Numerous herbs may be helpful for improving your bladder control. According to the Family Doctor website, urinary incontinence, or the loss of bladder control, occurs when you are unable to dictate when you urinate. Urinary incontinence affects millions of American adults, although it is more common in women over the age of 50. Before taking herbs to tone your bladder and decrease urinary incontinence, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola is an herb that may be helpful in improving your bladder control. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, gotu kola, also known as Centella asiatica, is a perennial plant native to India, Japan, China, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the South Pacific. Gotu kola grows in and around water and possesses small green leaves and white or purple flowers. Gotu kola, a member of the parley family, has a spicy taste. The whole plant is used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, including urinary incontinence. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that gotu kola is helpful for urinary incontinence because it stimulates excessive collagen -- a connective tissue -- production, which helps support your bladder tissue. Before taking gotu kola to help improve your bladder control, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is an herb that may be beneficial in improving your bladder control. The Botanical website states that witch hazel, also known as Hamamelis virginiana, is a deciduous shrub native to the eastern United States and Canada. Witch hazel has an astringent taste. The bark of this plant is used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, including urinary incontinence. Tilgner notes that witch hazel is an anti-inflammatory and styptic, or a substance that arrests bleeding, and helps tone your bladder and decrease urinary incontinence. According to Tilgner, irritation of the stomach may occur in sensitive individuals who take this herb. Witch hazel should not be taken for prolonged periods, due to the high tannin content in this herb, which may cause liver damage. Before taking witch hazel to help improve your bladder control, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Corn Silk
Corn silk is an herb that may be effective in improving your bladder control. According to Botanical, corn silk, also known as Zea mays, is native to the world's subtropical countries, but it is cultivated in warm climates. Corn silk, a member of the Poaceae family, has a sweet, mucilaginous taste. The fresh corn silk of the plant is used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, especially urinary tract problems. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that corn silk is used to treat irritation and inflammation of your urinary tract and is particularly useful for enuresis, or the inability to control your flow of urine. Tilgner notes that corn silk may also be helpful for benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. Before taking corn silk to help improve your bladder control, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
