Numerous herbal remedies may be helpful in treating your interstitial cystitis. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, interstitial cystitis is characterized by recurring pain in and around your bladder. Common signs and symptoms associated with interstitial cystitis include bladder pressure, tenderness and pain, along with an increased urge to urinate. Before taking herbal remedies to help treat your interstitial cystitis, talk with your doctor about the possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Kava Kava
Kava kava, also known as Piper methysticum, is an herbal remedy that may be helpful in treating your interstitial cystitis. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, kava kava is a tall shrub that grows on the islands of the Pacific Ocean and has been used to help treat numerous health problems. Kava kava, a member of piperaceae family, has a sharp, pungent and tongue-numbing taste. The root of the plant is used medicinally. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that kava kava is a sedative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic that helps reduce the pain and spasms associated with interstitial cystitis. Kava kava, notes Tilgner, is also helpful in treating general pain associated with muscle spasms or inflammation.
Plantain
Plantain, also known as Plantago major, is an herb that may be beneficial for your interstitial cystitis. The website Botanical states that plantain is a familiar perennial weed that is often found by roadsides and in meadows. Plantain is a member of the plantaginaceae family and has a nutritious, mucilaginous and slightly bitter and salty taste. This herb also has cooling and drying tendencies. The leaves and root of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. According to Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," plantain may be used to help treat the dysuria, or painful or difficult urination, associated with interstitial cystitis. Tilgner states that plantain is an antiseptic, antibacterial, astringent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory and vulnerary, or a substance that encourages healing of irritated tissue.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto, also known as Serenoa repens, is an herbal remedy that may be effective in treating your interstitial cystitis. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, saw palmetto is a small palm tree native to the eastern United States that has been used to help treat many health problems, especially urinary tract problems. Saw palmetto, a member of the palm family, has a sweet, soapy taste and drying tendencies. The whole ripe fruit of the tree is used medicinally. Tilgner states that saw palmetto is a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic that has been used to help treat interstitial cystitis, chronic bladder infections, benign prostatic hyperplasia, urethritis and impotence. If you are pregnant, cautions Tilgner, you should avoid taking this herb.
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