The bladder is a hollow organ in the lower abdomen designed to store urine. Many conditions can affect bladder function, most of which occur when muscles weaken or become overactive, according to the National Institutes of Health. Some of the most prevalent bladder disorders include urinary tract infections, overactive bladder, also referred to as urinary incontinence, bladder stones and bladder cancer. Cancer of the bladder is the sixth most common form of cancer in the Unitd States. A number of herbs are promoted as effective remedies for various bladder disorders. You should talk to a doctor before trying to treat yourself with herb products.
Bladder Infections
Cranberry may keep bladder infections at bay by preventing bacteria from sticking to cells that line the bladder, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Echinacea is often used to prevent and treat urinary tract infections based on its touted ability to stimulate the immune system, according to American Academy of Family Physicians. There is a lack of credible evidence to support the use of echinacea for UTIs.
Horsetail is purported to to treat bladder disorders. The diuretic effects of this herb may help it to clear bacteria out of the urinary tract, according to Baltimore Washington Medical Center.
Overactive Bladder
Aloe vera extract, horsetail and crataeva have all been suggested as alternative therapies for urinary incontinence, but the Mayo Clinic notes that more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these proposed herbal remedies.
Cranberry, cranberry juice and St. John's wort may help to ease symptoms of overactive bladder, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Saw palmetto may be beneficial for men who suffer from prostate-related urinary incontinence.
Bladder Stones
Herbs have been used throughout history in an effort to prevent and treat stones that develop in the bladder and kidney, according to the Mayo Clinic. Bladder stones form when urine becomes concentrated, which causes minerals to crystallize and form small stones.
Gravel root, also referred to as kidney root, has been used to relieve bladder stones and treat urinary difficulties, says Health Care Tips.org. Stone root has also been used as a natural remedy for bladder stones.
Bladder Cancer
Green tea has been used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine as a stimulant, diuretic and to treat bladder cancer, according to the UMMC. While animal research into the effects of green tea on bladder cancer appear promising, human studies have shown mixed results.
Garlic may also have benefits against bladder cancer. A study published in March 2001 in the "Journal of Nutrition" concluded that garlic seems to have a direct toxic effect on bladder cancer cells in tissue culture, most likely due its immune stimulating effects. The research was led by Dr. Don Lamm of the Department of Urology, Robert C. Byrd Health Science Center West Virginia University.
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