For some people, cystitis is a recurring appointment: low-rise trousers, bare midriffs, cropped jackets and tight trousers are its true allies. With cystitis, the bladder becomes so irritated that it causes genuine damage to the mucous membrane: within moments, urination will burn intensely, and the sensation will be one of needing to go to the bathroom repeatedly to pass, drop by drop, small amounts of burning urine sometimes mixed with blood. And sex during those days is very complicated because the pain syndrome worsens, and what starts as a simple ache can trigger full-blown cystitis, which in men risks then turning into prostatitis. The first therapeutic choice is an antibiotic, but if the symptoms recur or persist it is better to rely on a longer, preventive course of treatment with an entirely natural strategy.

Aconitum

A homoeopathic remedy to use at the first symptoms whenever we fall victim to an inflammation of the mucous membrane triggered by a chill. It is excellent for cystitis but also for a sore throat when you have forgotten your scarf at home. The granules should be repeated several times a day, and their efficacy is remarkable when used right at the onset of the complaint.

Chantaris (cantharis)

This small remedy is useful for people with fully established cystitis, with urine passed drop by drop with great pain and lower back pain that has now radiated towards the kidneys. Here too the granules should be taken several times a day — 5 granules every 3–4 hours during the acute phase — including for haemorrhagic cystitis.

Heather buds

Its Latin name is calluna vulgaris; it is a small shrub whose buds are highly active in cases of urinary tract infections and urethral inflammations, especially when these are sustained by colibacilli (Escherichia coli or enterococci). It is excellent when we wish to avoid alcoholic tinctures, for example with children.

Warm water

You should drink at least two litres during the day, and it is not enough for it to simply be at room temperature — it really should be heated. Excellent options include herbal teas made from Nettle, Couch Grass and Bearberry, to be drunk morning and evening, or carried in a thermos to work to be consumed throughout the day.

D-Mannose

This is a simple sugar (but it does not cause weight gain!) extracted from birch wood or larch. The body metabolises it very slowly and it therefore manages to reach the urinary tract unchanged. In the bladder, bacteria bind very easily to D-Mannose and thus spare the inner walls lining the urinary tract: the bacteria are then expelled in the urine together with the D-Mannose to which they have bonded. D-Mannose does not interfere with other medications; it is a safe natural remedy and does not damage the "friendly" flora as common antibiotics do. The dosage requires D-Mannose to be taken in tablet form (2 tablets) or as pure powder (1 teaspoon) away from meals and after urinating — so ideally in the evening before going to sleep. Excellent in cases of post-coital cystitis if taken within 3–4 hours of intercourse itself.