Interstitial Cystitis
Natural Remedies

Top Natural Remedies for Interstitial Cystitis Relief

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Test Your Urinary pH

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Posted by Sarahbelle (Bryan, Ohio) on 01/06/2010
★★★★★

Uti or interstitial cystitis and acid/alkaline

Please read this if you have a UTI or IC!! I have been researching and this is my conclusion: Your urine is either too acid OR too alkaline. It may have caused bacteria to grow, or if cultures couldn't detect bacteria, it could just be irritated as in IC. I always read that my urine was too acidic. When I tried to make it more alkaline I was even more miserable! Once, when I was taking a barley powder product for it's health benefits, my bladder got worse. It was too alkalinizing. I read that DISTILLED WATER was very acidic, so I chugged a gallon that day. What a relief! (One wouldn't want to drink distilled water for more than three days, as prolonged use can be detrimental, but it is easy on the struggling kidney and bladder.)

Make sure you know if your urine is too acidic or too alkaline before you treat yourself. You can buy testing strips at a pharmacy. The doctors in our rural area would think I was weird if I started talking about natural cures and acid/alkaline. Be your own doctor if possible. Best wishes.


Treat for Ureaplasma

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Posted by Wendy (Columbus, Oh) on 04/04/2018

I've dealt with UTIs my entire adult life. Since my kidney transplant in June 2016, I average one every other month! My go-to antibiotic has always been Cipro, BUT, after the UrgentCare lab did a CULTURE (VERY IMPORTANT TO DO A CULTURE, since this will pinpoint exactly which antibiotic will kill the bacterial infection! ), the lab prescribed Augmentin. I discussed this change with my post-transplant coordinator and he and I both thought that I was becoming resistant to the Cipro, and that I still had remnants of the infection after taking the Cipro! I'm now on day 3 of 10 days of the Augmentin. We'll see if this totally gets rid of the infection. I'll check back in a month or two with the status!

I also agree with prior posts about avoiding wheat, sugar, dairy, meat and nightshade vegetables for a while. Lately I've be eating more bread and sugar, so this probably was contributing to the issue.


Treat for Ureaplasma
Posted by Christian (Portland, OR) on 12/24/2014
★★★★★

Interstitial Cystitis is caused by UREAPLASMA this is not new news. It is known, but apparently some doctor haven't gotten the memo The cure is simple - you need to take biofilm dissolver 15 minutes before you take your antibiotics. Also take probiotics away from antibiotics, the probiotic my doctor says will save your stomach is Saccharomyces boulardii. This is a tropical strain of yeast. Take several different strains of probiotics; it is imperative when on antibiotics.

Stay away from wheat, sugar, dairy, meat and nightshade vegetables for a while. In most cities, you do not need a doctor order to get the test; just go to any lab test where you pay out of pocket or find a doctor that will listen to you and take the research with you and ask them to order to the test. There are things you can do to make yourself more comfortable, drinking water in baking soda, drinking lemon water seems to help; drinking parsley water is helpful as well. Warm heating pad on the lower back with castor oil. A couple drops Tea tree oil really diluted in sterilized water; soak in tampon and insert into the vagina over night helps. My ND gives me boric acid capsules to insert into my vagina in the evenings, before bed, to fight off the yeast infection from antibiotics. If you're terrified of antibiotics, get with a naturopathic doctor or Chinese Medicine doctor.

Replied by Hope
(Seattle)
12/23/2014
★★★★★

I linked Interstitial Cystitis, IC to a cause.

I had a new habit of chewing on cough drops daily. I just like the peppermint taste and I was having vitamin C ascorbic acid IVs the stuff was burning my arm and now I have IC. I wonder if it burned my bladder, weakened it, and became susceptible to ureaplasma.I drink tons of water, fresh squeezed lemons and 2 drops of SSKI with baking soda,

I have read that Interstitial Cystitis may be caused by Ureaplasma. The doctors do NOT check for this. Also, bacteria can go into the lining of the bladder and live there and it does NOT show up in the urinalysis. So then you need to take medicine for 6 weeks I read, also first the biofilm needs to be dissolved then 15 minutes later then take prescribed medicine or find a natural medicine. See a toxicologist they will know what to do.

