Top Natural Remedies for Interstitial Cystitis Relief

Diet, Turmeric, Exercise

Posted by Julie (Pa) on 07/23/2015

I am so glad someone mentioned stress as a huge underlying reason for IC. I have been dealing with IC for about 2 years. Oddly enough it began with a horrible episode of kidney stones and 1 Lithotripsy treatment. (not sure if that started my IC??) However, my flare ups definitely come when I am super stressed. Usually work related. I have read all of the websites I could about treatments for IC....but I don't believe one remedy will work for all....because IC can be caused by a variety of things. Including infections, stress, high acidity. The problem is finding the right fix can take lots of money and bathroom visits. Also, I also noticed that drinking water (tap from a well) can be very high in acidity....so stay with the better brands of bottled water. I believe managing my stress a bit better and watching what I eat and drink; although may not be a cure...but will definitely help in dealing with flare ups.

D-Mannose, Dietary Changes

Posted by Lynn (Ca) on 07/01/2015

Ally--have you looked into Pelvic Floor Disorder (PFD)? Having to push out your urine and having urine retention are symptoms of PFD as well as pelvic tightness and back pain. Also, when nervous or anxious, symptoms get worse because you subconsciously tighten the pelvic floor.

Macrobid

Posted by Cu (Austin, Tx) on 06/08/2015
★★★★★

**Relief from Macrobid yet tests show no infection.

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.

Aloe Vera

Posted by Nonib (Lower Michigan) on 05/23/2015
★☆☆☆☆

Aloe vera, pure organic (and very expensive) juice did nothing for me; made me extremely nauseated. There are some of us who can't tolerate various natural items, even though they are themselves straight from Earth. The fact that my daughter and I share the same intolerances (aloe vera, echanesia, gluten, St. John's wort, etc.) indicates to me that there may be a genetic component.

My IC is very mild compared to many posting on this thread and I'm very grateful for that. In my case I've found that carbonated beverages and, sadly, coffee can be irritating. I avoid soda ('pop') for the most part, drink coffee sporadically and never strong brew.

I just discovered that apple cider vinegar (w/a small amount of raw, unfiltered locally-produced honey) helps the IC as well as the various aches and pains from my constellation of auto-immune disorders. Mainstream medicine has saved my life a few times now but I don't do well with so many chemicals (medicines) that I just avoid unless life-threatening circumstances require them.

Diatomaceous Earth

Posted by Vicki (Kansas City, KS) on 05/22/2015
★★★★☆

Interstitial Cystitis and Candida

I have read so many helpful things to try on here so I would like to give something back. I only found out I had IC by trial and error and a lot of research. The pain was so bad a couple of years ago that I went to the emergency room. You know how they have you in those curtained partitions, right? So this older Dr. Comes in with a learning the ropes young intern and they are just not taking me seriously about how bad the pain is and saying I didn't have kidney stones and didn't have this or that and I got enough of that and yelled, " Look! My VAGINA is killing me! " You should've seen their faces, lol. I had no infection of course and they were clueless. My regular Dr. told me I would need to see 3 different specialists to rule out different things and after we pay over $600 a month for insurance there's no money for 1 office visit, let alone 3 specialist ones.

Anyway I am still on a journey to find what will work best but I do have some experience with cleaning out parasites and/or Candida and since 80 to 90% of your health starts in your gut and has to do with your immune system I thought you all might benefit from this. Diatomaceous Earth food grade is totally organic and natural. There is even a test you can do in the morning first thing to see if you have Candida and I promise you most of us do. It is a powder with no taste and are actually very tiny little fossilized skeletons? that have edges that will clean out and kill parasites and also clean out the sludge that has been building in your colon for years. (Poor John Wayne's autopsy showed he had over 25 lbs. of well poo in his intestines). It does not give you diarrhea at all I promise but you must start off small and build very slowly to 2 full Tablespoons. You will not believe the stuff that will come out of you.

Try to stay away from anything with sugar as that just feeds the little sh1ts. Do Kefir to restore your good gut bacteria but not dairy kefir. Very simple to do your own from coconut milk or even water. It is good for your pets too as unless you feed them raw they have Candida too. As a bonus you can sprinkle some on them to keep fleas off natural if you let them out in the yard. Remember ONLY food grade and I got mine on Amazon really cheap. Best to you all and I was so heartened to see so many of you spurning main stream medicine and their treating of symptoms rather than fixing the problem. In today's world, we have to take our health and our loved ones into our own hands. Stay away from Cymbalta; thought I would die from the withdrawal. No liver tests for 6 years, very bad.

