Treating a Bladder Infection with Aromatherapy

Bladder infections are common, especially in women. So common, in fact, that you may already be familiar with the medical term "cystitis" to describe the inflammation that can result when bladder infections are unattended. Fortunately, several essential oils can come to the rescue. Juniper berry, sandalwood, chamomile, pine, tea tree, and bergamot are especially effective treatments. However, juniper berry is so strong that it could irritate the kidneys if the bladder infection has spread into them. If that is the case, stick to the other oils. In fact, if there is any chance that you have a kidney infection, be sure to seek a doctor's opinion, as it can have serious consequences.
Apply a massage oil or a compress containing the essential oils listed in the recipe over the bladder, which is located under the lower abdomen, once or twice daily as an adjunct to herbal, nutritional, or even drug treatments.
Added to a bath, these same essential oils can be used during an active infection and will help prevent future infections. If taking a full bath isn't practical, then try a sitz bath. As the name implies, you simply sit in a large tub of warm water (see sidebar below for more information).


Essential oils for bladder infections: bergamot, cedarwood, cypress, fir, frankincense, juniper berry (don't use if there's a kidney infection), sandalwood, tea tree



AROMATHERAPY FOR BLADDER INFECTIONS


Try these treatments to relieve and prevent bladder infections.
Bladder Infection Oil
8 drops juniper berry or cypress oil
6 drops tea tree oil
6 drops bergamot oil
2 drops fennel oil
2 ounces carrier oil
Combine the ingredients. Massage over the bladder area once daily. For a preventive treatment, add a tablespoon of this same oil to your bath.


Sitz Bath
5 drops rosemary oil
5 drops lavender oil
Add the essential oils to the hot bath only. Sit in a tub with the hot water up to your waist for five to ten minutes. Then switch to a tub of cold water for at least one minute. The large plastic tubs sold at hardware stores work well for this. Continue for two to five rounds. Do this treatment every day, if possible, or at least twice a week.