An overactive bladder, known as urinary incontinence, can be annoying, embarrassing and inconvenient. More than 13 million people in the United States have trouble controlling urination, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Women and the elderly are most susceptible to bladder control problems. A number of treatment options exist for overactive bladder, including certain exercises, medications and even surgery. Several herbs may also improve bladder control. Keep in mind that there is a risk associated with taking herbs, as they are not regulated by the FDA.
Cranberry
Cranberry may help relieve the symptoms of urinary incontinence, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The recommended dosage is 300 to 400 mg of standardized cranberry extract daily. Drinking approximately 12 ounces of unsweetened cranberry juice each day may also suffice. Talk to your health practitioner about using herbal remedies for bladder control.
Crataeva
Crataeva, also known as Crataeva nurvala, may help relieve urinary incontinence, according to the Mayo Clinic. Crataeva has traditionally been used as an herbal remedy for a number of bladder and kidney problems, including urinary stones. The suggested dosage is three to five 500-mg tablets up to three times per day.
Green Tea
Green tea may promote bladder health due its antioxidant and immune-boosting effects, notes the UMMC. The recommended daily intake of green tea standardized extract is about 400 mg. Check with your doctor about using herbal remedies for bladder control issues.
Horsetail
Horsetail has been purported to aid in bladder control, according to the Mayo Clinic. Horsetail has been used as a natural diuretic to help increase urine production and has been suggested as an herbal treatment for urinary tract infections and kidney stones. The suggested dosage of horsetail is 300 mg, three times per day. Check with your health care provider about using horsetail to improve bladder control.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort may relieve symptoms of overactive bladder, according to the UMMC. A dosage of 300 mg up to three times per day is suggested.
An animal study published in July 2004 in the journal “Urology” found that St. John’s wort encouraged bladder control in rats. The study was led by Raffaele Capasso of the Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, in Naples, Italy.
Check with your health care provider about taking St. John’s wort for conditions related to the bladder.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto may have therapeutic value for men with urinary problems related to the prostate . Saw palmetto may be best known as an herbal remedy for an enlarged prostate gland known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The suggested dose is 160 mg two times per day.
