Slippery elm!!!

**jailyn12** · 12-12-2008, 03:07 PM

I was at an organic health food store and the worker there suggested I try slippery elm for my interstitial cystitis. I have been taking the capsules for more than a week and I think it is making a difference. I read online that buying slippery elm powder and making a tea works better. Indians used to use it to heal lots of things. Just wanted to let everyone know this because believe me I know how hard this disease is and I will try anything to help the symptoms and flares.

I am currently on Elmiron and Zoloft. I am also drinking this stuff called Cell Food. It is suppose to help the PH balance in your body and make it less acidic. I am also taking flax seed oil. Hey if the drugs don't work why not try something natural.

**Briza** · 12-12-2008, 03:58 PM

Hi Jailyn
Yes, slippery elm is pretty well known in the IC community as a possibly helpful alternative treatment. I am glad you are feeling some success with it.
But please be sure to discuss any herbs or other alternative meds or treatments such as the Slippery Elm, Cell Food, and flaxseed oil with your drs who prescribe any of the traditional meds you are taking such as the Elmiron, Zoloft, or anything else. Just to be on the safe side, ok? Your drs and your pharmacist need to be informed of all of these treatments...whether traditional or alternative....in case of any possible problems with side effects or interactions. I am not against alternative treatments, but your drs and pharmacist all need to know what you are taking to prevent anything that could cause a bad interaction! Just because it is natural does not mean that it is safe, especially when combined with traditional meds. So please make sure your drs and pharmacists are aware of everything you are taking. Best wishes, Bri

**Goldfinch** · 12-12-2008, 04:07 PM

They should be calling it Cell Phood.

**Briza** · 12-12-2008, 04:14 PM

Originally Posted by Goldfinch

They should be calling it Cell Phood.

he he...yes..that would be a very good marketing tool!

***ICNDonna*** · 12-13-2008, 02:15 AM

How about "sell" phood?

Be sure to let your physician know what you are taking. Just remember that herbal remedies are medications and can conflict with prescriptions --- and with each other.

Donna

**jailyn12** · 12-15-2008, 05:52 PM

I talked to a friend who is a pharmacist and he said that Herbs only medications if you are taking blood thinners So I think I will be OK. I really think the slippery elm is working. I haven't had any bad flares lately. I did have one day, But I got my period the next day so I think my periods irritated my IC.

**Briza** · 12-15-2008, 06:19 PM

Originally Posted by jailyn12

I talked to a friend who is a pharmacist and he said that Herbs only medications if you are taking blood thinners So I think I will be OK. I really think the slippery elm is working. I haven't had any bad flares lately. I did have one day, But I got my period the next day so I think my periods irritated my IC.

Hi
Elmiron DOES have blood-thinning properties!!...that is just one reason why it is important to let your drs, dentists, pharmacists know that you are taking it or any other meds in addition to any herbs or other alternative treatments, especially before a surgical procedure or even a teeth-cleaning. No offense intended to your pharmacist friend, but I do think it would be wise to inform him of Elmiron's blood-thinning properties so he can do some research on that to get himself up to date on Elmiron and also wise for you to get a second opinion from your drs and a different pharmacist, just to be safe. Best wishes, Bri

**jailyn12** · 12-16-2008, 04:35 PM

Thanks. I will call my doctor tomorrow.

**yvette** · 12-17-2008, 12:43 AM

I'm so glad you've decided to call your doc!

Maybe there was some misunderstanding between the pharmacist and you...it's definitely more than just blood thinners.

I just have to add for others reading this:
There is a popular herb out there that people take for sleep problems and its a muscle relaxer. Some people aren't able to wake without be shaken for along time, and even then, are junk and can't much of anything for hours. (btw: the heart is a muscle, and the diaphragm muscle helps you keep breathing)

Popular diet *supplement* that was all natural, caused strokes, stomach pain, seizures, heart palpitation, nerve damage, psychosis, memory loss, and it unfortunately caused....more than one death. Many of the people taking this were ONLY taking this. Sadder, this product is still for sale OTC, because the FDA can't regulate it. Scary, eh? I almost took this supplement, I spent a LOT of money on it. And thankfully it ended up in the trash.

***ICNDonna*** · 12-17-2008, 01:14 AM

Yvette is correct. Over the counter and herbal medications can be dangerous, especially if taking more than one --- or if you take any prescription medications at all.

Donna

**jailyn12** · 12-17-2008, 05:47 PM

I talked to my pharmacist friend and he said that elmiron is a very weak blood thinner and I could still take the heb, but I am waiting to hear what my doctor has to say. I discuseed witha nurse today about going to pain management. I stopped taking the slippery elm.