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.
Zeolite and Dietary Changes
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.


Angelica
Posted by mommacita (Michigan) on 05/08/2023
★★★★★

Angelica Archangelica Tea for rebuilding bladder wall

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.

Baking Soda
Posted by Carole (Connecticut) on 03/30/2023
★★★★★

Been using it for years, I swear by it. People with IC are sensitive to acids and the baking soda is alkaline and calms things down.


Baking Soda for Bladder Pain
Posted by Mama to Many (TN) on 03/31/2021

Hi Wendy!

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~


Pumpkin Seed Oil
Posted by Sunny (Ca) on 01/02/2016
★★★★★

One thing that absolutely helps with the ic pressure/pain/ urgency is... Pumpkin seed oil. The best is cold pressed! I get it in softgels. I take like 4 or more softgels, depending how I feel, I can think of the mfs now. But just get as high mgs as you can find. I believe it works because pumpkin seeds are super high in magnesium. One of the highest foods with it, (another is spinach). And as you know, magnesium is a muscle relaxer. And so it helps your bladder to relax. However, the oil has many other properties like it being antimicrobial. You have to try it, its a life saver!!! Sunny <8

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.

Macrobid
Posted by Mama To Many (Tn) on 11/11/2017

Dear Jen,

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~


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Kara (Northern, Wi) on 08/27/2012
★★★★★

We'll if it exists I will try it! So far all special teas and probiotics and herbs and wonder drugs do nothing.

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! :)


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, TN) on 04/28/2009
★★★★☆

Interstitial Cystitis: I was just diagnosed with this awful condition yesterday. I had noticed for the past couple of years that about half of the urine tests the doctors performed for supposed UTI came up negative for bacteria..and I was in pain!!! I had researched IC online and basically self diagnosed myself but I wanted to go to a urologist to be for sure. I do have a couple suggestions for managing the flare ups associated with IC...

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!

Marshmallow Root
Posted by Mama to Many (TN) on 12/29/2024

Dear Lorraine,

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~


Baking Soda for Bladder Pain
Posted by Dr Howard (San Pedro, CA) on 03/03/2023

Bladder cystitis

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


DMSO
Posted by Debbie (Philadelphia) on 02/03/2018
★★★★★

If you can find an IC specialist in your area ask about DMSO this is a procedure where they inject a chemical cocktail into your bladder for 20 mins once a week. It is what gave me back my life. I suffered for about 6 years before I found Dr. Philip Hanno (Philly). He now lives in California.


Turmeric
Posted by Hilary (Uk) on 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.


Turmeric
Posted by Susan (Lake Charles, La) on 02/17/2025
★★★★★

Many thanks to Amanda for posting the information regarding what helped her. I too was struggling with what I thought was a UTI. When I first woke up in the morning, I could urinate normally however once I was up and moving around, the pain would increase throughout the day along with a constant, unrelenting sense of an urgency to urinate. At night, I could sleep without pain or having to get up to urinate. I went to an urgent care and they found blood in my urine but no bacteria. They sent the urine sample to the lab for further testing. In the meantime, I was prescribed phenazopyridine but it provided no relief. A couple of days later, I called them back to see if they had received the lab results for the urine sample yet because I was in severe pain and the prescription they gave me was not helping. They had not heard back yet from the lab but they did prescribed an antibiotic, however that did not help either. I continued to drink a lot of water with unsweetened cranberry juice and take D-Mannose throughout the day but it was not helping. I continued the antibiotics on the outside chance they may begin to help but they never did. I went to the ER and they also found blood in my urine with no bacteria. They ran a CT scan and Ultrasound and ruled out kidney stones or other possible serious issues and diagnosed me with Interstitial Cystitis, (IC). They sent me home with pain medicine and advised me that I may want to make a follow-up appointment with a urologist, which I did. Since my appointment with the urologist was in about 6 weeks, and I was in constant pain and willing to try anything. I started reading everything I could about IC and stumbled across Amanda's post on this website. What she wrote about it being related to inflammation resonated with me as logical and I also began drinking 8 ounces of water with 1/4 teaspoon of organic powdered turmeric with a small pinch of organic black pepper - 3 times a day. I also drank 2-4 ounces of distilled Aloe Vera juice twice a day and took an organic, raw, live probiotic specifically tailored for vaginal care. I cut out any spicy or acidic foods and began to eat a bland diet. I substituted Turmeric & Ginger tea in the morning in place of coffee. I purchased some organic Turmeric supplements for the times when I am away from home and do not have access to the Turmeric powder and water. The pain did gradually improved each day. I began to have ‘good' days alternate with ‘bad' days. On the ‘good' days, I could go a whole day without pain. About 10 days after my trip to the ER, the symptoms subsided and I returned to normal. No constant sense of urgency to urinate and a normal feeling of emptying my bladder completely without pain. I did read that cranberry juice was one of the worst things you can drink if you have IC because it is so acidic. I hope this information can be of help to someone.


