Interstitial cystitis, or IC, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the walls of the bladder. In many cases, the condition produces urging to urinate with increased frequency. Approximately half a million people have interstitial cystitis and most are women, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Certain herbs may help relax the bladder wall and prevent some of the symptoms of interstitial cystitis. Consult your healthcare practitioner before using unfamiliar herbs.
Symptoms
Interstitial cystitis may cause a variety of symptoms including pain, scarring and stiffening of the bladder walls, bleeding, ulcers and a less-than-usual bladder capacity. You may experience frequency to urinate throughout the day and night, as well as pressure and tenderness as your bladder fills with urine. Symptoms in women are frequently worse around menstruation.
Description
The university mentions two types of IC. The first and more common type called nonulcerative IC affects younger women and is characterized by glomerulations or small pin-points that bleed in the bladder wall. The second type known as ulcerative IC is more often found in older women and is characterized by cracking, scarring, and ulceration causing bleeding in the wall of the bladder.
Cranberry Juice
The culinary herb cranberry has been used for centuries to treat urinary tract infections. It is high in vitamin C, anthocyanins and other vitamins and minerals known to cleanse and restore proper urinary tract function. Consuming cranberry juice regularly may be helpful in relieving inflammation and symptoms of IC, according to Lynda Freeman in her book, "Mosby's Complementary and Alternative Medicine."
Herbal Diuretics
Various herbs act as diuretics, helping to flush the system of toxins and waste materials. Mild diuretics include herbs such as cleavers, horsetail and lemon juice mixed with water. Dandelion and stinging nettle are considered moderate strength diuretics, while burdock root, parsley, celery, goldenrod and lovage are ranked as strong and potent diuretics. Many of these herbs have other medicinal effects besides being able to increase urine volume and pull excess fluids from tissues. If you use an herbal diuretic, consult a healthcare practitioner who is knowledgeable with the use of herbs and is familiar with your individual case. Each herb can produce its own set of side effects, so do not treat your IC by yourself.
Urinary Tract Antiseptics
Certain herbs have a distinctive antiseptic action on the urinary tract and the bladder in particular. Many are antibacterial or anti-fungal and can help treat infections that may occur along with a chronic condition, according to "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies." Uva ursi and juniper are two such herbs that have anti-microbial properties especially suited for treating urinary disorders.
Precautions
Always consult a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner familiar with the properties of various herbs before taking anything for your interstitial cystitis. Because there is such a wide range of symptoms and severity for the condition, it is especially important to be taking the correct herb in the right quantities for your case.
References
- "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs with all their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments"; Andrew Chevallier; 2000
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon, MS, and Sifu Teresa Graedon; 2002
- The Ohio State University Medical Center: Interstitial Cystitis
- Columbia University Medical Center -- The Center for Holistic Urology: Bladder -- Interstitial Cystitis
- "Mosby's Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; Lynda W. Freeman; 2004
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urological Disorders
