Top Natural Remedies for Interstitial Cystitis Relief

Vitamin B1 Benfotamine

Posted by Khanam (TX) on 03/13/2025
★★★★★

Vitamin B1 Benfotamine for IC

I have had IC for 16 years or so, I tried most of the remedies on Earth clinic for it but did not help me, my IC would flare up specially in the month of Ramadan and fasting was really hard on, I prayed to Allah Almighty to help me find a cure so fasting is not hard on me, Alhumdulillah Allah led me to find out that IC is due to Oxalate crystals, so I took out most of the high oxalate foods out of my diet and then in order to flush out oxalate I used 2 caps of Magnesium Citrate two times a day after breakfast and after dinner, you can take calcium citrate if you don't have constipation or Potassium citrate, you have to see which one suits you, along with that I took 2 caps of Vitamin B1 Benfotiamine by deal supplement, after breakfast and before going to bed, most of my extreme flare ups and bathroom running have gone down.

Lugol's Iodine + DMSO

Posted by Audi (Minn) on 07/24/2023
★★★★★

FOR INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS:

Thought I had a UTI…. I never ever take antibiotics or any other drugs. I had tried all kinds of things - wasn't getting better.
Finally went with antibiotics. Took one round didn't fix it. Thought I needed to take another round, started taking it, looked into my symptoms - read everything I could and came across this recipe.

I did this once in the entire thing was over!
Bada bing - Bada boom!

2 tablespoons distilled water
10 drops iodine (crow's Iodine 2%)
10 drops DMSO.
(All available on Amazon)

Took a glass eye dropper and lying horizontally applied this vaginally, held it in there like 10 minutes did it again, until all of the solution was gone.

And that was that. 👍😃

Feeling cautious a week later… I did it one more round - just to play it safe.

I have never experienced it again, nor had I ever experienced it before.

If you're suffering with this - I highly recommend giving this a try FIRST.

Best Wishes!

Serrapeptase

Posted by Billyjean (Temperance, MI) on 06/29/2023
★★★★★

I have suffered with Cystitis for the past 10 years. I tried most everything, changing my diet, drinking more water, and any natural remedy I could find. Until I stumbled upon Serrapeptase. I only needed to take it for a couple of months. That was about a year ago. I have felt great ever since.

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Posted by Shabdagirl (CA) on 04/01/2023
★★★★★

I've used baking soda successfully as well, though with a larger dose of about 1/3 tsp. in a lot of water. I don't use a lot of salt, so this wasn't excessive sodium for me. It took me a long time to discover baking soda though, and I seldom use it. Before that, two things made a big difference, in addition to having an acid-avoidance diet. The first was an herbal formula, Marshmallow and Fenugreek by name, only available through Nature's Sunshine; it also contains Fennel. Buying the herbs separately didn't work for some reason. The second thing, which actually made the biggest difference and permanently reduced the tendency to IC, was Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil from Activation Products. I read something about this oil specifically helping IC, and after I started taking it - about 1 tablespoon/day - after three weeks the tendency towards IC went away by over 90%. If I'm careless with diet it may come back, but I went from having to avoid most foods to being able to eat very normally. I'd experienced IC for about three years before finding Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil, so I'd tried quite a few things by then. It's pricey, but worth every penny in my case.

Dietary Changes

Posted by Lynn (New Zealand) on 06/11/2017
★★★★★

I had interstitial cystitis for years, probably still have it, but I believe I found that my problem lies in too much sugar in my system.....so no carbs, or very little and definitely no sugar and Im pretty ok. As an added help, I take a good antihistamine once or twice a week or as needed and that so far has stopped the symptoms. Hope this can help others.

MSM

Posted by Mommy (Daytona Beach ) on 02/12/2017
★★★★★

I starting taking msm supplements for joint pain and noticed my IC has cleared up nicely. I don't know the science behind it but it worked well for both things joint pain and IC. I hope this helps someone else.

Flax Seed Oil

Posted by Sandyd (Vancouver ) on 11/28/2016
★★★★★

For a recent painful IC bout that I feel was brought on by stress, a naturopath recommended Flax oil capsules. Flax is an anti-inflammatory and capsules are the strongest, 1000mg, look for organic. The suggestion was for 5 per day ( taken all at once ) for 5 days and then 2 per day for a month after.

I also add energy medicine support with meridian tapping ( EFT ) for the pain, as well as acupressure bladder points. You can search on-line for these. Hope this might help!

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!!!!!!!

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.

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.

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.

Cayenne

Posted by Shampoo (Los Angeles, California) on 06/05/2012

Ok guys, Im back! And so far, so good!! I had hardly nothing, no pain today, awesome!!!! :))))))))))))

You guys, I was SURE, I had intersticial cystitus. Unexplainable bladder pain, getting up 8 times a night to pee, etc. Nothing was even touching it. My protocol is healing this, and in this journey, I have discovered the wonders of essential oil therapy. When antibiotics dont work, essential oils. Its a freakin miracal. O thought I had a prolapsed bladder or some physical problem, not bacterial. Unbelievable. Ive been taking the thieves and juniper along with the other oil recipes. I take about 3-5 drops theives, 1-2 drops juniper in a gelcap, couple times a day along with the others

Im researching Lemongrass, Thieves, Dragontime, Juniper, Pine, ravansara, Tyme, Oregano oil.

