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Bladder Pain Relief ("How to Get Relief" Step-By-Step)

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Replace those medicines that have side effects (e.g., seizures / suicidal ideation) with harmless “tea” - for bladder pain relief.
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Step 1: Daily "Bladder Tea"

 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
Yes, this helps with control and balance but I got it for pain.  I can now live pain-free and that is worth a lot!
"Bladder Tea" for Women™ - Relieves Pain!!!! 😁😁😁😁 (at least for me, it did 😁😁😁)
4

** Efficiency Updates **

If this is your FIRST time here, please skip this section and move on to “1a Storing…” But, if you have been here before, you may want to check out the additions…"

After doing this for some time, I've refined my system (including my “health system!” and these are some observations/additions that help me streamline my process in the search for “efficiency” and “effectiveness.”

 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
Why would you need this “creamer?” 

The instructions in the previous steps make TWO days' worth of drink, so that means that you either have one sitting out (which tastes, well, “nasty," by the second day), or it is sitting in the fridge

This is my solution for that second option.

I have a fridge (link to the one I use) and that I used to fill with soda cans in my office.  Now, I fill them with bottles of diet green tea, and as I mentioned in one of my other notes, my body loves me, and so does my doctor and my dentist!  

So, I already have the fridge, and I have the bottles of green tea, so why not put the Bladder Tea in a bottle like that?  But, how do I get the tea from a mug into the bottle? 

THIS creamer is the answer, and I have been doing it for about a month now.  You insert an infuser from one of the other mugs (this assumes you have at least TWO mugs, whether two different mugs or two of the same) into the top of the creamer and make the tea DIRECTLY in the creamer, as if it is a mug!  Let the tea steep for about 7 minutes.

Remove the infuser (with the tea), let this newly created tea cool ←-- this is important, or it will cause your bottle to misshape.  

After it cools, pour the tea into your bottle, put the lid on your bottle, put it in the fridge, and you are ready for the next day!

I put my sweetener in the tea, while it is cooling, so it is pre-sweetened for the next day.  Then, the next day, all I have to do is pour the liquid into the mug (the same mug that I used the day before, the one that was steeping the tea that I drank “yesterday” while this creamer was steeping THIS tea) and place that mug in the microwave for at least one minute (likely more), and you have a nice warm cup of tea.

I use seven packets of sweetener, and it takes more than one minute in my microwave for hot tea, but microwaves vary, so please pre-test and be careful.
Ceramics 16 OZ Porcelain Creamer Pitcher
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
This is the fridge that I use and I LOVE it!

It fits EIGHT bottles on top and EIGHT bottles on the bottom (of course lying on their sides).

I usually put a paper towel under them (on both levels), to absorb condensation.  

I also holds sodas and it can hold a combination, with sodas on the top and nutritious drinks in your bottles on the bottom (or vice versa).  I put cheese sticks in the door, as there is a shelf there) for my “keto diet.” 💡

Please note:  This particular link is to a “renewed” or “refurbished” unit.  It is a great price, but it is not brand new.  I think the one that we purchased was also refurbished and it is still working great, after about a year, but I just wanted you to know that this link does not direct you to a new one.
Frigidaire Retro 12 Can Mini Cooler Pink
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
These bottles are what really helped me move toward health!  By filling them with healthier liquids than soda, and ensuring I hydrate daily, I have become much healthier!

They fit perfectly (on their side, with the caps on tightly), in my “soda fridge,” so they fit well within my lifestyle.

It makes sense, then, that I use one of these bottles for the Bladder Tea, for refrigerating overnight, since I make enough for two days, every other day.  Right?

