Top Natural Remedies for Interstitial Cystitis Relief

I have had IC for over 6 years. I finally found a cure, thanks be to God. I began using Angelica Archangelica. It has rebuilt my bladder lining wall. Every day the window of pain is getting smaller and smaller. I've been on it 9 weeks and I'm 90% healed! There are several people on the IC board on Facebook that are healing up too. Give it a shot and thank God, if you have bladder wall issues..this is the cure.

Thanks for letting me clarify.

I don't think I am having pain from UTIs.

After give birth to 9 kids in 17 years, I had some serious pelvic prolapse problems. I tried a lot of things, including physical therapy but ultimately had surgery to get everything back in place. Well the trade off for fixing the prolapse was chronic burning bladder pain. :( At first I did think I was having constant UTI's but I think surgery left me with interstitial cystitis. The herbs helped a lot if I was really diligent. I still try to drink red raspberry leaf tea daily. But the baking soda taken a few times a day helps the most.

I do see that it is a popular remedy for UTI's here at Earth Clinic, so it probably has multiple benefits! I am prone to UTI's anyway...it will be interesting to see if regular baking soda use reduces the frequency of them!

~Mama to Many~

28 years old, diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis in March 2015. Had horrible pain, frequency, etc. Tried bladder instillations that gave little to no relief, tried a very restrictive IC diet, went to 4 different Urologists, and tested negative for Ureaplasm and for any bacteria. Finally mid-April I couldn't handle the unrelenting pain and frequency (every 15 minutes). I tested positive on two home UTI tests and went to the Minute Clinic. Nurse prescribed Macrobid for 7 days - even though the tests showed no infection. Within 24 hours - I was basically cured - mild pain - ran 12 miles, felt 95% normal - no frequency. Then within 3 days of finishing the Macrobid the pain and symptoms came back. In May called my Urologist begging for more Macrobid. Within 3 days of starting the Macrobid - 100% relief. Then I had a cystoscopy that confirmed IC diagnosis. After taking Macrobid for 10 days, I feel normal - except of the soreness from the cystoscopy/slight hydrodistension.

Macrobid cured me and the hydro helped with my bladder capacity but none of my doctors will listen to me! It has been 3 weeks so far. I have gotten away with eating cheesecake, dried cherries, bananas, etc.

Just today I was researching Mullein Root Tincture for a friend and noticed that it said it is sometimes used for Interstitial Cystitis. Mullein root is difficult to find. I have bought it from beneficial botanicals and made my own from mullein root in my yard. I have used it for my joints with success.

A dose for Mullein Root Tincture are 5-15 drops.

I also wonder if frankincense essential oil, a quality one (Hopewell oils are my favorite) would help. A drop or two applied to the abdomen has helped me before with a UTI and also with ovarian cysts.

Just a couple of things I would try myself if I were dealing with IC.

~Mama to Many~

FRESH pressed lemon in water helps! Distilled water helps but is not good for you long term. Try to drink a gallon of non florinated water a day, it works but not instantly.

No alcohol or coffee :(.

Sweating out toxins in a sauna helps! As long as you drink a Lot of water and replenish with fresh pressed vegetable juice.

Everyone should have a VEGETABLE JUICER. Juice fast for a week for dramatic healing, but NO FRUIT in the juicer, spiking insulin will negate healing.

Get VITAMIN D LEVELS OVER 50, tan or take 10,000 iu of d3 a day, but get tested, and don't accept 30 as normal, it's not! Read about it w the vitamin D council.

For relief get a vaginal suppository with BORIC ACID. Its cheap, look online and read about it. Stay away from chemicals down there, boric is natural.

Stretching, either Pilates or something thorough really helps reduce the inflammation and allow the fluids kin your body release.

I just came across a FREE Ebook about treating IC naturally. It's a book by Diana Brady. It talked about the combination of Bromelain and Quercetin to treat IC. New to me, will keep you posted if anyone wants to know. Just curious. Would like to get coffee back someday!

Folks get your vitamin D tested. The vitamin D council spells it out online why its so IMPORTANT and how it correlates to health problems like this. Theres no instant cure, but get that D up and do the other things. Stay off sugars! For good and it will heal! :)

1) alkalize your body...I drink 1/4 tspn of baking soda in 4oz of water daily...sometimes 2x daily if I have more pain. I've noticed this keeps the awful urethra burning at bay most of the time. I tried the ACV w/BS and it HURT. This made me sad because alot of people report great results with ACV but my body does not like it.

2) Marshmellow Root in the liquid form (non-alchohol)...I had a flare up about a week ago and took a dropper full in 4 oz of water 4-5 times a day. The pain subsided drastically within 24 hrs. I take a maintenance dose (1-2 droppers full) a day.

3) D-mannose...I use 1/2 tspn daily in 4 oz water..just for overall urinary tract health. It's also good to take it before and after sex to keep from getting UTI's.

