Interstitial cystitis differs from cystitis, which is inflammation of the bladder normally caused by bacteria and cured with antibiotics. Interstitial cystitis, often shortened to IC, which normally affects women and starts between ages 30 and 40, is an inflammation of the tissues lining the bladder wall. Because IC has no conventional medical cure and causes painful spasms and urinary frequency, many women turn to herbal medicine for relief. While alternative practitioners may recommend a number of herbs to treat IC, ask your doctor before starting any herbs, which can have potent side effects.
Methods of Administration
Herbs can be used in a number of ways; while they're often ingested in the form of teas, powders or capsules, they can also be applied as compresses to the affected area. Some herbs are made into essential oils or into tinctures. Herbs are often combined in homeopathic and traditional Chinese medicine formulas.
Types of Herbs
A long list of herbs has been used to treat IC. Herbalist and author Susan Weed recommends slippery elm and marshmallow root made into a tea. Marshmallow root can also be taken in capsules or as a powder. The IC Network recommends licorice root but cautions that it has potentially harmful side effects for pregnant women or for people with heart disease or diabetes. The Urology Channel notes that gotu kola taken as an extract may help treat IC. Other herbs mentioned by alternative practitioners include pipsissawa, cornsilk, buchu, cleavers, horsetail, osha root and poke root.
Actions
Herbs used to treat IC often have anti-inflammatory properties. Since IC is an inflammatory disease, herbs that quell inflammation may decrease pain and spasms. Some claim to provide a coating to the bladder that soothes the inflammation. Others act as antispasmodics, reducing the bladder spasms that cause much of the discomfort of IC.
Caveats
Although they're sold over the counter, herbs can have significant side effects. While Weed's website recommends comfrey tea, the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Germany have all banned oral comfrey from the market due to serious liver side effects that can lead to death. Even applying comfrey topically can cause problems, since some of the herb may be absorbed through the skin. Licorice root, suggested for use by the IC Network, can cause fluid retention that leads to hypertension and can also lead to potassium deficiency. Many herbs also interfere with the absorption of prescription medication or may increase excretion of drugs. Do not take any herbs without your doctor's approval.
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