Note:  The funnel that comes with the set is perfect.  Just love it.  I also love the sponge, for cleaning.  It is the perfect shape!  The only problem is that it rips easily, after a few uses.  This is understandable, given what it is made of, right?  So, I would recommend something like this brush set, for cleaning the bottles.
BAKHUK 36pcs 16oz Clear Plastic Juice Bottles
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
This is “low-carb" Green Tea.  It is not sugar-free, as it DOES contain sweetener, by way of honey.  So, being a diabetic, I do count the carb, but bread also contains carb, as well.  So, I find that this tea does very well for me and does not even “blip” on the radar, as far as my blood sugar.  But, this is not medical advice.  If you are a Type 1 or Type 2 diabetic, you should consult your own doctor.  That is why this is “Diet” and not “Sugar-Free” Green Tea.

I put it on this list because I referenced it as filling my bottles in my fridge and replacing my sodas and feeling so much healthier as a result.  

Something else I found was that there were days that I did not need the Bladder Tea because I was hydrating enough with this Green Tea and was able to skip the Bladder Tea!  I am not recommending that you do that, of course.  I just found that it was an added benefit, that I was hydrating enough.  You may be able to find your own balance. 💡⭐💯
AriZona Diet Green Tea with Ginseng, 128 fl oz
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
This fridge is also listed and claims to hold bottles (though different “drink bottles” than what we are discussing).  I do not have this particular fridge, but judging by its availability, this one seems to be more readily available.  Is it the new version?  That is what is seems.  So, for that reason, I included it as an option so you could judge for yourself.  It also comes in other colors, of course.
Frigidaire Retro Mini Fridge 12/9L Cans Cooler
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
If you purchase the bottles, you will need something to clean them with, and this looks like a great pack of brushes.  

I LOVE the sponges that come with the brushes, but they tend to “rip” after a few uses.  That is understandable, as it is just a foam material, and it can only take a few rounds of cleaning.  

I purchased another long-handled brush that worked quite well, but when I went to get the link, it is no longer available.  So, that is why I said this “looks” like a great pack of brushes, because this is the pack I will personally be purchasing if/when I need another brush.  I just haven't purchased it yet because I still have the other one from the “dead link” that is just like this one.
Holikme 4 Pack 14.5" Stainless Steel Bottle Brushes

Step 1a: Storing the Loose Tea

 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
This is my favorite storage method and I purchased a new Super Oval on eBay.  I happened to get it with a black lid, which matched everything 😁.  The Super Oval is just the right size for a new box of “Bladder Tea” and still gives room to store your Noodle Soup Spoon in there, as well (assuming you always have clean hands during prep LOL).  

The Tupperware container keeps the tea fresh, so the tea lasts longer (though one box is generally a month's worth, used daily), and of course, free from intruders.  

Just be careful when you open it, so that it does not spill.  If you want to get two boxes of Bladder Tea, maybe you want a Super Oval 2(?).  Or, two Super Oval 1 versions.  Many “stackable” options there.
MODULAR MATES® SUPER OVAL 1
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
Before there was Tupperware™, there were mason jars, and kitchens were utilizing them everywhere, for their canning needs. 

Mason jars helped to keep food fresh, dry, and safe from critters and other intruders. 

These particular mason jars (which,yes, I use, too!) are wide-mouth (easy to pour the loose tea INTO them as well as scooping/measuring OUT OF them with the WonTon soup spoons).

Also, like their mason jar cousins, they come with lids and bands.  These have a nice decorative glass pattern and stack nicely.  There are six of them and they hold 16 ounces each.
Mason Jars (16oz) for Loose Tea Storage
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
Another option for storing your "Bladder Tea" loose tea is storing it in a Ziploc bag(s). I find that it stays fresher and lasts longer with the other methods (e.g., Tupperware or Mason Jars), but certainly, Ziploc or any resealable bag is better than having it spill all over the floor 😁 Also, the bag that it comes in is pretty impressive, more impressive than I expected. But, again, I just like to store it in something that keeps it e...
Ziploc Quart Food Storage Bags, 100 Count

Step 2: The (Mineral-Free) Water

If you are boiling your water with an electric kettle, you will want to use distilled water, to protect the kettle. If you use any other kind of water, your kettle will not last.