Lemon Water, Marshmallow, Cantharis
Posted by Mike Jackson (Ontario) on 09/01/2015
★★★★★

Hello to all,

My girlfriend has been suffering from IC for over 15 years now. Had gotten to the point where she was in the hospital every 4 weeks getting a cystoscopy with hydrodistention. I did a TON of research and found some treatments (NOT A CURE but helped)

The simplest way we found and best tasting way to do alkaline water is pour 8 cups of water into a jug, cut up a lemon into 8 pieces and let sit at room temperature for 12 hours (do NOT squeeze the lemons). Drink it throughout the day. It helps ALOT to get your alkalinity UP

The second one has had the best results with her and her friend that has had IC for 20 years, is a mix of two herbal remedies: A marshmallow root tea (as many as you want during the day. I get her the already bagged version that also contains the marshmallow leaves. Tastes actually pretty good. and I even take 2 cups of water, pour in 3 tea bags cut open and a half a peppermint tea bag and let sit in the fridge for 12 hours, take it out and strain it and serve cold. She says its delicious.). Then we add CANTHARIS. (please read up on these before you use them) She finally emptied her bladder, first pee in the morning, first time going to the bathroom that day.

This has not happened in 15 years for her. This is just food for thought, I am not a doctor I just want her to lead as close to a normal life as possible and keep her out of the hospital. And help anyone out that I can that feels there is no answers for you pain.

Fyi I am now researching MONURIL (made of FOSFOMYCIN) so if any improvements come of that I will let you know. If you use any of this and it works keep going, if it doesn't try mixing some stuff up but please remember to always consult a doctor when introducing anything as it could counter react your meds.

And for IC suffers please always remember "To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world."

NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!!!


Diatomaceous Earth
Posted by Joan S (Santa Maria, Ca) on 08/06/2017
★★★★★

So glad to see your post here about taking diatomaceous earth and using the senna tea also for the constipation. I've been trying to teach people about this very same regimen to take for IC and using Dieter's tea made with senna, especially in the beginning, since constipation is the number one side effect when starting the DE. It's worked so well for me that I've not had any IC flare since my last one in the middle of December 2016. I used to have flares at least 4-5 times a year, and I would take prescribed Pyridium to relieve the pain. I would have to take 2 tablets twice a day for 5 days before the pain was completely gone. My last flare was when after starting DE, I began my first break. On the second day of the break from DE, I had a flare of my IC. I decided instead of taking my prescribed med that I would just restart the DE; and I kid you not, my pain was gone within hours! That's when I decided that I would only take a break from the DE when I felt it was necessary. I've only taken one other 7-day break and luckily no flare of the IC during that break. So I am totally convinced that not only did the DE clear up my IBS and/or leaky gut but it also helped my IC among other physical problems... that I could write a list about. I will not be without DE probably for the rest of my life. My doctors have been absolutely amazed at what it's done for me, and I'm almost 63 years old!


Coconut Oil
Posted by Maggie (Philadelphia, Pa) on 08/10/2013
★★★★★

I had interstital cystitis in the form of bladder aches and pains for about 4 years or so. Some days it was more painful than others, but it often felt irritated. I changed my diet completely about 6 months after onset (veggies and lean protein - no sugar or carbs) and about a year and a half ago, I stearted taking a lot of coconut oil - up to 5 tbs per day. The diet helped, but the coconut oil put me over the top. I almost never have any issues anymore unless I get an infection (I take garlic and grapefruit seed extract for those) and I can eat fruit, although I only eat it occasionally because of the sugar, and drink decaf coffee with no issues. I also can take B vitamins several times a day, which is often a no no for people with IC. Try coconut oil and cleaning up your diet, but stick with it for a while and you will notice that your symptoms will diminish with time.