Replied by Mimi
(Green Bay, Wi)
05/17/2017

I also believe IC is caused by bacteria and I am taking steps to be tested as well. I went to my local urologist after being tested negative for a UTI and yeast infection. They didn't test or examine me. They just told me to go home and follow the IC diet and drink a lot of water. I left feeling very helpless and very misinformed on what this even meant and how to proceed. I spent weeks reading everything I could on the boards. Until I get tested I'm taking bladder ease which is a godsent.

I'm so glad you were persistent and followed through. I feel the same way, I am not going to take no for an answer by a urologist.


Turmeric

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  86%
4 star (1) 
  14%

Posted by Heather W (Grand Rapids, Michigan) on 02/26/2017
★★★★☆

I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis several years ago. I'm on my 3rd prescription bladder medication which I am now immune to. I've also tried OTC AZO Bladder but I couldn't tell any difference. I've done a lot of research on IC and I'll admit that knowing there's no cure causes instant anxiety for me. I don't wish this on anyone. I just finished some Turmeric Tea. I boiled 8 oz water then added 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar, 1/8 teaspoon ground Turmeric, one pinch of ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1 tablespoon of raw honey. I leave the spoon in my cup to stir constantly while drinking as the ingredients will settle. Every time I drink Turmeric Tea, I sleep like a baby!!! I encourage everyone to try this as it's not just for IC!!!!

Replied by Rsw
(Oh)
02/27/2017

Hi Heather,

If you Google LDN for Interstitial Cystitis, you will find a number of people who say low dose Naltrexone has either cured them or has taken the pain level so low that they now don't even notice they have it. There is hope out there! www.ldninfo.org. And join the Yahoo LDN Group mentioned at top of that site. It has over 13,000 members who will give you their experiences and suggestions. Best wishes.


Turmeric
Posted by Amanda (Madison Heights, Mi) on 06/20/2016
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I started taking turmeric the day I first suspected interstitial cystitis. I had been struggling with what I thought was an extremely stubborn UTI for about 2 weeks, off and on. Every night my sleep was interrupted about 7 to 8 times with the desperate urge to pee. On this particular afternoon the pain and urgency became so beyond ridiculous that I couldn't function. I was exhausted, peeing every 5 minutes, hurting every second of the day, so much that I could not focus on anything. None of the usual treatments had worked (D-Mannose, baking soda, cranberry, cherry). I had recently been to the doctor for another UTI but the bacterial culture came back negative.

Having done some reading about IC and noted that it is an inflammatory condition, I drank one glass of about 8oz water with about 1/2 tsp turmeric and a small pinch of black pepper. Then I lay down in the only position that offered a shred of relief, on my back with my knees out. I felt somewhat better within a half hour and was able to fall asleep shortly after. I woke up 2 times to pee, and did again when my alarm went off for work. Each time the burning and urgency were further lessened. The following day I felt almost normal again. I continued to take turmeric and it has not lost its effectiveness for me.

I have tried buying turmeric capsules with black pepper extract since then, and they work pretty well. I have also tried aloe, which seemed to have more effect when it was juice rather than dried in a capsule. These are all helpful, but I am still learning which foods bother me, and when I eat something that triggers an incident, the powdered turmeric spice with a little black pepper stirred into water is what helps me recover the most quickly and fully. Not sure why. I may try making my own capsules because the taste is not delicious. Totally worth it, though.

Replied by Hilary
(Uk)
11/02/2018
★★★★★

So utterly grateful to you for the measurements of turmeric. I've just tried this and I swear already I can feel a settling of my bladder. I shall keep on with this - positive thinking, no doubt, will help. Utterly fed up of these ‘bees in my bladder and other parts'. Hopefully my low grade fever will improve too as I'm shattered.

