A doctor can perform a urine culture to determine which bacterium is responsible for your cystitis. Antibiotics are the usual treatment for this condition. Drinking eight glasses of water per day and acidifying the urine by eating citrus and other fruits can be preventive. Because it keeps bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract, cranberry juice is valuable for preventing and treating urinary tract infections. As a preventive, drink 3 ounces of juice per day; to treat infections, drink 12 to 32 ounces a day. Capsules of dried cranberry powder are also available.

Herbal Remedies

Lovage Medical studies have found that lovage's volatile oils contain a host of anti-inflammatory and antiseptic constituents that can sooth inflammation of the urinary tract. To make a tea, pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon minced dried lovage root. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain and drink. The tea should not be taken by people with kidney problems.

Parsley Parsley leaves and roots contain varying amounts of a volatile oil with diuretic properties. A parsley tea may be useful for mild bladder problems, to reduce urinary tract inflammation, and to facilitate the passage of small kidney stones. Add 1 teaspoon of minced leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Avoid the seeds and oil, which can be toxic in large doses. People with kidney disease should consult a doctor before using parsley. Photosensitivity may develop with excessive ingestion.

Uva ursi Before the discovery of sulfa drugs, the herb uva ursi (traditionally known as bearberry) was used as an antiseptic to treat urinary tract infections. Tea bags and extracts are now widely available. The leaves' antiseptic effect results from the metabolic breaking down of the herb's glycosides into an antibacterial substance known as hydroquinone. For this breakdown to happen, the urine must remain alkaline for three to four hours after drinking the tea. To alkanalize the urine, take the tea with a teaspoon of baking soda or with tomatoes, fruit, milk, or potatoes. The tea can be drunk three or four times a day. The taste is bitter and may cause nausea in children and those with sensitive stomachs. Pregnant women should avoid the herb entirely. Others should use it only for a few days at a time: Hydroquinone can become toxic with overuse.

Buchu Buchu leaves, from a South African shrub, have been used as a disinfectant and diuretic for mild urinary tract inflammations. Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon dried buchu leaves, cover and let stand for 10 minutes, then strain. The tea can be drunk several times a day.

Saw palmetto Today an extract of this native palm is the premier herbal remedy for infection and enlargement of the prostate. If you are taking long-term medication for prostate problems, continue as directed and consult your doctor before taking saw palmetto.