Baking Soda
Posted by Aunt Jan (Verdigre, Ne.) on 07/21/2012
★★★★★

I have had severe bladder problems for well over 5 years now and just recently been DX. With Interstitial Cystitis. My problems kept getting worse and worse and even though my doctor started me on Elmiron most of you know that it only works in 30% of patients and takes about 4 months just to see if it will work. I got on the internet and began reading and one day I ran accross the 1/8 tsp of baking soda and I told my husband the next time the pain starts I'm going to try it.

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.


Cayenne
Posted by Shampoo (Los Angeles, California) on 06/28/2012

UPDATE OMG!!! Breakthru, breakthru, breakthru!! Two words. Ureaplasma. Just got diagnosed with this by my urologist, OMG!!!!!

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.


Cayenne
Posted by Shampoo (Los Angeles, California) on 08/29/2012

UPDATE: I cured my interstitial cystitis. And Believe me. I had it. I couldnt eat tomatoes or anything acidic, I was constantly flaring, especially a week before my period, I was unable to get out of bed, or even think, and I havnt had sex in 6 months either. I considered my life over. I would have rather got a diagnosis of Cancer or Herpes, as with Herpes, you get a break, and with Cancer, there is atleast hope for a cure or remission. 6 months of Hell.

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.


DMSO
Posted by Britt (Harrisburg, Pa) on 04/06/2012
★★★★★

Hello, I'm 22 year old female suffering with a bad flare up of IC. For the past 2 years I've been getting DSMO treatments every 6 months (once a week for about 6 weeks). I've found these to be amazingly helpful. It's been about 8 months since my last treatments and that is why I think I have a bad flare up now.

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 :)

Baking Soda
Posted by Mary (Tucson, Az, United States) on 01/06/2012
★★★★★

I have had IC for 30 years. My main pain triggers are vinegar, lemon, citric acid, acidic foods, vitamin C, some of the B vitamins. I am unable to take any products with citrates, orotates, asporotates. The perfect remedy for me is 1/8 tsp. Baking soda (I use nonaluminum product from health store) mixed into very warm water. Usually pain subsides within the hour. If not, I take another 1/8 tsp. It is important to read labels carefully because many products contain triggers. My flare will occur within hours of eating a substance so I have learned that even small amounts of vinegar in mayonaise and salad dressing can be a problem. Before I reached menopause, hormones (I believe estrogen) were a trigger as well. That occurred at onset of menstrual cycle. An over the counter product for vaginal burning was very helpful to me at that time. It contained Benzocaine for numbing. I would only use for extreme pain though because it contains parabans, etc.

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.

Multiple Remedies
Posted by Pam (Redding, Ca.) on 07/24/2011

Editor's Choice

If you have IC, you do not have an active infection that causes it. I was diagnosed 23 years ago. All of the so called intrusive torture will not make it go away. An infection could occur because of the open damage in the bladder wall, but it is not an infection. I had every thing done to me, from the acid burnout, stretching, tens, lasers, & DMSO. I lived in horrible pain for three years to over come all of the damage caused by doctors. No doctor will ever touch my bladder again. The mild no acid diet, tums, baking soda all help the symptoms, but will not make it go away. Stop lower body weight work or bike riding or any movements that compromise the bladder until it can heal a bit. It is very slow to heal the wounds. Amitriptyline or elival is an older anti depressant that has a pain relief element. It is safe to take and especially at night. I have been taking it for 23 year. The best thing I found that gave me back my life is an OXYTROL patch. It is a smooth muscle relaxant and it stops the bladder from going into spasm. It is very important to learn relaxation techniques. You may need to destress your life as well.

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.

Hydrogen Peroxide Douche
Posted by Lauren (Los Angeles, Ca) on 02/08/2011
★★★★★

Hey ladies, I developed "IC" after a miscarriage last year. A doc put me on various types of antibiotics (which always made my bladder feel better) for ureaplasma and possible Lyme disease; I have not had a positive urine culture since the onset of my "IC". Because of the antibiotics I got yeast infections a lot. Frustrated, I began douching with peroxide and - SURPRISE!!! My constant bladder symptoms (urgency, frequency, burning, pressure) and pain during intercourse were nearly erased!! So I ordered a vaginal test to figure out why. It showed that I don't have BV at all and very little yeast, but a serious overgrowth of group B strep (4 on a scale of 0-4 !! ) an antibiotic and herbal sensitivity test was done, showing all antibiotics to work, and also oregano and colloidal silver.

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!


Turmeric
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, Tn) on 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.



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