Replied by Lynn
(Michigan, USA)
12/08/2022

Thank you, Amanda - I've been plagued by IC for several years and tho my doctor had tried to help with antibiotics, it has come to the point that she won't because the urine test is negative.

I've been in misery and found nothing that would help.

I just had a glass of this mixture and I'm certain that I will get relief just by reading your post.

I know this is an old post, hoping you will see it.

Blessings to you!

THANK You!


Turmeric
Posted by Kristen (San Diego, Ca) on 05/21/2011
★★★★★

Hello.

I was just diagnosed with IC a couple days before my 30th birthday. I grew up with Bladder infections/UTI's, and was very upset to find out I had this chronic condition.

My pain was at a 10 all week long. I couldn't get out of bed, but to urinate. When I would urinate I would have to bite on a towel, the pain was so horrendous. I've been on a strong Opiate pain killer for the past two days, just so I can take a break from the agony.

I've been researching natural cures and started taking: Prelief (8 a day) and a Wild Pollen Suppliment that is suppose to help build up the bladder walls.

My friend is Indian, and I remember her telling me that her husband disolves Turmeric root into hot milk and drinks it every night.

So, last night I decided to not take my pain medication (took my last pill at 5pm and they last about 6 hours, max) and give the Tumeric an honest try.

I took one large root, and grinded it down to a powder in my coffee grinder. Warmed organic 2% milk just to the point of a boil, then mixed in the Turmeric powder, and drank it over 20 minutes.

I did not wake up once to urinate during the night (even on the pain meds I would get up every 3 hours). I woke up naturally at 6am, and I had no physical pain. I could get out of bed and stand up straight. When I went to urinate, I had a small amount of discomfort at the very end. NOTHING compared to what I've been going through.

Just the day before, when my pain meds would be wearing off, and I would urinate, the pain was worse than this morning, after the Turmeric, with no medication.

I hope and pray this continues to give me relief, and I hope it gives others relief. This has been the most miserable 2 weeks of my life.


Turmeric
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, TN) on 07/21/2009
★★★★★

I said I would update my IC post if I found other remedies that work and I daresay I have found something....Turmeric. I had to take a whole bottle of turmeric pills in order to start seeing a difference BUT it was totally worth it. I'm afraid to jinx it but here it goes...I am virtually pain free...no constant urethra pain and no awful urgency to pee. I do notice that if I don't drink my 8 glasses of water a day I may get a little discomfort but all I have to do is drink more water and take my turmeric and I'm good! I take anywhere between 4-6 pills a day (500 mg each). I hope and pray that I continue to stay sympton free. I was reading a report on this disease and doctors are comparing the pain (at its worst) to cancer pain. They are right. I thought I would go crazy with pain at times. It is just so darn uncomfortable (considering where the pain is located) and my pain would not let up (until I used some of the remedies from my last post). These remedies helped but did not get rid of the pain for this long a period of time. I LOVE this site!!! Thank you so much to everyone that posts their experiences on here. It helps more than you could ever imagine.

Replied by Julie
(San Diego, California)
04/20/2010

Elizabeth, that's awesome you found something to rid your pain! Has the turmeric continued to give you relief?

Replied by Elizabeth
(Nashville, Tn)
09/23/2010
★★★★★

Julie- I still take turmeric every day as a precaution (it doesn't hurt it's good for you too). I think I found a link between my vaginal issues of yeast/bv and my IC. Once I started treating the YI/BV with home remedies my IC symptoms decreased alot. I've noticed when my lady parts are happy, my IC pain is practically non-existent. Woo-hoo! Also, I use Uva Ursi as a urinary cleanser after sex and a couple times a month. This seems to help also.

Replied by Yezenia
(Chandler, Az)
11/12/2010

Elizabeth, I am so happy to know that you have found relief from IC with Turmeric. I am going to try this one. Also, I wanted to know what home remedies you have tried for your BV/IC because as many other women on here I am on a cycle of IC, then yeast infection, then BV over and over again. It has been the worst pain/experience of my life. Thank you for sharing what works for you.

