Supplements For Interstitial Cystitis

Certain dietary supplements may be helpful in treating interstitial cystitis, a condition that causes recurring pain or discomfort in or around your bladder. The cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown, although heredity may play a role. Before taking dietary supplements to help treat your interstitial cystitis, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Kava Kava

Kava kava, also known as Piper methysticum, is an herbal supplement that may be helpful in treating your interstitial cystitis. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, kava kava, a member of the Piperaceae family, has been used to help treat numerous health problems, including urinary tract infections and bladder pain. Kava kava is a plant native to the islands of the western Pacific Ocean and has a sharp, pungent and tongue-numbing taste. The root of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that kava kava is helpful in treating pain and spasms in your bladder and urethra and painful urination. Kava kava is an analgesic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory that helps reduce the pain and spasms associated with interstitial cystitis.

Plantain

Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that plantain, also known as Plantago, is an antiseptic, antibacterial, astringent, anti-inflammatory and vulnerary, or a substance that promotes healing of wounds or irritated tissue. Tilgner states that plantain may be used internally to help treat conditions of your urinary and respiratory tracts. Plantain, a member of the Plantaginaceae family, is a small, herbaceous plant that grows throughout the United States, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Africa. Plantain has a nutritious, mucilaginous, and slightly bitter and salty taste. It possesses cooling and drying tendencies and grows to a maximum height of 2 feet. Practitioners of botanical medicine use the leaf of the plant to help treat numerous health conditions, including interstitial cystitis.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is small, hearty palm tree that grows in the southeastern United States, primarily along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Saw palmetto, also known as Serenoa repens, has a sweet, soapy taste; possesses drying tendencies; grows to a height of about 6 feet; and can live for up to 700 years. A member of the palm family, saw palmetto has been used to help treat many health problems. The whole ripe fruit is used medicinally. According to Tilgner, saw palmetto is a diuretic, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and male reproductive tract tonic that has been used to help treat interstitial cystitis, chronic bladder infections, decreased pelvic organ tone, urethritis, impotence and benign prostatic hyperplasia. If you are pregnant, cautions Tilgner, you should avoid taking dietary supplements containing saw palmetto.