The human urinary tract works naturally to rid the body of excess fluid. To function properly, a healthy bladder does not need to be purged or flushed. However, practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine may recommend specific techniques to "cleanse" the bladder of bacteria and certain toxins. No scientific studies have demonstrated any benefits associated with bladder purging, but several botanical products have been used traditionally for this purpose. Consult your health-care provider before using any medicinal herbs, particularly if you have a medical condition.
Increased Water Intake
Increased water intake is the safest, most effective method for purging a bladder. Water, juice and other fluids help to increase the activity of the urinary tract, thereby flushing toxins and bacteria from the system. According to Mayo Clinic, most adults should drink 1.5 to 3 liters of water each day to flush toxins from vital organs and to maintain overall health and well-being. If you are drinking sufficient amounts of water, you should produce roughly six cups of clear urine each day. Although an adult can safely drink several cups of water with no ill effects, Mayo Clinic advises against extreme or excessive consumption of fluids. Very large amounts of water may cause hyponatremia, a life-threatening condition.
Dandelion
The leaves, roots and flowers of the dandelion plant have been used for centuries for their diuretic properties. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, dandelion stimulates the production of urine while also helping to replace potassium, an electrolyte mineral frequently lost during treatment with diuretics. The UMMC additionally notes that compounds in dandelion may improve the function of the kidneys and liver--the major "filter" organs of the body. Although dandelion is generally safe, the UMMC advises caution in people with gallbladder disease and anyone with a history of seasonal allergies.
Goldenseal
The medicinal herb goldenseal, famed for its immune-stimulating properties, has been used for centuries to purge the bladder of waste, bacteria and excess fluids. Herbalists have traditionally valued goldenseal for its diuretic properties, although it is now more commonly used for other purposes. According to the UMMC, health-care providers now use goldenseal for its natural antibiotic and antiseptic properties. No well-designed studies have evaluated goldenseal's effect on bladder health, but its antibacterial properties make it an ideal holistic treatment option for urinary tract infections.
Cranberry
Cranberry, a tart fruit originating in North America, may help to purge the bladder of infectious bacteria. The National Institutes of Health reports that that there is "good scientific evidence" supporting cranberry's use as a preventative treatment for urinary tract infections. Cranberry juice appears to heal the bladder by preventing infectious bacteria from clinging to the walls of the urinary tract. However, the NIH notes that there is insufficient evidence to conclusively demonstrate cranberry's efficacy as a treatment option for pre-existing bladder infections. Consult your primary health-care provider if you believe you have a urinary tract infection.