Replied by Elizabeth
(Nashville, Tn)
11/12/2010

Yezenia- I've had to do alot of experimenting with my YI/BV/IC issues. I can honestly say that most of the time I am pain free. I believe I've had and still have systemic candida from overuse of antibiotics and cortisteroid medications for my asmtha. It doesn't help that my immune system has never been very strong either. I've experienced alot of improvement with my YI/BV issues by using boric acid suppositories that I make at home. I did alot of internet research before I finally took the plunge. It's a personal decision.. You have to weigh the pros and cons. I use the boric acid after I have sex and after my period to correct the alkaline ph these instances cause. Also, I will use an empty veggie capsule filled with jojoba oil and one or two drops of oregano oil to fight any active infection (in conjuction with the boric acid). I find this one-two punch approach really knocks out the infection quickly. I also find that drinking aloe juice, the distilled kind, really helps with repairing the bladder lining. I try to drink it at night right before bed so it can hang out in the bladder for awhile.

Replied by Barbara B
(Lakeland, Fl Usa)
12/30/2010

I was thrilled to find this site and spent several hours reading about IC. It is so refreshing to be able to communicate with others who are experiencing what I am experiencing. I don't believe I have IC, but I believe I have the precursors to it. I sailed through four bladder surgeries, but the fifth, a year ago, traumatized my bladder and turned my life upside-down. Although I do not have the intense pain of IC, I do have painful urination, I do have daily episodes of acute inflammation and spasms and have to follow a low acidic diet to maintain control. I now have a potty chair next to my bed so that I avoid most night-time accidents. I adjust the leg length to tip the front forward a bit, which allows me to empty my bladder more quickly and completely. With the chair nearby and a draw on my bed, I also am able to avoid wearing protection at night, which helps helps with UTIs. The potty chair is also raised, which is much more comfortable than using a lower commode.

I am very eager to try the boric acid, turmeric, coconut oil, oregano oil, and marshmallow root. During flair-ups, tiny amounts of baking soda are moderately successful but I will increase my dosage. While I am going to try the apple- cider vinegar, I am cautious. I know that vinegars are very acidic in nature and and bother me tremendously, so I will introduce ACV VERY slowly. I had tried taking large amounts of cold-press aloe vera juice with not much success, but I will try the distilled concentrate to see if that has more benefit. Potassium citrate would tear me up (citric acid. ) and DSMO causes a strong and very unusual body odor, so I'll save that one for last. I have IB with diarrhea as well as OB, which are related, and the generic little green anti-diarrheal pills help tremedously with both conditions. If anyone knows something cheap and natural which would replace these, please let me know. I take probiotics.

I make my own low-acid coffee by mixing equal parts coffee (decaf is STRONGLY recommended for IC patients) and cold purified/distilled water, and storing it in a dark container in cool dark place or 18 hours. I then filter out the grounds to make a coffee concentrate that can be stored in the frig for up to a month. To make coffee, rule of thumb is 12 oz hot water to 2 tablespoons of the coffee concentrate, but adjust for personal taste.

Replied by Tom
(Regina, Sk)
12/30/2010

Barbara:
Did you ever try d-mannose, the sugar in such as blueberries and cranberries that is determined as the real healing substance in those products?

http://www.tahomaclinic.com/mannose.shtml

D-mannose is a naturally occurring simple sugar, closely related (in chemical terms, a "stereoisomer") to glucose. Small amounts of D-mannose are metabolized by our bodies; more than small amounts are excreted promptly into the urine. But how can even large quantities of a simple natural sugar do anything at all to cure over 90% of all bladder and urinary tract infections?

The answer is found in the interaction between D-mannose and the bacterium found in over 90% of all bladder infections, Escherichia coli ("E. Coli"). [No, that's not the infamous E. Coli mutant associated with unsanitary food processing that's hospitalized and killed people. It's the normal E. coli found as part of the "normal microflora" in every intestinal tract.