4) I know that we IC sufferers are supposed to stay away from alot of spicy and acidic foods (hence I cannot take Vitamin C to save my life...talk about pain!)....BUT I do enjoy my one cup of coffee every morning..the rest of the day I drink bottled water. Also, when I have acidic foods like pasta with tomato sauce or mexican I take an extra dose of BS just as a safe guard and I have to say it usually does the trick.

5) There is a product you can buy at drugstores...I haven't tried it yet but I plan on it. Basically, you take it before you eat anything acidic and it's supposed to neutralize the acids...I know we are not supposed to mention product names but if anybody wants to know you can email me.

Sorry to be long winded but I noticed there is not alot of feedback on IC....I will let everyone know if I come across any more remedies.

Take care!

I am not the original poster here, but I have used Marshmallow Root for bladder pain with great success. I use 2-4 capsules 2-4 times a day, with or without food, depending on the severity of the pain. Because of its absorption properties, it may be best to take a couple hours away from important prescription medications you may be on.

I also keep dried Marshmallow Root on hand to make into a soothing tea. One teaspoon dried root in one cup of boiled water. Allow to steep at least 15 minutes. Strain. Sweeten if desired. I find it has a mild flavor.

~Mama to Many~

General use: Homeopathic cell minerals there are 12: Kali phos 12X Kali Sulph 6X Kali mur 12X key Calc sulph 6X all linings in all organs, glands, etc., need Calc sulph as it renders a microscopic coating on linings. It's protective.It compares to the shell of an egg that protects the albumin and yoke -it builds a microscopic coating around each cell. I use the homeopathic potencies as they penetrate the tissues due to its tiny sized pico particles. Think of it for other conditions like ulcers and allergies as sometimes the real cause is lack of Calc sulph in say, the nasal passages so it's susceptible to irritants, dust, pollen, etc. I cured my sneezing from dust that was present like when someone would vacuum now no issues. Think stomach lining and ulcers. Usually cures them. Mastic gum good too. Sore throat too. Some can't digest well and they are low in calcium sulphate as its full name is. The sulph. Kills bacteria. It truly is little understood an unsung hero. I researched it for many years. Don't be overwhelmed with so many of the cell minerals.Use in a format that fits your schedule. Bath: Dead Sea salts is best or sea salt 1/4 cup Baking soda USP half cup Epsom salts USP 1 cup Magnesium flakes 1/4 cup

Dr Howard. San Pedro, CA

I didn't have to wait long and I tried the baking soda and within one hour the pain and frequency were gone. I have now used that on several occasions and for me it stopped the pain within the hour a simple miracle. CHEAP 1/8tsp in a very warm glass of water. Not particularly taste so now I put the 1/8 tsp in a gelatin capsule and I take it with the larage glass of warm water and golly gee, pain free within the hour. I know that everyone is different, thats for sure but this has to be a first try for everyone suffering like I was and like most things we take RX's they are costly and have all kinds of side effects, this is easy, cheap and it works great if not what have you lost. I encourage each of you to give it a try. Thanks for allowing me to tell my story, I hope it helps just one IC patient.

Ok. Parsley, essential oils, colostrum, cayenne... needless to say, did not really work to eradicate this infection.

I made an appointment with a Urologist. Breakthru!!!! She immediately tested me in my vaginal culture for everything, including a test for a microbe called Ureaplasma. I have never heard of this. Now, Ive been tested numerous times over the years, and everything always came out negative, but I get a call about 4 days ago from her saying I tested positive for this. She put me on zinthromax and I am taking it now. She tells me this is not an STD, but a sexually transmitted disease??? present in 70% of the human populations normal flora, (rectal, genital, and bladder tracts), but it is transmitted sexually, meaning, we are not born with this, we get it thruout the course of our sexually active lives. , and usually it does not cause problems for people, however.... There is now a compelling link between IC and this bacteria, or mycoplasma. I guess the test is expensive. Which is why most doctors will blow you off, and try to not test you , or REFUSE you and tell you tat since this is considered common flora for most people it wouldnt be considered a factor in causing, your IC. Cleveland Ohio is rated second best in the country for urology, with sum of the best urologists in the country studying and researching, IC. The first test they perform is for Ureaplasma. They say they get a 50% cure rate right there for people, once they treat it with antibiotics. However, my symptoms have improved vastly, I must go back again, and get retested. I was reading just now, online, that many people end up going back and still testing positive, and then after a three week course of doxycycline, get a complete cure. Googling it, I can hardly find any imformation at all about this, I cant believe how ignorant and reticent physicians are about testing for this, its awful, and scary. I was just reading about a gal, who had to fight to get tested and then fight to get treated for it, she saw 8 different doctors, and urologists... So be prepared to fight. There is compelling link here guys google it. I was really doomed. It scary, how a little microbe can jeopardize your whole future and life.

Heres what I did. A month and a half of Doxicycline, first 3 weeks, 100mg morning and evening. Still was in alot of pain, still had symptoms. She upped my dose to 200mg morning and evening. 400mg a day... 2 weeks of that. Tested for Ureaplasma. Long gone!