Antibiotics

Posted by Diamond (Ma.) on 04/16/2015

I went to way too many doctors, for what they felt absolutely sure, I too had an infection, the Drs. continued to treat me, when months went by with still the itching, burning and strong foul smell. I went to a specialist in Boston, Ma. and found I have a mold virus where antibiotics is a derivative of a mold compound hence it made matters worse, and my problem not only worsened but continued on into two years of pure hell and pain, antibiotics eventually break down the immune system. Instead of running another risk of mistaken illnesses, I will continue to do herbs. I appreciate your better part of advice and so happy it worked for you. God Bless you.

Antibiotics

Posted by Kelly (California) on 04/16/2015
★★★★★

Hi Everyone, I hope this finds you well. I hope you listen to my story and it helps you. I literally woke up one day with bladder pain, urgency, everything. I thought I just had a bladder infection. But it was not like a normal bladder infection it felt very different. Before this mind you I had not had a bladder infection for years..fast forward 2.5 years and antibiotics I am pain free. Lyme was the cause. I am a big believer that everyone out there does not just get IC. It is caused by an infection. Unless you have an injury or it is from birth. I refused to believe that I just woke up one day and this was my new life. I did so much research on my own. I went thru the urologist treatment, doctor to doctor. It took over 2 years of antibiotics but my bladder is pain free. And the urologist treatments made it worse, and did not work. Do not let any doctor tell you that antibiotics will not work. It affected my pelvic floor, I was in physical therapy for 6 months. So...I went to three different doctors who treated me. Each one was a blessing. So if you are in the East, go and see Ruth Kriz. She does treat long distance. If you are in the West Los Angeles, go see Dr. Erica Lehman (she was recently in the people magazine with Avril) and also there is Dr. Gonzalez in Thousand Oaks. Dr. Gonzalez contracts with most insurance, except Obama Care, sorry. If you do not believe in antibiotics, you can try Samento and Banderol. It will take time, but there is help. And believe me, my pain was so bad, I did not think I was going to make it. I am a single mom and this took its toll, but if I can survive this anyone can. Do not give up! Take Care everyone.

Alkaline pH

Posted by Grace (Pdx., US) on 03/08/2015
★★★★★

IC:

Cabbage can be juiced and drunk, it is alkalizing; perhaps the cure is in keeping the urine alkalized. The high content of sulphur in cabbage removes (free radicals and uric acid) which are the main causes of arthritis, skin diseases, rheumatism, and gout.

Magnesium Oil (Transdermal Method)

Posted by Dionne (Mexico) on 01/13/2015
★★★★★

IC- the spasming, pain, frequency and all the other symptoms went away completely when I rubbed magnesium oil on my lower abdomen. I used about 10 drops and was almost 100% better, then used 10 more drops just to be sure. Because it worked wonders, I believe it was a muscle issue.

Dietary Changes

Posted by Anna (Michigan, US) on 01/12/2015
★★★★★

I did an anti - candida diet and supplements and most of my symptoms disappeared within 3 weeks. The first few days my pain and inflammation was reduced by 80 per cent.. I also recommend you have a Urine CULTURE done to find any bacteria not appearing in a standard urinalysis. If you go the antibiotic route remember to increase your probiotics and drink Kefir/yoghurt! Good luck!

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Kris (Portland, OR) on 01/11/2015
★★★★★

The MD thought I might have Interstitial cystitis. I had taken over 30 days of antibiotics, still was not well. IC is so painful! Interestingly, the doctor ordered a Glucose tolerance test to rule out blood sugar issue.

I called my naturopathic doctor and he told me chop up parsley and put it in warmer water and sip it all day. I also I took organic coconut oil made from fresh coconuts, three times a day. My ND told me to buy some boric acid capsules ( DO NOT TAKE BY MOUTH) to be used as a suppository, since now I had a yeast infection the antibiotics gave me. I would put the boric acid capsule suppository in at night before bed I did that for 12 days I also took organic powdered sulfur, which I now realize is MSM I took it twice a day in water. I also took two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1/4 tsp baking soda I glass of water daily.

