I see people with bladder pain in my practice often. Sometimes it is a recurrence of a bladder infection that can be managed by antibiotics. Sometimes, on the other extreme, the patient may have more chronic phenomenon. Also known as painful bladder syndrome, interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition characterized by pain, pressure and burning in the bladder. The precise cause of the condition is not known but we know that it most often occurs between the ages of 30 and 40 and that women are up to ten times likelier to develop interstitial cystitis than men. The most common symptoms of interstitial cystitis are bladder discomfort, the frequent urge to urinate, burning pains in the pelvic area and pain or discomfort during intercourse.
Associated Signs/Symptoms:
Frequent urination (8 or more times/day) and urinary urgency (90%).
Small mucosal disruptions, mild cellular infiltrates, and sub-urothelial infiltrates (90%).
Concomitant food or respiratory allergies (40%).
Concomitant irritable bowel syndrome (20%).
Complimentary and Alternative Treatments
Complementary treatments aimed at mitigating the side-effects of conventional treatments and optimizing the immune system response are often employed by naturopathic medical doctors, and supplement (rather than replace) conventional medical treatment. Alternative treatments that replace conventional medical treatment are not approved by the FDA, but may be based on traditional or historical theories and practice. Their safety and effectiveness is considered unproven by conventional medical authorities, despite theoretical, anecdotal or historical evidence. Since complimentary and alternative treatments are not generally proven by double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials, insurance typically does not cover these treatments, although medical savings accounts may possibly be used.
There is no known cure for interstitial cystitis and treatment tends to be based on diet and lifestyle changes.
Complimentary and alternative strategies for recurrent bladder discomfort that are considered below include:
1. There are certain foods listed by the Interstitial Cystitis Association as a possible cause of bladder pain and irritation. However, I have also seen people have success when they identify and remove allergens or dietary irritants (IgG food-allergy test, IgE, food elimination diet). Consider exploring the possibilities with an at home fingerstick test for 96 foods or 204 foods to identify your unique inflammatory foods.
2. MSM has shown some effectiveness for treating allergies, repetitive stress injuries, certain bladder disorders like interstitial cystitis, and wounds, but more research is needed before it can be recommended for any of these conditions. If you wanted to include MSM in your diet, consider Sulfurzyme, which also contains NingXia Wolfberry powder.
3. Hypothyroidism is associated with a thinning of the endothelial lining of the urinary bladder, resulting in irritation of the bladder by its contents. To provide additional nutrients to your thyroid gland consider Thyromin which maximizes nutritional support for healthy thyroid function.
4. Many issues with bladder and vaginal discomfort have a possible association with vaginal flora alterations. Consider taking probiotics. Life 9® is a highly potent probiotic with 17 billion live cultures from nine beneficial bacteria strains.
5. Alkalime, a natural alkalinizing supplement that is free of artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners, helps maintain optimal pH in the stomach with an alkaline blend of biochemical mineral salts, lemon powder, and premium essential oils. This change in pH may be beneficial to some people.
5. Because of its chronic nature, many suffers also experience a decline in mood.
Many essential oils, alone or in combination, may be beneficial. Consider Peace & Calming, Stress Away, White Angelica, SARA or Trauma Life
Summary of related studies
1. Frankincense and myrrh modulate urothelial wound healing, which ameliorates typical features of acute interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome in rats. The rats received these oils orally. Please click this link to acquire the oils that are labeled for oral use. (frankincense vitality)
2. Copaiba used in rats to affect healing... topical use.
3. Ylang Ylang was used for bladder muscle spasms in rats.
Ideas how to incorporate into your lifestyle:
1. White Angelica includes Myrrh and Ylang Ylang. Apply 2–4 drops directly to desired area or wear as a daily perfume.
2. Progessence Plus includes Frankincense and Copaiba and can be applied topically to the suprapubic area.
3. Frankincense and copaiba can be combined and massaged topically
4. Frankincense Vitality and Copaiba Vitality can both used to support internal wellness. please click this link to explore the oils that are labeled for oral use
- Take as a dietary supplement by adding 1–2 drops to a vegetarian capsule to assist overall well-being and healthy immune function.*
- Add Frankincense Vitality or Copaiba Vitality to water or a green smoothie to enjoy its subtle, flavor.