 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
If you are using the Govee Kettle (or any Kettle), you will want to take care of your investment, which means using Distilled Water. 

True, distilled water is not the recommended water for drinking, as it lacks minerals, but those same minerals will ruin your Govee Kettle over time, and you do not want that.  Besides, you can always ensure that you are drinking Spring Water and Mineral Water at other times during the day, right?

I check Amazon for the water and I was not able to find a “deal."  The deals, though I only found one, literally, were over at WalMart.  It looks like subscriptions are available for Water and that is recommended.  If you are using Bladder Tea to offset pain, it is the type of thing that when you stop, the pain returns, so, you want to keep a constant flow of water.  Therefore, it makes sense to not have to worry about your water supply.  It certainly makes sense to not run out and run normal tap water through your Kettle and ruin your kettle when you could have signed up for a subscription.  So, if you opt for the WalMart method, and you are not visiting WalMart daily to pick up your water, check to see if you can subscribe to get your water.  There is also the option of distilling your own water…
Great Value Distilled Water, 1 Gallon
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
Skip the bother of having to pick up bottles of distilled water on a regular basis for the  bottled distilled water method (or worse, yet, missing it and missing your regular Bladder Tea, and therefore the potential of being in pain!).

Take control by making your OWN water!  

I find that making this every week is just about right.  Maybe only every eight days, but weekly (e.g., a set “day of the week”) is easiest to remember. And besides, you can still use the water.  I use it for my steam curlers, my iron, etc., helping those devices last longer. Otherwise, they corrode faster with tap water and have to be replaced, so that is another good reason to have the distiller around, too.  

Also, by having this unit, I started drinking flavored waters instead of sodas, and my doctor and my dentist are happier with me!  I am overall healthier!

This is the unit I use, and I like it very much. 💯
Countertop Water Distiller Machine

Step 3: Boiling the Water

 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
Quick way to boil the water for the tea.  I found out through trial-and-error that this is the best way to make the tea and to get the most out of those loose tea leaves!
Govee Smart WiFi Gooseneck Kettle, 0.8L

Step 4: Infusion Process

 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
Remove the lid.  Pour two spoonfuls of the tea leaves from your modular mate container (see spoons and picture in the “Other” section for measurement) into the press.  Pour the boiling water (the distilled water that you boiled already) from the Govee Kettle into this Press.  

Press it down fully and then let it steep for 7 minutes or so until it is “just right.”  Then, line up the spout with the triangle on the lid (indicating the pour opening) and pour into your cup.  You are all set!

Pour it into your Tea Mugs, with their infuser inserts, to catch any last remnants of tea.  You can pour it into your initial day mug and your next-day mug all at once since you do not want to leave the tea in the French Press, as it will cause the tea to taste bitter.

Then, clean the French Press so it is ready to use in a couple of days to repeat the process.
French Press Infuser System from IKEA
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
If you do not have enough time to prepare a cup for your on-the-go lifestyle and you are running out the door, but you do not want to go without your bladder tea, for the sake of your pain-free lifestyle, you may want to grab one of these little infu...  

I still recommend the French Press option as you get a better “mix” (aka blend) with that option, and you can make up two cups ahead of time so you have your cup ready for the on-the-go. But this method is handy as a last-minute option.
Tea infuser - individual infuser on-the-go

Step 5: The Presentation (Drinking the Tea)

 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
Update:
I have been using this mug happily (no complaints) for almost two years now.  What I discovered is that the bottom of the infuser comes off!  I'm not sure if that is by design, for washing, or what.  It does not appear to be broken, but like it is for cleaning, but it is annoying because now it wants to fall off all the time!  That does not work very well for making tea or cleaning.  So, my “updated” suggestion is NOT to purchase this mug, but to find one like it.

I am on the prowl trying to find one, myself.  The other one, the pink one, listed in my list, has a solid, one-piece infuser that works well, but it is no longer available.  I left it in the list for reference.  So, yes, I am still looking and will update this list after I make my purchase.