I wanted to cure this thing so I just did all of these things. Anyhow, I'm cured thank you, God!

Dietary Changes

Posted by Christine (Kentucky) on 01/10/2015

Aqua Hydrate pH 9 + bought at GNC

Coconut Oil, Coconut Water

Posted by Sophie (Pdx) on 01/01/2015
★★★★★

Please make sure the coconut water and coconut oil is made from FRESH coconuts not dried coconut because dried coconuts have mycotoxins which will make you sicker! I believe interstitial cystitis is caused from fungal overgrowth, ureaplasma, food allergy or some other type of microscopic germ that goes undetected under the usual tests.

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.

Treat for Ureaplasma

Posted by Hope (Seattle) on 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.

Dietary Changes

Posted by Faith (Pdx) on 12/20/2014
★★★★☆

My line of thinking is something is causing interstitial cystitis a possible food allergy. I read that there are two possible reasons one is the bacteria is in hiding in the lining of the bladder which does not show up in a urinalysis the other cause may be interstitial cystitis is from ureaplasma you need a doctor run the test they will not find an infectious disease MD the other cause may be infection of the paraurethral glands, or a bladder infection in which the bacteria have gone inside the bladder lining, and cannot be detected in a urine sample. See a specialist and get treated.

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Jessica (Matawan , NJ) on 11/22/2014

Hi Kimberly , I know the last time you posted was in 2011. And you mentioned the oxytrol patch really worked for you. What is your condition like now? I have IC , bladder spasms etc. I have tried everything and been to million Drs. this week has been so brutal for me. I want to try oxytrol because I know if at least my bladder could calm down I can heal. Do you have any more advice?

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Gene (New York) on 09/12/2014

To Nancy: You might want to look into Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. Read an article in Prevention Mag. called Why I Hurt Down There.

Alkaline pH

Posted by Natalie (Washington, Dc) on 07/29/2014

Potassium citrate is alkalizing to the blood and urine. It is used to raise the urine's pH in order to dissolve kidney stones. It is not acidic like someone had mentioned above...

Green Coffee Bean Extract Caused IC

Posted by Christine (Vista, Ca) on 07/20/2014
★★★★★

I wanted to add some information to my comment that may help someone else in their struggle with interstitial cystitis (IC).

I had been taking the green coffee bean extract to lose weight, but used it far longer than what is recommended. According to a recent Dr. Oz (big promoter of this supplement) comment, the green coffee bean extract capsules are only to be used as a "jump start" to losing weight - especially fat around the waistline. I did not know this until after I had been taking it for two years! A friend told me about the Dr. Oz comment which was made during a TV segment.

I noticed that the green coffee bean extract label contains 50% chlorogenic acid (200 mg). I was taking one capsule twice a day, so I was ingesting 400 mg of this acid each day!

When my gyno suggested that I either lessen or eliminate acidic foods, it occurred to me that this supplement was probably worsening my urinary tract problems!

Since stopping the green coffee bean extract (over 2 months now) I haven't been completely cured of IC, but the pain and frequent urination has been greatly reduced! Therefore, I think that the extract was a big part of my particular problem with IC.

I hope that this additional information will be helpful to those who may have been taking green coffee bean extract and have been suffering with interstitial cystitis.

Cayenne

Posted by Tina (Knoxville, Tennessee) on 05/29/2014
★★★★★

I've had Interstitial cystitis for 30 years. I was finally diagnosed with it 9 years ago. My doctor told me not to drink caffeine. I never had drank coffee before I was 40. In the last 5 years I've had 4 or 5 flare-ups. Today I filled a capsule with 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and in 3 hours there was NO PAIN. There was no burning from the pepper either. The reason cayenne pepper works, is because it goes to the places in the body that need healing, stimulates the blood flow in that area, and the blood is what heals the wound. This also works for bleeding ulcers.

