Treatment for the painful bladder disorder interstitial cystitis is based on multiple approaches to reduce pain and to improve quality of life. In addition to traditional medical treatments aimed at stopping bladder ulcer progression and improving bladder capacity, naturopathic remedies may reduce stress triggers and disease flares. Naturopathic medicine promotes a holistic approach to health with minimal use of surgeries or drugs. Please consult a physician before attempting naturopathic remedies at home.
Aloe Vera
Pure aloe vera liquid from the plant's leaf contains anti-infective, cleansing, soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that are used for a multitude of conditions, including burns, arthritis and interstitial cystitis. Aloe vera in capsules is made specifically for use in patients with interstitial cystitis, because this form avoids acidic additives in other liquid products which may irritate the bladder. However, ingested aloe vera also induces gastric cleansing effects, such as diarrhea, as a major side effect.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a nonessential nutritional component of many acidic foods, such as red wine, apples and teas. Quercetin provides anti-inflammatory, and possible antihistamine, activity at supplemental doses of 200 to 300 mg daily. Because of its effects at reducing irritation and inflammation in prostatitis and other inflammatory conditions, one product, Cysta-Q, has been designed specifically for people with interstitial cystitis. Cysta-Q contains quercetin in a nonacidic oral formulation, but the product has not been studied extensively yet by medical professionals. One small, abstract-reported study in 2001 by Rodriguez et al noted a benefit in symptoms of patients with interstitial cystitis, but additional clinical support is still lacking as of May 2010.
Acupressure and Reflexology
Manipulative treatments, such as acupressure and reflexology, that rely on the body's pressure points to relieve pain, remove stress and improve system balance are another crucial component of treatment for interstitial cystitis, along with more traditional techniques like physical therapy and massage. Because interstitial cystitis symptoms flare when stressors in the body are triggered, manipulation to remove the stressors and reduce flares appears beneficial in holistic studies. Multiple researchers, including Rapkin and Kames in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine, as early as 1987 have reported symptom improvement rates of 78 to 90 percent with acupressure and relaxation approaches. Although these treatments are not cures for the disease of interstitial cystitis itself, they continue in 2010 to be integral to improved quality of life.
References
- Rodriguez LV, Janzen N, Raz S, et al. Treatment of interstitial cystitis with a quercetin containing compound: a preliminary, double-blind placebo control trial. Presented at: American Urological Association 2001 Annual Meeting; Anaheim, CA, June 2--7, 2001
- Desert Harvest: Aloe Vera and Interstitial Cystitis
- iHerbs: Quercetin: Proposed Treatment for Interstitial Cystitis
- Nursing Center: Holistic Interventions for Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Control