But I still had symptoms. Altho I was much better, able to eat what I wanted (including tea, and acidic foods) and was able to walk around, and function with my life somewhat... Still wasnt testing positive for bacteria in the Urine. Technically I did not have a UTI.

One night, I got desperate. Was thinking I was having a "flare", it became unbearable, went to the emergency room. Tears pouring down my face, lying down, couldnt even get up when the doctor came in the room, wouldnt let them put anything in my urethra, cuz I was in so much pain. Gave me a script for Macrobid, (10 day supply, 100mg every six hours)

10 days later it was gone.

Ive been reading alot lately about UTI resistant antibiotics, and the link to supermarket/storebought chicken. They say, its becoming more and more of a problem. I think thats what was wrong with me, even tho I dont know why, the bacteria wasnt showing in my urine. So, 2 rounds of Cipro, 10 days of augmentin, 3 Z packs, and a months worth of Lyme disease dosage doxi, and macrobid finally cured me.

A not about the Doxi:: at 400mg a day, ti was very harsh on my body. I threw it up half the time, cuz it was so hard on my stomach. I got a SEVERE sunburn on my feet, (cuz it made me extremely photosensitive) I was tired all the time, sleeping all the time, and I was very hungry, and I had to eat alot of food just to keep it down, so I gained 25lbs. Its been Hell. But Ive learned to never to take my health for granted again. Im not sure what just happened to me, but im aware now about antibiotic resistance becoming an increasing problem. and I hardly ever take antibiotics, I always try the natural route first.

What Im plan to do now, to make sure this never, ever, happens to me again. I plan on taking my womens probiotic every single day, and add D Mannose to the regime as well. At least 2 teaspoons a day. (moring and evening) prevents bacteria from clinging to bladder wall. Especially when Im sexually active. Its expensive. But nothing can be more life ruining than interstitial cystitus.

To not be able to eat like a normal person again. (read several cases of people being able to cure their pain, by living on a diet, exclusively, of vegetables, brown rice, and nut butters, no salt, no sugar, no fruits (acidic) and claiming remision after a few years. Some women gradually being able to add in small amounts the old foods again, they used to eat again. "cheating" by eating Cheescake and Curry and to never be able to have sex again?? How sad is that? What kind of life is that?? and Im young women. Horrible. Id rather have gotten Cancer, or Genital Herpes any day of the week.

Im gonna give full credit to God, and Jesus Christ for my remision. There were prayer circles at my Church, and friends were praying for me. I prayed every morning to be healed. Plus I was on the prayer line, my life, my very life hung on the balance.

In the past Ive been promiscuous.. And I know Im not perfect, and I pray to God to guide me on this issue. I just know to be much more careful now, next time. Its worth it to stay in a monogomous relationship.

I am able to drink coffee (sometimes) and basically anything I want for up for 6 months after the treatments and feel fine!

During this current bad flare up (the worst it's ever been) I've tried cinnamon pills, baking soda, and colliaded silver. So far cinnamon pills and baking soda may have helped a little and just took the silver so I'm not sure how that will work.

I would HIGHLY advise to get DSMO. The first treatment or 2 can be pretty painful in itself, but after that the results are so worth it.

Good luck everyone :)

I learned these are common causes of flares at the IC website: Vitamin C, some B vitamins, the hormone Estrogen, acidic foods. Unfortunately, I suffered many years before I found what was helpful for my flares. Now I forget that I even have IC because I can treat it so easily. I'm hoping this will be helpful to someone.

I have had it under control for many years without any huge flareups. I just returned from a clinic that is for chronic pelvic pain. IC falls under that. I went for a problem with my pelvic floor muscles. You can find the info under The Wise-Anderson Protocal. The program came out of Stanford. The Urological Association has just come out will info on IC that suggests it is a muscle pain problem. The clinic teaches you how to do the work of healing your self. It is a long road, but pain is a great motovator. The books Dr. Wise has written are helpful, but the Trigger Point Release Therapy is amazing. Tim Sawyer is a fantastic Physical Therapist. He was taught by the original founder of Trigger Point release. Read all the info and listen to their videos. They may be very helpful. By the way there were 4 men and only two women at the clinic. I never realized that men suffered so badly from their version of IC. Good luck to all. You are not alone. There is hope.

I'm currently trying oregano mixed with coconut oil (so I can mold it into a suppository and it wont sting). My doc says the herbals are better for vaginal problems because antibiotics kill off the lactobacillus/bifidobacterium, allowing infectious bacteria to return stronger. Whats interesting is I tested negative for group B strep while pregnant with my son 3 years ago.

Also, I noticed while using the antibiotics, kefir or any other cultured milk was the only product that seemed to truly have live and active bacteria. If I drank this, my stomach was fine. But with probiotic capsules, regular yogurt, my stomach was NOT happy! I hope this helps someone!! I'll keep you guys updated!