D-Mannose, Dietary Changes

Posted by Mike62 (Denver) on 03/11/2014

Cindy: Dormant kefir grains cost $10 shipped at Amazon. Put them in 1 pint drinking water, 35g organic whole flour or 30g organic whole sugar, and let brew at room temp away from direct sunlight for approximately 4 days. 80 degrees is ideal. Sites say that kefir is delicate. The opposite is true. They are very hardy. They have been alive for longer than marine phyto plankton. I have fermented them from 50 to 100 degrees. The farther away from 80 the slower the brew. Periodically taste the water. The taste goes from water, to slightly sour, to sour, to vinegary. When sour they are fully awake. They do not like metal like spoons or strainers. Most people make theirs from sugar. Sugar costs more and does not have any protein or fiber. Some of the microbes end up in the water so they repopulate the digestive tract. The dosage is 60g sugar or 75g flour per quart drinking water. The flour is more because it has protein and fiber. Over many decades of experimentation by many people the right dose for carbs is 6%. 1 quart has 1000g water so 6% would be 60g carbs. I consider kefir to be the best remedy. The microbes change food that has more protons than electrons to fertilizer that has more electrons than protons. There is a lot more energy from 1 quart of kefir than in 75g of flour. The microbes change matter into energy. After making the 1 pint you can increase the dosage for the following batches.

D-Mannose, Dietary Changes

Posted by Cindy (Usa) on 03/11/2014

To mike from Denver I was wondering how you make a fermented product from organic flour? could you give us the recipe? Thanks. I am learning how to ferment things. A lot of trial and error so far. Thanks

D-Mannose, Dietary Changes

Posted by Mike62 (Denver) on 03/10/2014

Ally: I too suffered for many years from a variety of diseases because I did not eat right. I would like to assist you with the food portion. I have done a lot of studying and experimenting with various food programs. I am 95% raw vegan. Organic or sustainable grown traditionally has important nutrients not in conventional. Raw has enzymes. Most of the nutrients are in the peel. The nutrients in vegetables are locked up in cellulose. This is why they are cooked or juiced. The best veggie is baby leaves. You can make green smoothies from them with a blender. Next is mature leaves. The best fruit is berries. For more calories you can add some organic whole cane sugar. A less expensive way is to make live ferments from organic whole flours. Many rural people are familiar with this. I make a gallon a day from 300g organic whole flours. Flour has more protein than fruits and veggies. Keep fat below 5%/g. Take 1/2 saturated and 1/2 unsaturated. Get some omega 3s from plants. The 80/10/10ers soak nuts and seeds before eating them for oil and protein. Home made sprouts have 6 times the enzymes as soaked.

D-Mannose, Dietary Changes

Posted by Prioris (Fl, Usa) on 03/10/2014

Try Aloe Muciliginous Polysaccharide tablets as a treatment.

D-Mannose, Dietary Changes

Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 03/11/2014

Hello Ally,

Go to Number 4 in your symptoms: Feels like you have an infection or words to that effect. I'm always suspecting viral issues as causation. You suspect it yourself.

If me, I'd at least try Colloidal Silver for a few weeks. Two tablespoons twice a day for two weeks.

D-Mannose, Dietary Changes

Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 03/10/2014

Dear Ally,

I am so sorry you have suffered with this condition for so long. It seems encouraging that you have noticed some improvement with a new diet. Perhaps over time that will continue to be helpful.

Here are some things I would try...

If you drink coffee, I would avoid it for a time to see if that helps. It is pretty acidic and hard on the system.

There are a number of bladder/kidney herbal formulas available. They usually have cornsilk, uva ursi, and marshmallow root in them. All of these things should be helpful. Dr. Shultz and Dr. Christopher both make one that people seem to find helpful for bladder issues.

I would also try a tea of equal parts of comfrey leaf and plantain leaf. You can add some peppermint leaf for flavor if you like. Plantain is good for inflammation and for bladder issues (and lots of other things.) Comfrey is soothing and helps cells regenerate. I would mix the dry leaves and put 3 Tablespoons in a quart jar or pot. Add boiling water (to make 3.5-4 cups) Let sit for 15 minutes. Strain out the leaves. Sweeten if you like, with honey or stevia. Try to drink a quart a day for a couple of weeks.

I do hope you find complete relief soon. Please keep us posted on your progress!

~Mama to Many~

Please keep us posted on your progress!

D-Mannose, Dietary Changes

Posted by Ally (Kenya) on 03/10/2014

Dear Ted and EC Community,

Pray you are well. I am 35 years old and since I was 14, I have suffered form chronic cystitis (i have never been diagnosed properly). I have had 9 cystoscopies and all doctors confirm that I have severe inflammation in my bladder wall. One doctor said my bladder lining has ‘holes' in it which makes the urine seep in to the surrounding tissue which causes me a lot of irritation and leaves me with the sensation of wanting to urinate all the time.

