| Increased frequency of urination without an increase in
the volume urine passed.
This common symptom indicates that the bladder cannot hold as much fluid
as usual. A range of processes can cause this and such causes must be identified
and treated if possible. Infection, foreign bodies, stones, or tumors can
all injure the tissue of the bladder wall which in turn causes inflammation.
Actions indicated for this symptom:
Anti-microbials will facilitate the body ridding itself
of any pathogens present., thus reducing inflammation and its resulting
symptoms.
Anti-inflammatories contribute most by soothing inflamed tissue and
thus reducing the irritation local muscle spasm.
Diuretics will often help simple because they usually will have one
of the above effects. Diuretics rich in volatile oil, such as Juniper Berries,
might be contra-indicated in severe cases.
Specific Remedies
A number of diuretic `demulcent' remedies work well. Wether they act as
anti-inflammatories by reducing inflammation by some cellular effect or
demulcents by soothing the surface of the cells is difficult to say. The
best example here would Corn Silk (Zea mays), followed by Couchgrass
(Agropyron repens) and Marshmallow leaf (Althaea officinalis).
One possible prescription for frequency associated with infection:
Zea mays --- --- --- 2 parts
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi --- --- --- 1 part infuse 2 teaspoonfuls
to a cup
drink one cup every hour until symptoms subside
A traditional approach from Britain for soothing the urinary tract is
barley water. This has been used in the way that cranberry juice has in
North America. They work in different ways but achieve similar results.
It may be used in all cases where frequency, dysuria or other distressing
symptoms occur.
Barley Water
- Boil 4 oz (100 gm) whole barley in a little water, then strain off the
water.
- Pour 1 pt (500 ml) of water over the cleaned barley and add 1/2 oz (15
g) of peel of a well-washed lemon, preferable organic.
- Simmer until the barley is soft, remove from the heat and allow to cool
until lukewarm.
- Strain, add a little honey and drink several cups a day.
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Whilst working in conservation and lecturing in ecology and the eco-crisis for the University of Wales, David Hoffman became convinced that to heal the world, to embrace planetary wholeness and responsibility for it 
