Treatment of overactive bladder, also known as incontinence can be achieved with natural herbal remedies as well as conventional pharmaceutical drugs. Irritable bladder is characterized by sudden urges to urinate, but is not painful. The bladder feels full and there is generally no apparent reason to urinate. Also referred to as stress incontinence, this condition occurs in men and women. Using herbs and other natural remedies to treat an overactive bladder is an alternative to drugs, and many herbs show efficacy for this condition. If you suffer from incontinence due to menopause or other conditions, try some of these ideas to obtain relief.
Step 1
Use herbs for irritable bladder symptoms. In his well known herbal guide, "Back to Eden," Jethro Kloss recommends some of the following herbs for incontinence: Pumpkin seed is especially effective in post-menopausal woman. Pumpkin seed is rich in essential fatty acids. Pumpkin seed has been used for centuries by Native Americans to treat bladder and prostrate problems.
Magnesium may help reduce spasticity in the muscles which prevent the bladder from fully voiding. Take magnesium before going to bed to help reduce incidence of nocturnal eneurisis, or bed wetting.
Cleaver is another herb used for reducing inflammation and infection in the bladder. Cleaver improves bladder over-activity by reducing infection helping spasms to relax and helping the bladder regain its natural disposition.
Buchu, is a South American herb used for hundreds of years for the treatment of inflammation in the bladder. Although, considered a diuretic, Buchu is known to help overcome incontinence by resolving inflammatory conditions and mild infections. Although it might seem odd to use a diuretic for incontinence, bladder control is affected by the inflammation and this can cause incomplete discharging of urine with dribbling and leaking as a result. Curing the infection with Buchu aids bladder control by increasing the bladder's ability to properly function.
Step 2
Visit a chiropractor. Certain chiropractic adjustments can affect bladder spasms and decrease incontinence.
Step 3
Check for food sensitivities and allergies. If you are allergic to certain foods, it may increase the likelihood of incontinence.
Step 4
Eliminate caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea and sodas from your diet. Caffeine is a natural diuretic and stimulates the bladder, adding to incontinence.
Step 5
Use Chinese herbs for bladder control. The Natural Bladder site suggests several Chinese herbs for the treatment of incontinence: Alpinia oxyphylla is a member of the ginger family used to help to control frequent urination and loss of bladder control. Cornus officinalis has been used for hundreds of years to treat irritable bladder, menstrual bleeding and boosts the immune system.
Schisandra chinensis is a well known Chinese herb considered to be an adaptogen, a substance that aids the body in coping with stress, and is used to stop frequent urination. Panax ginseng counteracts stress and helps the bladder muscle to relax offering relief from spasms causing incontinence. Consult a Doctor of Eastern medicine if you are unsure how to take these herbs.
Tips and Warnings
- You may have to try several different herbal preparations to find the right one. Combine a variety of approaches for treating incontinence.
- Unless you are comfortable and knowledgeable about using herbs, visit a naturopath or herbal practitioner for guidance. The suggestions offered here are for educational purposes and are not meant to replace medical advice.
Things You'll Need
- Herbs and minerals
- Chinese herbs
References
- "The Green Pharmacy;" James A. Duke, Ph.D.; 1997
- "Back to Eden;" Jethro Kloss; 1974
- The Natural Bladder
