urinary bacterial infections.
It was also notable for being the first placebo-controlled, large-scale
clinical trial to show that cranberry juice does in fact reduce bacteria
levels in the urine as well as the attendant influx of white blood cells
to fight the infection.23
Recent findings suggest that cranberry juice can affect urine in another
way as well. It can lessen the urinary odor of incontinent persons by
slowing the activity of bacteria (Escherichia coli in particular)
that contribute to the odor. It does this primarily by reducing urine’s
acidity.23
A 6-ounce glass of unsweetened cranberry juice (or consuming high-quality
cranberry supplements) may also reduce risk of urinary stone recurrence
and relieve symptoms of chronic kidney infection (pyelonephritis), at
least according to anecdotal reports.23
Drinking very large amounts of the juice may cause diarrhea and
stomach upset. An acute urinary tract infection accompanied by severe
burning upon urination will almost always warrant medical treatment with
antibiotics and should never be left untreated.23
Cranberry, in capsule or diluted unsweetened juice, may also be used
on a preventative daily maintenance basis.
Yarrow is a urinary disinfectant
with a powerful antibacterial action and an astringent effect that helps
tone weak bladder tissues. Use a small cup of the infusion once or twice
a day for 7-10 days, or combine it half-and-half with uva ursi. Results
may be felt within several hours. This herb is highly recommended for
women with incontinence.31
Echinacea:
Dr. Michael Murray writes that Escherichia coli (or E. coli)
bacteria are responsible for about 90% of bladder infections. E. purpurea
and E. angustifolia have been shown to clear bladder infections
without contributing to vaginal yeast proliferation.
Dr. Terry Willard writes: "The plant extract of echinacea (mucopolysaccharide
component, echinacin) has a cortisone-like activity which inhibits hyaluronidase
enzyme that is associated with inflammation and swelling. This is accomplished
by maintaining the structure and integrity of collagen matrix in connective
tissue and ground substance. Echinacea also increases the cell growth
of fibroblasts, activates macrophages, regenerates new tissue and eliminates
infectious organisms". He goes on to say that one of the major components,
inulin, promotes solubization of viruses and bacteriolysis, among other
things. Echinacea is antiviral due to interferon-like activity and has
relatively mild but proven effective antibacterial properties against
Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium diptheria and Proteus
vulgaris.34 No toxicity was found in literature reviewed.34
| Dr.
Willard suggests: |
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15-30 grains of the powder,
3-6 times daily |
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30-60 drops tincture, hourly at onset
of infection |
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1 teaspoon fluid extract, 3-6 times daily
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Susun Weed agrees that in acute cases it should be taken every 2 hours
or so. She calculates dosage as: 1 drop echinacea tincture for each 2
pounds/1 kilo of body weight. This means a 150 pound/70 kilo person would
use 75 drops or 3 droppersful.
Water: Normally it is advisable to
drink plenty of water, around 8–10 glasses per day in addition to
juices and other fluids, but it should be considered essential
during a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Flaxseed oil:
1–3 tablespoons added to the diet has been found effective in relieving
chronic bladder infections.31
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) helps
the kidneys, bladder and raises urinary pH. Try 500 mg hourly for 6–8
hours. Calcium supplements, on the other hand, tend to increase bacterial
adhesion to the bladder wall.31
Bladder irritants include alcohol,
black tea, coffee, sodas, citrus juices, chocolate, cayenne and hot pepper.
Urinating before love play is also an irritant (it’s wise, however,
to urinate after love play).3
Researched and written by the ProjectAWARE group, 2000
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