Natural alternatives

[Godwillhelp]

What do some of you think about natural herbs, etc? Do you think there is truth to it? I have read some books on them. Has anyone had good experiences with them?

[traceann]

Personally I haven't tried any, but I know there are quite a few who use Marshmallow root, cornsilk, etc. You might want to check out the Alternatives board, there might be something there. :) Good Luck in your quest! ;)

Hugs!!!

[windwalker]

Hi, I have had good experiences with a few, cornsilk tea for the urethral burning (causes some to have to pee more, I only felt like I had to go one time and no more.), Marshmallow root and slippery elm bark when my bladder has this "finger scratching the bladder" feeling. I tried Marshmallow root tea before Elmiron (so on its own) and it really helped me greatly. I just started l-arginine this week, no pain from it so I will continue w/it. DO remember, some of these herbs like Marshmallow and slippery elm can interfere w/your reg meds, such as Elmiron so you need to be careful and talk w/your doc about anything you may try. Also remember each one of us may react to herbs and alternatives in different ways, such as, some people have no problem with gotu kola, me on the other hand, that stuff causes me one heck of a flare. Good luck w/what ya try.
Wind

[ladybug23]

Wind: Do you currently take the elmiron with the marshmellow root or are you using just the marshmellow root?

[Katrina]

I have had help from Desert Harvest Aloe Vera, Chamomile, and Catnip. There are some that are great and some that are high risk.

http://www.icnshop.com/ The alternatives she sells here are pretty safe to try.

http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7562 this is thread of pain relief the second page has attachments I believe the last attachment is the list of pain relief ideas.

[liznazz]

I didn't know that marshmallow root interferes with elmiron? How did you find out? Thanks, liz

[windwalker]

Found out on another board, I learned that they can be taken but 2-3 hrs away from each other. I try to research as much as possible before I attempt anything. Researched Marshmallow for months before I finally gave it a go. I take Elmiron and if the irritation is just too great, I take the Marshmallow root (in tea) at least 2 or three hours after the Elmiron.

[ladybug23]

what symptoms did the marshmellow root seem to help you with?

[windwalker]

Helped me w/this "fingernail scratching the bladder" feeling, the feeling like I had to "go" even if I just went.

[ladyhawk]

I am also interested in knowing some of the alternatives...I did also try Gotu Kola and had a horrid flare from it, so it's like anything else, each person is different.

Gail

[massagedoula]

I do the same as Windwalker. Elmiron 3 times a day and Marshmallow 2 hours before or after I take the Elmiron. What a schedule!

[windwalker]

I had the same problem w/gotu kola. Best I can say is, I researched for months before trying anything, weighing the positive and negatives and finding out what will do what. Had flares from pycnogenol, gotu kola, and aloe vera (made for IC). I try to really read up on what is out there. Plus this section of the boards has some good info to work with.

[Boni]

Only thing I can add to this thread is anyone who has herpes be VERY CARFUL with arginine. It WILL cause a herpes flare. I know from experience.