But even normal E. Coli don't belong in the bladder and urinary tract; in these areas it multiplies and becomes an undesirable infection. But why doesn't the normal downflow of urine from the kidneys through the ureters into the bladder and thence beyond simply carry the E. Coli right along with it? What allows the E. Coli to "stick" to the inner walls of the bladder and even work their way upward (like "Spiderman") in some cases reaching as far as the kidneys?

Mannose found as a supplement in a bottle is not one of the cheaper nutraceuticals, because of course there is only a tiny percent by weight of it in a pound of blueberries. But compared to the miseries of a UTI, it would amount to nothing if it works! Example of bottles of mannose here in BING Images:
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=d-mannose&go=&form=QBLH&scope=images&filt=all

Replied by Barb B
(Lakeland, Fl Usa)
01/03/2011

Thanks for the feedback, Tom. I did try a big jar of the D-Mannose. I've used it in the past with great success, but not this time. I took antibiotics almost continually for 10 months and every time I got off them, the infection was back the next day. I took the anitibiotics, the probiotics and the D-Mannose, plus AZO or other OTC, but the infection was relentless. Xylitol was the only thing that kept it at bay. It still keeps it at bay but it doesn't get rid of the infection. I would have tried the D-Mannose with the Xylitol along with the antibiotic and probiotics, but my funds are very limited.

Replied by Elizabeth
(Nashville, Tn)
01/03/2011

Barb- Try taking Uva Ursi with a little pinch of baking soda in your water. The alkalinity of the BS lets the uva ursi do its thing. I love the stuff.

Replied by Barb
(Lakeland, Fl Usa)
02/24/2011

I recently had a urinalysis with culture and the e'coli is still present. The doctor wants to put me back on a med that created terrible joint pain for me, then put me on a maintainance antibiotic. I don't want to go there! This time I am going to treat everything including the IBS-D aggressively. A big bottle of D'Mannose, along with UviUrsi, Mashmello, Digest Advantage (for the IBS-D, )probiotics, Activea, ( more probiotics) Coconut Oil. My doctor may not appreciate me but I'll go down and get the second urinalysis she ordered to test for cure, so I will know if it working. If not, then I'll have to do the antibiotics.

Thanks to everyone for the input.

Replied by Alexandra
(Miami, Fl)
04/12/2011

As Chrerieh said I started using equal parts apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide as a douche twic a day, I have been using it since yesterday and I already feel better!!

Replied by Shampoo
(Los Angeles, Ca)
06/07/2012
★★★★★

IC Symptoms and Turmeric:

Turmeric is awesome for me. I cap my own and I take about 3 capsules, three times a day, and MSM powder as well, I take about 2 capsules three times a day.


Turmeric and Lemon Juice

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  100%

Posted by Annee (Niagara Falls, Canada) on 08/26/2008
★★★★★

Hi to everyone who suffers from chronic disease.. I suffer from a lot of pain, from interstitial cystitis to a severe degenerating disk of my spine. I am only 48. I have severe arthritis as well. i have been taking baking soda twice a day but found out that this cheap remedy is very good and will reduce the acid by far..and is good for a lot of ailments:

I take 1/4tsp of turmeric spice from the grocery store..and a squeezed lemon juice with hot water, about one cup... before breakfast and dinner.. read about information on the web, its amazing.. a specialist who I saw at the spinal decompression clinic told me that.. my faith is in that DR... take care..

Replied by Canadiangal
(Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
06/21/2010

Hi All, I'm on the west coast of Canada and I find that much of what you mention I cannot find. I must admit though that I've just started to try natural remedies after feeling that western medicine has failed me!!! I feel pressure EVERY DAY and pain every day. I'm depressed and isolate. The only thing that's helped me is working out and drinking a lot of water (3-4 ltrs per day). I have tried baking soda but only get mild relief. PLEASE could anyone make suggestions to me about how to get relief and what products would be available in Canada. Also, what type of natural dr. could I see to assist me in this new journey in medicine I'm committed to trying.