I actually found a page, listing essential oil recipes, and it was very interesting, as far most of my life I didnt think you can safely take essential oils, etc. I also started on the colostrum today, and it tastes very pleasant, and I feel great, Im excited about it :)

Cayenne

Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 10/19/2013

Hello Veronica,

About IC, I scanned the posts on IC under Ailments (Earth Clinic) and didn't find DMSO discussed as a remedy.

DMSO is the only approved use officially given for it by the FDA. Doctors will topically apply weekly for six to eight weeks. DMSO is remarkable and ignored by the regular medical community although used by Vets all the time. And for IC, as I say, the FDA says "yes" to DMSO.

Could one self apply? Well it absorbs into skin and the whole body so one could simply apply topically to gain the same, or near some effect as applied by Doctor via urethra to surface of bladder.

Google "youtube DMSO Dr Jacobs" for a great 3 part study of DMSO.

Many Alternative Doctors who administer IV nutritional treatments finish the treatment with 25 cc of DMSO to make the nutrients fully infuse into the body. And as my Doctor told me, the DMSO carries the nutrients in such IVs past the blood brain barrier into the brain. My point here is that DMSO can go direct via IV (or orally) and is safe to use even straight into the system. If used orally, you'd want to use Dr Jacobs brand and dilute with purified water. Use a tablespoon of DMSO to ten tablespoons of purified water. I'd use distilled water.

So for those suffering with IC, consider DMSO. You can google, "interstitial cystitis dmso" and you'll find a Mayo Clinic site that discusses DMSO use by MDs.

Baking Soda, Peppermint Extract

Posted by Sharron (Grove, Ok Oklahoma) on 10/30/2011
★★★★★

I've been suffering a terrible flare of IC. Apparently, I've had it for years, although I just learned about it recently. I've adjusted my diet to eliminate all acidic type foods. Onions appear to have been a particularly bad thing for me, and I used to eat them all the time! Anyway, I'm still recovering from this flare -- it's been two weeks now that it's been bad. I came on the EC site about a week ago and read separate posts about peppermint tea and baking soda. Well, what I've discovered is that both of those things help me. However, what seems to help me best when I'm having a lot of pain and urgency is 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and a few drops of stevia extract mixed with either 7 drops of peppermint extract (not oil) OR a strong-brewed cup of peppermint (leaf) tea. Within minutes I'm feeling better. If it is during the night, I'm able to go back to sleep right away instead of laying awake with stabbing pain in my abdomen.

Additionally, I've lost 6 pounds in a week. I think it is related to all the inflammation that the IC was causing. I hope that it will continue!

I hope my little remedy will help others who are suffering. Thanks for a great site. I almost always come here first when I need a remedy for something.

Blessings!

Chondroitin, Glucosamine, MSM

Posted by Md4im (Orlando, Fl - Florida, United States) on 04/14/2011
★★★★★

after immense daily suffering, I found an article on glucosamine-chondroitin-MSM for IC relief. Provides cellular components that are essential to the epithelial bladder lining. Made a 180* difference - very noticeable after just 2 days. I am still taking it 6 years later, and I can TELL when I miss a few days.

It has been a real life saver. I hope this helps other women out there!

Apple Cider Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide Douche

Posted by Cherieh. (Odessa, Texas, Usa) on 09/04/2010
★★★★★

I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis more than 2 years ago and it's been excruciating. Having been told there is no cure, and after many painful and expensive treatments I had to be my own health care advocate. A couple of months ago I began to douche 2x a day... Morning and afternoon... Using equal parts apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. (Do NOT douche in the evening or the hydrogen peroxide will keep you from sleeping. ) Within 4 days, the constant urge to urinate was completely GONE and I was able to discontinue the Flo*** I was taking to help me urinate. After the second week, I was able to discontinue taking El***** because all my symptoms of I. C. disappeared! My doctor is utterly amazed and telling his other I. C. Patients. I am able to eat anything I want (with the exception of beets and hibiscus tea) without fear of a flare up. I have my life back!!!! Amazing that the help I needed was under my roof the whole time. I am still douching 2x a day as of today.

Colloidal Silver

Posted by Hot Diva (Lexington, Sc) on 11/19/2010
★★★★★

I have to agree. I suffer from IC as well and been dealing with it for 2 years now. I was just introduced to this site last week. After reading some of the rememdies on here, I decided to buy some Colloidal Silver and Cinnamon tabs. My symptoms tapered off in a matter of 2 days. BIG relief! Thanks to all!

Colloidal Silver

Posted by Katie (Atlantic, Pa, Usa) on 06/28/2010
★★★★★

I have been taking a teaspoon of colloidal silver daily for 6 months and its been amazing for my IC along w/ a little baking soda now and then. I feel human again, no more peeing razor blades.