Herbs for Bladder Leakage

Herbs for Bladder Leakage
Photo Credit aguirre_mar/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Numerous herbs may be helpful in treating your bladder leakage. According to the Family Doctor website, urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. Urinary incontinence ranges from a small amount of bladder leakage to having strong urges to urinate that are challenging to control. Before taking herbs to help treat your bladder leakage and incontinence, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Yellow Cedar

Yellow cedar is an herb that may be helpful in treating your bladder leakage and incontinence. According to the Botanical website, yellow cedar, also known as Thuja occidentalis, is a tree that grows in certain parts of North America and Britain. Yellow cedar, a member of the pine family, has a slightly bitter taste. The scales of the tree are used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that yellow cedar is an antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial that is helpful in treating urinary incontinence and bladder leakage, noctural enuresis, or night-time bed-wetting, in children and respiratory and urinary tract infections. Before taking yellow cedar to help treat your bladder leakage, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Shepherd's Purse

Shepherd's purse is an herb that may be beneficial in treating your bladder leakage and urinary incontinence. The Botanical website states that shepherd's purse, also known as Capsella bursa-pastoris, is a plant native to Europe, although it now grows throughout North America. Shepherd's purse thrives in numerous soil types, reaching a maximum height of 2 feet when grown in rich soil. Shepherd's purse, a member of the mustard family, has a spicy taste. The aerial herb in fruiting stage is used medicinally to treat numerous health problems. According to Tilgner, shepherd's purse is a hemostatic and diuretic and improves the tone of your pelvic organs, including your bladder. Shepherd's purse gently stimulates your kidneys and urinary tract, notes Tilgner. Before taking shepherd's purse to help treat your incontinence and bladder leakage, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Gotu Kola

Gotu kola is an herb that may be effective in treating your bladder leakage and urinary incontinence. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, gotu kola, also known as Centella asiatica, is a perennial plant native to India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, China and Japan that has been used to treat numerous health problems. Gotu kola, a member of the parsley family, has a spicy taste. The whole plant, especially the dried aerial parts, are used medicinally. Tilgner states that gotu kola is an adaptogen, or substance that helps restore balance to your organs, including your bladder. Gotu kola may be helpful in treating incontinence and bladder leakage due to its ability to stimulate glycosaminoglycan, or GAG, synthesis. GAGs help compose the inner-most layer of your urinary bladder. More GAGs means increased support for your bladder tissue. Before taking gotu kola to help treat your bladder leakage and incontinence, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

References

Article reviewed by JPC Last updated on: Nov 14, 2010

Must see: Photo Galleries