Good muscle tone is vital to bladder control. Women to Women notes that as women age, the urethral muscle can lose strength and flexibility due to decreasing estrogen, causing stress incontinence; men, as they grow older, can also experience weakened bladder muscles, causing overflow incontinence. Some people turn to herbal remedies to promote bladder elasticity. Herbs can have side effects and interfere with prescription medicines; consult your doctor before beginning any herbal regimen.
Buchu
Buchu, botanically known as Barosma betulina, is used by herbalists to promote a healthy bladder and to treat urinary tract infections. According to the Urology Channel, buchu is a soothing diuretic and antiseptic. Herbs 2000 notes that buchu's therapeutic value arises from one of its consitutuents, disophenol--also known as buchu camphor--and recommends taking buchu three times a day in an infusion made by pouring 8 oz. of boiling water over 2 tsp. of buchu leaves, then letting the mixture steep for 10 minutes. Blue Shield Complementary and Alternative Health cautions that you shouldn't use buchu if you are pregnant or nursing.
Cleavers
Cleavers, botanically known as Gallium aparine and also known as goose grass and catchweed, is a common herbal remedy for bladder problems. Herbs 2000 notes that cleavers has a diuretic and detoxifying effect, and endorses it for urinary tract infections and cystitis. Cleavers contains gallosin, an anthraquinone glycoside, and various flavonoids, as well as tannins, which are responsible for its astringent and toning qualities. Blue Shield Complementary and Alternative Health states that cleavers is usually taken three times a day, in a tea made by steeping 3 tsp. of the herb in 8 oz. hot water for 10 minutes. Discuss cleavers with your doctor before taking it; it may interact with prescription medications.
Uva Ursi
Uva Ursi, botanically known as Arctostaphylos uva ursi and also called bearberry, is a popular herbal remedy for bladder problems. Herbalists and naturopaths prescribe it to promote bladder health, tone and strengthen the bladder muscles, and treat urinary tract infections. University of Maryland Medical Center notes that uva ursi contains arbutin, hydroquinone, and tannins, and recommends the herb to help restore elasticity to the bladder. However, uva ursi's high levels of hydroquinone make it toxic to the liver; you should consult your doctor before taking it, and do not use for more than 5 days. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have high blood pressure, Crohn's disease, kidney disease, liver disease or ulcers, you should not take it at all.
Horsetail
Horsetail, botanically known as Equisetum arvense and also called bottlebrush, has been used medicinally for two thousand years. Blue Shield Complementary and Alternative Health notes that Greek physician Galen first recommended horsetail for bladder problems in the second century. Herbs 2000 notes that the herb--which contains silicon, potassium, manganese and assorted flavonoids--promotes strength and elasticity of tissues, and has diuretic and astringent properties. Horsetail can be taken in a tea made by pouring 16 oz. of boiling water over 2 tbsp. of the herb and steeping it for half an hour. If you try horsetail for bladder health, make sure you buy Equisetum arvense and not Equisetum palustre; the latter contains toxic alkaloids. Don't use horsetail if you are pregnant or nursing.
