Interstitial Cystitis and Fertility

Dear Justine / Susun

What's the best herb to take for pain for interstitial cystitis whilst attempting 2nd pregnancy please at nearly 42?  Taking rasperry leaf, stinging nettle, marshmallow root, comfrey leaf, red clover, peppermint and camomile all as teas at the moment - although not all at same time! 
I need something for the pain when it flares up.  Yoga / acupuncture helping but not completely resolving and still having to take conventional pain relief from general practitioner.  Attacks are less prolonged now.  What would you suggest in a herbal form please for flare ups of pain that is fertility, potentially baby freindly?

Hello,

Glad to hear that you are seeing some relief of your symptoms. Marsh Mallow is very helpful. Have you tried using an infusion as opposed to the tea? With many herbs, you will get more benefit from the long steeping that creates an infusion. For Mallows, soak a small handful of the fresh root or 2 tablespoons/12 grams of the dried root in 8 ounces of water overnight, then strain and drink the next morning.

Regular use of Kegel exercises (at least 100 a day) to help strengthen the muscles, increase circulation and tonify the bladder wall.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/kegel-exercises/WO00119

Barley broth can bring fast relief as well. Cook one cup of barley in 8 cups of water till soft. Drink 1 cup of the broth at least every other day for a month or more.

Along with acupuncture, some other healing methods that may help would be Cranial-sacral adjustments and EFT. http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/March09/empower.htm

Another herb that often is beneficial would be chickweed. Again I would make the infusion and also eat fresh when available. I would also start drinking infusions of the stinging nettle and red clover. http://www.susunweed.com/How_to_make_Infusions.htm

Sitz baths of oatstraw infusions can help ease bladder spasms and pain - Add 2 quarts of reheated strained oatstraw infusion to a tub of hot water and soak... Hopefully some of these steps can bring you more relief.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team
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