herbal support

[harperevan]

I've started working with an herbalist and this is what she's got me taking:

1/2 cup marshmallow root cold infusion 3 times daily
1 dropper full tincture of nettles, cleavers, calendula 3 times daily
1/2 - 1 cup nettles, blackberry leaf hot infusion 3 times daily

The tincture and nettle infusion are both for long term bladder support and healing, and the marshmallow root is to address immediate pain and flares.

The tincture irritates my bladder if I take more than a dropper full and I am unclear as to whether it's the alcohol that's no good or one of the herbs. My herbalist said that if I can take it in small doses I should keep at it, and if it becomes problematic I should stop.

The marshmallow root is doing wonders.

The hot infusion I haven't tried yet but will start tomorrow.

Anyone else trying herbal remedies? I'm super sensitive to any liquids besides water and can't even drink chamomile tea, so I am venturing into this arena with quite a bit of caution. Are there specific herbs that bother people in particular, or that they can't have in tea? I'm having a hard time finding info on what herbs generally are or are not ok for people with IC. Are there any herbs besides marshmallow root that people suggest, for either long term healing or to address pain?

Can't wait to hear people's stories.

.harper.

[ICNDonna]

I can't do marshmallow root because it's a diuretic and I'm already on a diuretic for high blood pressure. I've never gone the herbal root. I primarily drink water, but can have some of the herbal teas.

Donna

[melissamia]

I am leaning more towards the herbal route as well. I don't like putting random chemicals into my body just to see what happens. I have IC, acid reflux, and Eosinophilic Esophagitis. This is what I've been doing so far:

Marshmallow Root - as a tea, 1-3 cups/day
Peppermint - tea, 1-3 cups/day (helps my stomach)
Cysta-Q - 2x/day
Probiotic - 1/day (aids in digestion)
Fish Oil - 1/day

I just purchased Slippery Elm, Cornsilk, and Cinnamon (helps increase the absorption of herbs and IC safe!) and plan on adding these into my regimen too. I also do specific pelvic floor stretches every day for 30 min. I would be careful with pre-made things because your bladder is very sensitive! Everything I take I either check the ingredients or just buy it in pure, bulk form and make it myself. I can't really have anything besides water as well, but so far these things have been helping! My pain has gone down to a manageable level. Good luck! Let me know if you have any questions.