Thank you for your patience!

-Deborah

-----------------------------
This cup functions not only for drinking the tea but also as the tea infuser. It is also helpful for storing the next day's tea and for travel. 

This is now my favorite and recommended “bladder tea” mug for drinking, but I love it for storing the next day's tea because I can prepare it the night before and have it ready for when I wake up in the morning, complete with the lid and everything.  

When pouring the tea from the French Press, pour it over the infuser in this cup so that you can be sure to remove any tea flakes that get past the French Press.  That gives you the best chance to have tea free of the flakes. 👌 

I recommend getting two of these, so you can sip your first day and have the second day poured up and put the lid on it ready for the next day.  But you can also just pour the tea into another cup (or another type of infuser mug, like the one recommended here) while you “sip” and then back in the original cup after washing and do it that way, too.  You just don't want to leave it in the French Press longer than the steeping time because it can become bitter.

It is not a “travel mug” in the sense of throwing it in a bag, but it works well as a cup holder in your vehicle.  The lid helps to keep it warm.  The infuser helps on those days that you may not have had time to prepare the tea the night before, and you need to do it at work or on-the-go, and you can scoop the tea leaves in and the boiling water in, with the tea leaves and let it steep in the ...

Update:  In speeding up the process, I have also made the tea straight into the mug, with the infuser.  It is not quite as good as when it is made the other way (Step 4), but when you are making it every other day, the time savings has its advantages.
Tea Mug for Drinking (Initial Day Mug). <-- DO NOT BUY (Please see note)
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
Note - This mug is no longer available.  I am in the process of looking for a replacement mug, myself (please see note under the blue mug).  As soon as I do, I will add it.

Thanks!

-Deborah
--------------

Here is another option for an infuser mug for your “next day” drinking 😁.  I think you should still get the first suggestion, as it is 16oz (whereas this one is a little smaller), but it is helpful to have two mugs so you can be sipping your first day and still pour up your second day so that your tea is not sitting in the French Press longer than it needs to, which cause...

This way, you can pour up BOTH mugs of tea and put one in the fridge for your next-day sipping, and it is all ready for you.

And it is really nice to be able to get up and have everything ready for the day.  It is fun to prepare the tea, too, but the variety is fun, as well 😁
Tea Infuser Mug with Lid for Tea (Next Day Mug) - NO LONGER AVAILABLE (please see note)
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
As an alternative (or in addition to…), for the drinking step, these are four pleasant-colored mugs to start your day.  

Made from Wheat Grass to help with the “unbreakable” part, in case they hit the floor or any other hard surface, lowering the chance of breakage.  These cups will serve two days worth of Bladder Tea, so you could refrigerate the 2nd day or only pour half of the mug. 😁  

They are also safe for coffee, wine, camping, dishwasher, microwave, and BPA-free.
Unbreakable Tea/Coffee Cups for Bladder Tea

Essential Tools (Suggested Findings)

 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
Useful spoons for measuring your tea leaves into your Kettle.  Quick and easy.
Set of 4 Wonton Noodle Soup Spoons (Measuring the Tea Leaves)
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
Demitasse spoons are a must for stirring your tea before sipping (drinking) it.  You can also use them for adding sweetner if you want to add a bit of sweetner to your tea. ;)
Copper Espresso Spoons Set of 6, 5.5''
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
What we need here, in the “tools” category, is something to “measure” the distilled water for the Govee Tea Kettle. 

It is recommended to add the water to the kettle after pouring the boiling water into the French Press… thereby helping to cool it down a bit.  

The challenging part is seeing the MAX line on the kettle. Why waste water?  You might as well pour the distilled water in for tomorrow so you are not wasting it, especially since you are doing this every morning if you are doing the “Bladder Tea” regimen, right?