References:
Chen, Yung-Hsiang et al. “Efficacy of Frankincense and Myrrha in Treatment of Acute Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome.” Chinese journal of integrative medicine vol. 26,7 (2020): 519-526.
Feitosa, Denilson José Silva Junior et al. “Effects of Copaiba oil in the healing process of urinary bladder in rats.” International braz j urol : official journal of the Brazilian Society of Urology vol. 44,2 (2018): 384-389.
Kim, Hyung-Jee et al. “Effects of ylang-ylang essential oil on the relaxation of rat bladder muscle in vitro and white rabbit bladder in vivo.” Journal of Korean medical science vol. 18,3 (2003): 409-14.
To acquire some of the products I mentioned click this link to sign up and receive them for full price or at a discount. If you plan to ingest the essential oils, please click this link to acquire the oils that are labeled for oral use. If you plan to use these oils near your sensitive areas, seek oils that do not contain fillers or impurities.
Sometimes women with irregular cycles need to use essential oils that support glandular health to help restore balance.
ESSENTIAL OILS:
1) The Female Oil blends: SclarEssence, Lady Sclareol. Apply like how you would apply topically. No right or wrong way to apply. Just apply and use. If you get Sclaressence Vitality, which is labeled for dietary use, you can add a drop to your NingXia Red daily
2) Endocrine support blend: Endoflex: Apply on your thyroid or your back, near your adrenals. If you have the vitality version, put a drop under your tongue, or drink in a glass of water, or add a drop to NingXia Red.
SUPPLEMENTS:
Studies have linked excess inflammation to higher androgen levels and these supplements help with oxidative stress and overall wellness..
1) Ningxia Red: Contains Wolfberry, blueberries, and pomegranate, which have antioxidants.
2) Sulfurzyme: Women often have increased levels of inflammation in their body. Being overweight can also contribute to inflammation. NingXia wolfberries are in this supplement.
3) Super Hormonal Supplements: FemiGen combines Black Cohosh and licorice along with several important essential oils like Fennel and Sage.
Black cohosh- has insulin-regulating properties and anti-inflammatory properties. Great for women in perimenopause who are dealing with hot flashes.
Licorice- helps in stimulating the endocrine glands of the body to function properly. It also has natural anti-androgen properties. It can bind to the receptor sites helping to maintain estrogen balance, promote ovulation and improve fertility. Powergize contains ashwagandha and tribulus.
4) Consider Seedlings Baby Wash and Baby Wipes for perineal care. Keep chemicals away from the delicate absorbent skin. Your face also has delicate absorbent skin. Consider using Savvy Cosmetics. Consider using natural deodorant. Remove all possible toxins from your daily regimen. Clean with Thieves Products or DIY your own Products with YL EOs.
5) Progessence Plus: This oil is good for hormonal balance..Apply on Neck, forearms, ankles, groin area, womb, wrists.
Further Reading:
Esmaeilinezhad Z, Babajafari S, Sohrabi Z, Eskandari MH, Amooee S, Barati-Boldaji R. Effect of synbiotic pomegranate juice on glycemic, sex hormone profile and anthropometric indices in PCOS: A randomized, triple blind, controlled trial. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2019;29(2):201-208.
Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings. Arentz S, Abbott JA, Smith CA, Bensoussan A. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 Dec 18;14:511.
Effect of combination of Withania somnifera Dunal and Tribulus terrestris Linn on letrozole induced polycystic ovarian syndrome in rats. Saiyed A, Jahan N, Makbul SAA, Ansari M, Bano H, Habib SH. Integr Med Res. 2016 Dec;5(4):293-300.