Thanks to any and all that help and to all of your for your posts!!!

Replied by Sun
(Abbotsford, Canada)
08/06/2010

Hi,

You can easily find some of these ingredients such as turmeric from East Indian food stores. I think the turmeric powder there is usually diluted with some chemical or other, probably used to dissolve the root. So the quality of turmeric powder can vary. You could buy whole turmeric, leave it out in the sun for a long time, and then pulverize it. A lot of work, but very good for u. If it doesn't work, then boil it for awhile, that's better than turmeric (haldhi) with chemical additives. Although we still use those for our cooking. Also, google Iherb to order lots of cheap supplements.

Replied by Diane
(Berkeley, Ca)
08/07/2010

Turmeric in Indian stores is pretty pure - and because of high turnover it is a lot fresher than that in the regular grocery. You may be thinking of asafotida, which is often cut with rice flour. In any case, simply drying the root in the sun isn't enough to suitably cure it, but you can buy the dried root whole in many Indian stores and grind it yourself. If you do this look for "haldi root" - and be SURE to bash it into small pieces in your mortar & pestle before attempting to grind it in a coffee grinder. If you try to grind it whole or in large pieces it will break your coffee grinder. I know as I have broken parts of blades this way. The dried root is super hard. I cook tons of Indian food and used to grind my own from scratch, but have given up as it's just too darn hazardous to my equipment.


Zeolite and Dietary Changes

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Christi (LA) on 09/12/2024
★★★★★

Zeolite and Dietary Changes for Interstitial Cystitis (with a few supportive remedies)

I was led to try zeolite for interstitial cystitis. Got a jar of it, and tried a small 'pinch' in water on an empty stomach when I first woke up. I waited an hour to eat. Within less than an hour my constant 'urgency' was gone for the first time since the home with mold in 2019. (At my worst, I got to 23 bathroom trips per day). The pain that I recognized as well as the lack of energy was improved. It even helped my IBS! (found a research study that can happen as well, but it didn't 'cure' the IBS). I have since increased the amount to around 3 pinches with water (then I have to wait a couple hours to eat). I notice I need to be consistent with taking this. I personally believe that I need to

*Also, I've been on a mold protocol diet and if I go off of it, I don't improve. Zeolite was one of the things listed to help with mold detox. Additionally, there needs to be a supplement for Candida: when my IC had gotten worse as I began trying to eat off plan and then became open to antibios since early 2023. The last UTI I refused to go to get antibios because they seemed to make everything insanely worse! I began taking GSE liquid, colloidal silver, and also corn silk tea (read about that on here). I drank that tea all day long for a week until I got the zeolite showed up. The prescription I read for mold recovery (which I have had others say they theorize their IC was caused by mold as well): a binder that works for you (turns out mine is zeolite and it's one of the top ones I find recommended); 2. rotate a Candida supplement: colloidal silver, GSE, berberine; 3. keep detox channels open; 4. make sure home is free of mold; and 5. mold protocol diet until everything is sufficiently detoxed.

So, here is the journey I went through:

First, I had chronic UTIs since 2019. I tried homeopathics for UTIs with only a little improvement. I dearly wished I'd done something (even antibios) for those at the time because I ended up with interstitial cystitis. For the next 4 years, I had chronic UTIs, constant urgency and pain. My energy levels were harmed from this as well (I thought it was my fibromyalgia).

End of 2023, I decided to try to add potatoes back in. I did okay the first time with a little bit. Afterwards, I had to go get saline and antibiotics due to a severe IC bout with dehydration.

Twice more, I tried to add in another food that wasn't on the mold protocol and had the same thing happen. I required far more antibios and it came back right away when I got hot over the summer.

Then, the miracle was in me trying the zeolite (I was always afraid of it tho I knew it was potent). So, I'm so grateful I did!

Zeolite and mold diet protocol. I got another mold exposure and it came back on strong again. Immediately, back to the zeolite and doing better. I'm gradually working up to more.



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