This Plant Extract Naturally Healed One Woman’s Painful Interstitial Cystitis
The drug her doctor prescribed was doing permanent damage to her bladder, so she found another way.
After months of burning and frequent urination that no medication could cure, Iliana Brockman feared her life would never be the same. But then she discovered an interstitial cystitis natural treatment that changed everything!
“This is so painful, it feels like someone poured acid on my bladder,” Iliana Brockman told her husband. “I rush to the bathroom every five minutes!” For months, the Lutz, Florida, resident had been plagued by a burning sensation and urgent need to urinate, and after a slew of fruitless doctor’s visits, there seemed to be no relief in sight.
At first, she’d been diagnosed with a bladder infection. “You’ll feel better in three days,” one physician had assured her, but after rounds of antibiotics, Iliana’s symptoms persisted. A visit to a urologist had yielded another diagnosis: interstitial cystitis (IC), a chronic condition that causes pelvic pain, bladder pressure and frequent urination. The specialist prescribed a daily medication, which had helped at first, but after taking it for a few months, Iliana began experiencing fatigue, nausea and lack of appetite.
“It’s horrible,” she told her new doctor, sharing all that the condition had taken from her, from her social life to her career. Iliana couldn’t even join her husband for long drives on the weekends, as the vibration made her bladder pain worse.
Luckily, the doctor identified the cause of Iliana’s new symptoms, but the news was dire: The medicine that was helping her bladder was also elevating her liver enzymes. “You need to stop this drug immediately,” the doctor warned. But when, at a loss for solutions, he recommended removing Iliana’s bladder, she knew she needed another option. That can’t happen, she resolved. I have to find another way!
Interstitial Cystitis Natural Treatment
Desperate for help, Iliana reached out to the Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA), where a patient advocate suggested she try concentrated aloe pills. The plant extract is packed with pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, compounds and increases the body’s production of glycosaminoglycan molecules that help the bladder lining repair itself.
Full of hope, Iliana began taking Desert Harvest Aloe Vera capsules ($38, DesertHarvest.com), two at a time, three times a day. And in just one month, the fiery feeling in her bladder began dissipating and her trips to the bathroom decreased.
Within three months, Iliana had cut down to taking four pills a day. “I feel 95 percent better!” she rejoiced to her husband, joining him on a ride into town to celebrate.
After thousands of dollars spent on medication and medical tests, Iliana was elated to find that the aloe capsules made her IC symptoms virtually disappear. Today, she takes two capsules a day and has been able to live a full life. “I went from not being able to leave my house to driving, socializing and exercising again!” the 58-year-old beams. “I’ve even become a patient advocate for the ICA — it’s amazing to have my health back and be able to help others too!”
Other ways aloe vera boosts your heath:
- Cures GI upset: Studies reveal that sipping 1 oz. of aloe vera juice daily can ease belly troubles for up to 80 percent of women, often within just two days. Drink it straight or mix it with your favorite beverage!
- Eases pain: Research in the journal Molecules suggests adding 1 oz. of aloe vera juice to your evening sip cuts joint pain and swelling by up to 55 percent. But to avoid its laxative effect, start by taking 1 tsp. before bed for a week, then work up to 1 oz.
- Ends heartburn: Taking 2 tsp. of aloe vera juice daily reduces heartburn frequency by 71 percent, say Chinese scientists, who credit aloe compounds that tame inflammation and enhance digestion.
How to make your own aloe vera juice:
Wash 1 large aloe leaf (from health-food stores), trim the sides to remove thorns and remove the top peel. Cut the clear gel inside into 1″ cubes and remove from the lower peel. Discard all peel, which is toxic. Place 6 to 8 cubes in the blender with six cups of water and blend, flavoring with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice. Store in the fridge for up to four weeks. Freeze leftover cubes for future use.
This story originally appeared in our print magazine.
