Overactive bladder, also referred to as urge incontinence, most commonly affects women. This condition can cause a range of uncomfortable and inconvenient symptoms such as increased sense of urgency to urinate, frequency of urination and leakage to name a few. Treatment typically involves bladder training, dietary changes and sometimes medications or even surgery. Popular herbal treatments for this condition each address a particular aspect of the problem and might help relieve symptoms. Before using herbal treatments, consult with a professional qualified to instruct you on the use of herbal therapy for this condition; she can advise you regarding potential side effects, drug/herb interactions, contraindications and dosage.
Cranberry
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends trying cranberry extract for general urinary tract health. You can either supplement with the dried fruit or drink one to two glasses of unsweetened juice daily. You might find unsweetened cranberry juice rather bitter; adding some water can help dilute it. Do not supplement or drink large amounts of cranberry juice if you have an allergy to aspirin---both contain similar components. Cranberries can also increase your risk of kidney stones; they contain oxalate, the most common component of kidney stones. Cranberry can also interact with blood-thinning medications. Drinking too much cranberry juice may cause stomach upset.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort might help with general symptoms of overactive bladder. Use caution with this herb as it can interfere with the metabolization of a wide range of drugs, including antidepressants, birth control pills, antiretrovirals and drugs used to treat seizures, heart disease and certain types of cancer. Possible side effects include sensitivity to sunlight, rash, stomach upset and dizziness.
Cleavers
According to the physician developed and monitored website Urologychannel.com, cleavers has a long history of use as a tonic for general urinary health, and is recommended for overactive bladder in tea form. The University of Michigan Health System notes it has no known side effects, and is safe for pregnant and nursing women. This herb may interact with diuretic medications.
Horsetail
Horsetail has a long history of use for treating bladder problems due to its diuretic and astringent properties. Urologychannel.com recommends consuming horsetail as a tea. Regular use of this herb can lead to a deficiency of vitamin B1 due to its thiamine-destroying properties. You should not use horsetail if you have diabetes, gout, heart disease or kidney disease. It can interact with diuretics, the medication digoxin and nicotine patches. If you drink large amounts of alcohol, you should not use horsetail; this can compound the depletion of vitamin B1.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary Incontinence
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cranberries
- Urologychannel.com: Alternative Treatment for Overactive Bladder
- Food and Drug Administration:Risk of Drug Interactions with St. John's Wort and Indinavir and other Drugs
- University of Michigan Health System: Cleavers