So, with this pitcher, you can “measure” the distilled water, and as soon as you are done boiling the water for that day, pour your measured water into the Govee Tea Kettle so it is ready to respond to Alexa for the next morning 🌞

The amount of water needed for the Govee is approximately 27 ounces or so (0.08 liters), so this pitcher is a little bit more than that.  But you can easily measure how much water you need using the Govee and Distilled Water, pour that into this pitcher, then use masking tape (or permanent marker) to mark that line on the pitcher so you know how much water to fill each day. 💡

Disclaimer:  This is one of two items on this list that I did not personally purchase.  I actually have another version, and I added this one because I could not find the other version I am using (that I already had in my kitchen).  But, what I am describing is exactly what I am using with the other version 😁
One Quart Pitcher (Water Measure and Prep) by Takeya (Airtight; BPA-Free)
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
What we need here, in the “tools” category, is something to “measure” the distilled water for the Govee Tea Kettle.  

It is recommended to add the water to the kettle after pouring the boiling water into the French Press… thereby helping to cool it down a bit. 

The challenging part is seeing the MAX line on the kettle. Why waste water? You might as well pour the distilled water in for tomorrow so you are not wasting it, especially since you are doing this every morning, if you are doing the “Bladder Tea” re... 

So, with this pitcher, you can “measure” the distilled water, and as soon as you are done boiling the water for that day, pour your measured water into the Govee Tea Kettle so it is ready to respond to Alexa for the next morning 🌞 

The amount of water needed for the Govee is approximately 27 ounces or so (0.08 liters), so this pitcher is a little bit more than that. But you can easily measure how much water you need using the Govee and Distilled Water, pour that into this pitch... 

Disclaimer: This is one of two items on this list that I did not personally purchase. I actually have another version, and I added this one because I could not find the other version I am using (that I already had in my kitchen). But, what I am descr...
40 Oz BPA-Free Water Pitcher by Karafu

Non-Essential Helpful Stuff (Suggested Findings)

 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
Since your Govee [Tea] Kettle (in this list) is Alexa-enabled, I thought I'd add a fun Alexa-device.  And, an affordable one at that! 

This is one of the newest members of our family, “Ziggy,” the Echo Pop.  She works well in the office and gets my Govee Tea Kettle working, whether it is for the Bladder Tea, or a regular cup of tea, or to run Amazon Music and the smart home actions.  Busy Echo Pop that she is!  🤪🤣🤪
Amazon Echo Pop | Lavender Bloom
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
This brush (yes, a “nail brush”) is truly helpful in cleaning all of the tea leaves out of the Cafe Press after use.  It saves getting all the gunk on your hands and gets into all of the grooves and cleans the gunk out of the hard to reach spots.

Of course, use a brush that is dedicated to this purpose and don't use it on your feet in between uses. LOL

But, with four in the pack, you still have one for your hands, feet, laundry, dishes, and other uses.  As a professional manicurist in my early life, I always have these around the house and they come in handy for many purposes BEYOND hands and feet!
Brush for cleaning French Cafe Press
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
This is definitely not “needed” but I found myself grabbing this fun little flashlight (hey, who doesn't like a flashing green or red light once in a while LOL 🤪) when preparing my tea.  

When I had difficulty finding the MAX line in the Govee Tea Kettle, I used my flashlight to shine in the kettle to find it.

You can also use your SmartPhone flashlight feature, but I wouldn't want to accidentally drop it in the tea water (nor would I want to drop the flash light LOL).

Overall, when I am making the tea early in the morning and I don't have all of the lights on in the kitchen or I am making it elsewhere in the house and I want to let others sleep, this little self-standing light/flashlight comes in handing for “Tea ...
LED Camping Lantern Flashlight Rechargeable
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
Sometimes people want to add just a touch of sweetness to their Bladder Tea.  I am one of those people.  My husband tried a sip of tea yesterday and he said he would prefer no added sweetner or sugar.  But he drinks his coffee black.

Of course, for those of you who like sugar in coffee or tea, etc., there is the option of sugar and you probably have sugar in the house.