For the last 21 years, I have suffered immensely in all facets of my life and am extremely despondent. I have never felt any sense of relief!!! I have been taking D-mannose for the last 5 weeks but with minimal relief. I would sincerely appreciate all your guidance and help as I have lost all hope in conventional medicine.

My Symptoms:

1. Severe frequency and urgency – constant sensation to urinate. - While I don't have to ‘run' to the toilet, I constantly have an urge to urinate.

2. When I do urinate, the flow is poor and I have to ‘push' to get the urine out.

3. A visit to the toilet, takes me three voids before I feel some relief. Basically I could always go! . I never just urinate once and feel relief.

4. After urinating I feel a horrible sensation, like I have an infection

5. On average I urinate 20 times a day.

6. I have no pain but I experience discomfort and a sense of tightness in my pelvic area and lower back.

7. There are certain times in the day where the sense of urgency is exacerbated – in the afternoon between 3-5pm. I can urinate at least 10 times in an hour between those times.

8. When I experience a little bit of stress, (taking a flight, work deadlines) my bladder goes haywire and the symptoms are the same as symptom 6. This makes it very difficult for me to concentrate on anything and I quit my job last year as I cannot cope. This issue of stress makes me feel like I have no control. Please help me with this.

Effect of change of diet:

1. Have become vegetarian and a vegan in the last 2 weeks

2. The discomfort around the pelvic area and back has subsided, but not disappeared

3. Feel much more relaxed

4. The severe symptoms that I experiences in the afternoon are now less (2-3 times a week, as opposed to 6 times a week).

5. While a typical visit to the washroom needs 3 voids with lots of ‘pushing' I don't push as much.

Cinnamon

Posted by Steph (Lake Erie, Pa ) on 01/28/2014
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

According to healthyICrecipes, the problem with Cinnamon (most likely including capsules) in the US, is that it isn't "real" Cinn.! We use a cheaper alternative, called "Cassia", while "real" Cinn is "Ceylon". The cheap stuff contains a toxic compound called "coumarin", which is known to cause liver and kidney damage in high concentrations (I think I read something about it being poisonous to dogs once.). This is why IC patients have trouble with it.

For me, Cinnamon is wonderful to my stomach, and not so to my IC. I found the waaay expensive Ceylon at my Whole Foods Store and am doing an experiment. I am also anxious to try, despite the price ($27.99/lb. this part of US! ), b/c of the grain-free, low sugar diet I am also trying. It is in very many recipes. Also, Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar by "tricking the taste buds that sugar is present", so one can use less! Yea!

I haven't read yet on Cardamon, the only other spice I feel is a similar taste & therefore substitution. Does anyone else know if Cardamon has the same "Coumarin"?

D-Mannose

Posted by Christine (Vista, Ca) on 01/22/2014
★★★★☆

After suffering with urinary pain, I sought out the usual cures. The pain was alleviated by drinking 100% cranberry juice (not ones with sugar added), and eating watermelon and celery. I finally went to my gynecologist to find out if I had a urinary tract infection. She was on maternity leave, so a nurse practitioner saw me. She gave me the usual UTI prescription, but told me to start taking it BEFORE the tests results came back. I wasn't happy about this so I waited a while. Eventually, I took one dose of the prescription, when I got the call that my UTI test came back NEGATIVE for a UTI infection. I immediately stopped taking the anti-biotic.

I ran across a website that explained what I had was IC. A friend recommended D-Mannose, which is a supplement that comes in powder and capsule form. The recommended dosage is 1 level teaspoon 1 to 2 times daily. Add to a glass of water or unsweetened cranberry juice. (I only add it to water). This supplement has been a tremendous help in fighting the symptoms of IC. It is expensive, but worth it!

I carry the capsule form when traveling and when I know I will be unable to mix the powder with water. Sometimes, I take both in the same day - powder in water in a.m., then two capsules in p.m.

Coconut Oil

Posted by Isabel (Guelph Canada) on 01/21/2014

This is very interesting. For a while I have thought that IC is caused my by leaky gut syndrome in my case so the coconut oil would make sense because it helps shut the gut.