Interstitial cystitis is a form of chronic cystitis or inflammation of the bladder. It affects mostly women from in their twenties to forties. There is a constant urge to urinate, as the bladder feels full all the time. As the bladder fills, the pain increases. The pain involved may be excruciation, keeping the sufferer from daily activities. Some natural health authorities feel it may be the result of emotional issues transferring into physical disease.
Diet is an important issue as caffeine and alcohol can aggravate the situation. It is wise to avoid tobacco, alcohol, coffee, black tea and sodas. MSM, SamE, NAC, and lecithin should be a part of your vitamin regimen. They all contribute sulphur. Other sulphur-rich foods are onions and garlic.
Ask your doctor about these natural supplements to support your body’s ability to better handle the symptoms:
MSM is for pain and inflammation.
D-Mannose (at 500 mg twice daily) several months prevents bacteria from adhering to bladder walls and helps bladder wall repair.
NAC (N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine) is used for liver protection and detoxification.
Herbs for Interstitial Cystitis
Herbs are plants valued for their specific strengthening/ tonifying properties.
Herbal combinations:
Dave’s Digestive Formula – Celery seeds help urinary problems; other herbs are anti-inflammatory, besides digestive benefits.
Dave’s Kidney Formula – Herbs traditionally used to positively affect the urinary system.
Traditional Single Herbs:
Gotu kola – has been shown to rebuild tissue and is a wound healer as well as increasing circulation and memory.
Juniper berries – inflammatory effects for short-term (no more than 2 weeks) to soothe especially painful outbreaks.
Saw palmetto – used for weak urinary systems, kidney stones, leaky bladders, and enlarged prostates.
Shave grass (horsetail) – has been recommended to “cystic irritation,” wound healing and joint health. It is know to help the urinary system.
Marshmallow root – a demulcent that soothes the mucus membranes of the whole body and especially the urinary tract.
Cell Salts to Help Interstitial Cystitis
To make a cell salt solution, put up to 10 tablets of each cell salt in a 16- to 24-ounce bottle; fill with water and swirl to dissolve tablets. Sip throughout the day.
#2 Calc Phos 6X – urine increased with weak bladder, urine dark with strong odor
#4 Ferr Phos 6X – leakage, especially at night; frequent desire; urinates after every drink; irritation in neck of bladder
#5 Kali Mur 6X – dribbling and leaking urine; urine with mucus; often with diabetes
Interstitial Cystitis Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies are non-toxic natural medicines safe for everyone including infants and pregnant or nursing women. You may use 6X, 30X, 6C or 30C potencies.
Arsenicum album – Perfectionist housekeeper. Starts burning at urination, distended bladder, cloudy, pus, blood. Intense thirst. Anxious, restless, fears death.
Cantharis – Extremely painful, urging, drop by drop burning, hot scalding, intense, must go every 10 minutes. Dark urine. Fevers, flushed face.
Causticum – Caustic, raw, burning in urethra, can’t hold urine, leaking. Worse cold dry weather, after childbirth. Nerve paralysis. Passionate personality, concerned about justice. Thirsty. Frequent urination.
Mercurius corr – Burns by the drop with urging. Very similar to cantharis. Also associated with gastrointestinal problems.
Pulsatilla – A dependant personality. Fears abandonment. Urinary symptoms always changing. Weepy. Worse in hot stuffy rooms. Spasms after urination. Pain radiates to pelvis and thighs.
Thlapsi bursa pastoris – Uterine hemorrhages and urinary problems with possible kidney stones. Frequent urination and desire. Dark urine. Leaking and dribbling urine.
Source: Dave’s Healing Notes