For those of you who prefer sweetner, maybe you have noticed how costly it can be to purchase artificial sweetner!  I have tried all of the brands, willing to switch if one was cheaper and in all of my “tests” I settled on Splenda.  It was already my favorite, taste-wise and the cost-difference was not enough to switch brands.  The other consideration is packets versus bulk, which is mentioned in the bulk item 🤓
SPLENDA Zero Calorie Sweetener 800 Pack
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
As I mentioned in the description for the Splenda packets, I personally like a bit of sweetner in my tea.  But, I also like to save money, when possible.  So, I purchased the sweetner in bulk and tried this brand/version. 

I have to say, it was not that wonderful tasting but the alternative, in NOT having a little bit of sweetner was not necessarily an option, either.  And, for the Bladder Tea, I use so little (compared to regular Black Tea).  

But, here is a little tip, you can use this “bulk” version and then mix in the packets, for taste and by doing that, get the good taste and still save money.  

I am still experimenting and open to your thoughts and your results on experimentation, too 😁🫶😁❤️
SPLENDA Monk Fruit Granulated Sweetener 19oz

Suggested Travel Tips etc.

 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
If you are traveling and want a more reusable bag to store your loose tea, this may be an option, to use these little bags.  You can label them, which makes it optimal if you plan to take other “loose tea” so you can tell them apart.  

You can use the bags for your jewelry and for other medicines that you need to take along on your trip as well, so this makes it a “complete” package as far as all your small item travel needs 😁.  

There is also the disposable version, and more of them, if you would rather not have to deal with all the hassle of keeping track of the bags after using them and just toss them.

Note:  It may take more than one bag for your loose Bladder Tea, especially if you are measuring enough for two days.
Reusable Pill Pouch Resealable bags (39 bags)
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
Similar to the reusable version (except 161 more of them!), these can be used for the loose Bladder Tea as well as any medicine and vitamins (pills, caplets, gels, gummies), and jewelry that you are taking with you when you travel.  This may be helpful if you do not want to have to remember to retain them to take back home (e.g., reusable) and if you do not need to label them 👉 if you just want to fill, travel, use, and toss 🤗.

Note: It is very likely that you will need more than one bag for your loose Bladder Tea, especially if you are measuring enough for two days.
Disposable 2x2 Mini Plastic Zip Bags (200)
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
Here is your travel version of your kettle instead of packing your Govee Gooseneck Kettle.

It is not that much smaller, as far as how much water it boils, holding 0.5 liters instead of 0.8 liters, but it still has four variable presets, and it is stainless steel, for safety (instead of plastic, which is hazardous to the health and could ca...

Once cooled, this can be put in your travel bag for safety.  

As far as preparing the tea, you could travel with one of your mugs (first-day mug or next-day mug) since they each have a tea infuser that can be used with the loose tea, and they each have a lid for steeping the tea.  That way, you do not need to travel with a press.  

Or, better yet, what I recommend is that you get an all-in-one Travel French Press and mug.
Small Travel Portable Electric Kettle by Sekaer
 
Deborah Anderson profile picture
Single Serve French Press for Travel is the answer to your travel needs, and it is compact enough that you can have it in your “go bag” or even already at the office, ready for when you need it!

This cup is less breakable than the mugs and travels well, and it has the built-in press.  It also holds as much as our system at home, so you will be familiar with it and used to the quantity.  

When it comes to Bladder Tea, you know how it goes if you are reliant on it for pain relief; if you miss a day, that pain can come back (and usually does!), so you do not want to miss a day, and it is better to be prepared.  So, having one of these in that “go bag,” or at the office, or at your “in-laws,” or wherever is truly helpful.  Then, if you have a few zip bags of loose tea already measured, all you have to do is get some water boiled from your friend, co-worker, mother-in-law, or a restaurant or cafe, and that is usually pretty easy.  From there, you are all set! ❤️❤️
Portable French Press Travel Mug 15oz Pink