Alleviating pain from interstitial cystitis, a form of painful bladder syndrome, can be challenging. Many traditional teas can aggravate your bladder due to their tannin content. But the right tea or herbal infusion can help ease bladder inflammation, reduce pelvic pain, and relieve anxiety. In this guide, we ranked and reviewed the best teas for interstitial cystitis.

If you want to get some for yourself, we have a collection of the best teas for interstitial cystitis right here in tea bags, loose leaf, or iced tea pouches.

What is the Best Tea for Interstitial Cystitis?

1. Yaupon Tea

Yaupon is the only naturally caffeinated plant native to North America. It has unique properties that traditional teas lack. One of these benefits is theobromine, which you may know better in association with chocolate. It’s the compound that makes you feel better when you eat it. It helps elevate your mood and boost your focus and attention. When combined with the caffeine in yaupon, there is a synergistic effect on these benefits, reducing stress that can aggravate interstitial cystitis. 

Benefits:

• Reduced stress thanks to l-theanine that increases GABA release in the brain and has a relaxing and anxiety-relieving effect.
• Decreased chronic inflammation via chlorogenic acid (CGA) that has anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve bladder pain and stress.

• No tannins so the brew won't aggravate your bladder and you can enjoy a warming, soothing cup.

Side Effects:

• May cause sleeplessness due to caffeine if large amounts of yaupon are consumed all at once.

Try our CatSpring Yaupon tea to ease the pain from interstitial cystitis. It’s organic, non-gmo, kosher, sustainably grown, and naturally caffeinated.

2. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea has a signature minty flavor due to its easy brewing using mint leaves. This menthol based flavor can help soothe your intestines and decrease bloating while also freshening your breath instantly. A refreshing glass that has a cooling effect, this is a yummy option for those looking to ease interstitial cystitis symptoms. *Pro tip: you can also add peppermint oil to any beverage instead of using tea bags. 

Benefits:

• Ease tense muscles as peppermint is a natural muscle relaxant to soothe irritated nerves and inflammation.
• Easy to complement the flavor with ginger, honey, or fruits to find a delicious cup for anytime
• Relieve stomach pain and discomfort by relieving bloating, gas, and indigestion.

Side Effects:

• Can worsen acid reflux by relaxing the muscles around the stomach sphincter.

3. Licorice Root Tea

Licorice root has a long history of usage across Asia and Europe, even dating back to the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. Made from the root of the licorice plant, it has been used to treat an upset stomach, treat respiratory problems, and decrease inflammation. Contemporarily, people use licorice to remedy acid reflux and other intestinal issues.

Benefits:

• Soothe bladder walls by increasing blood flow to the mucosal walls and mucosal production, triggering more regeneration and healing.

• Ease inflammation due to strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Side Effects:

• May elevate the stress hormone, cortisol production, due to glycyrrhizin accumulation when consumed over long periods of time.

4. Marshmallow Root Tea

Marshmallow is part of the malvaceae plant family which has the distinction of being mucilaginous. This means they have a gelatinous consistency and can be used in recipes to thicken up soups and broths. In the body, they can increase mucus production in mucous membranes. A contributing factor to interstitial cystitis is the breakdown of the mucosal bladder lining and associated organs. Marshmallow tea can contribute to the expansion of mucus in these areas, relieving the inflammation and irritation.

Benefits:

• Alleviate inflammation that can reduce the pain and swelling of the bladder.

• Ease pain as a study has found that marshmallow may have analgesic or pain-reducing properties.

• Relieve urinary tract irritation as studies show marshmallow can relieve internal irritation and cleanse toxins out of the system.

Side Effects:

• May cause an upset stomach and it should only be consumed for up to four weeks at a time.

5. Ashwagandha Tea

An evergreen shrub traditionally used in India, Africa, and Asia, it is also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. It has been used to reduce stress and anxiety. It is also now known as an adaptogen, providing overall benefits and health support. An anxiolytic, ashwagandha can help ease stress that may further irritate a painful bladder.

Benefits:

• Ease stress as multiple studies have shown both self-reported relaxation and reduced levels of cortisol.

• Decrease pain as it has shown evidence of reducing pain and stiffness as well as decreasing inflammation.

Side Effects:

• May cause an upset stomach if consumed in large quantities.

The Bottom Line

Owing to their abilities to ease anxiety and stress, alleviate inflammation and irritation, and their support for healthy cells, these are some of the best teas for interstitial cystitis. They can help soothe symptoms and even reduce possible aggravators of further issues. 

If you want to get our best tasting tea for alleviating interstitial cystitis, check out our organic, naturally caffeinated CatSpring Yaupon tea here.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. If you have serious health-related issues you should reach out to a medical professional. While we have studied the scientific research available, this is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.