Here's a list of herbal teas that are safe for IC and can help soothe some of your symptoms.
I used to be an avid coffee drinker before my diagnosis but had to stop. Occasionally, I can tolerate a small cup of low acid coffee but most mornings I drink herbal tea. I've never been a big tea drinker, and I still don't love it, but I love the feeling of a warm mug in my hands in the morning, so therefore I drink tea.
This is not an all encompassing list of ic friendly teas. These are just the ones I'm familiar with or personally use. The best bet for finding a tea is making sure its herbal and caffeine free, and has no triggering ingredients. A large amount of herbal teas have very small amounts of highly acidic ingredients. For example, I purchased a vanilla chamomile tea blend and a cinnamon tea and both had orange peals in the ingredients so they've been sitting in my cabinet for over 6 months bc I don't want to risk it.
1. Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow Root is extremely popular among IC patients in both tea and supplement form. I'm not sure how exactly it works, but basically, marshmallow root will produce mucus that will coat the lining of bladder which helps with the pain and limit further irritation y protecting your bladder wall. Marshmallow root is a "treatment" I highly recommend to those recently diagnosed because it's natural and affordable and those who drink the tea, say it's even more potent than the capsules. You can read reviews on amazon about the benefits of marshmallow root and IC. https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Way-Marshmallow-960mg-Capsules/product-reviews/B000302280
2. Peppermint
Peppermint is an anti-inflammatory and another popular choice among those with IC. You can looked Peppermint Tea & Interstitial Cystitis and find more info on it. Aside from helping IC, peppermint also aides in digestion, can clear sinuses, increase energy and more! Plus, it freshens your breath.
3. Chamomile
Another great tea for Interstitial Cystitis and one that I drink multiple times a week is chamomile! Chamomile is also anti-inflammatory and it can treat cold symptoms, lower blood sugar, aid in sleep and relaxation, and more. Chamomile is very common and popular tea and one that you can easily find at any grocery store so pick up one next time you're there. I would recommend checking the ingredients on this one because many times, tea companies will make a chamomile blend with lemon or other harmful ingredients.
4. Rosehip
Rosehip is made from the pseudo-fruits of the rose plant and is another excellent tea option. Rosehip is also high in compounds with anti-inflammatory effects (are you sensing a trend here?), including polyphenols and galactolipids. This is tea has a light floral flavor and is great for your skin, heart, and immune system!
These are just my favorites. If you drink another herbal tea that would like to recommend, please do!
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