The bladder is part of the urinary system and serves the function of storing urine until it is time for elimination. From your kidneys, urine travels down tubes called ureters to the bladder. Sphincter muscles keep the opening of the bladder closed tightly until the nerves in your bladder signal the brain to allow elimination. A healthy urinary system accumulates, stores and empties regularly; however, problems influenced by medical conditions, acute illness or aging can change this process. Alternative methods, including herbal treatments, are an option for preventing or treating bladder problems, in addition to traditional medical interventions.
Saw Palmetto
The herb saw palmetto comes from a small fruit-bearing palm tree. The ripened fruit is utilized as a tea, capsule or in liquid form for treating symptoms associated with bladder and urinary problems, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes. Supplements containing saw palmetto come in different doses depending on the exact use of the herb. The herb is more commonly used to treat the urinary symptoms associated with prostate enlargement and taken as a capsule extract of 160 mg twice daily. Saw palmetto can interact with blood-thinning medications and oral contraceptives and should not be used without physician consent.
Horsetail
The horsetail plant is a flowerless herb with hollow stems and shoots. Horsetail has use as a diuretic to decrease swelling associated with bladder stones and urinary tract infections, although evidence of its effectiveness for use is not conclusive, Medline Plus notes. Supplements in the form of liquid preparations or dried herb are available. The standardized dose is 300 mg taken three times a day; however, consult your physician before taking this herb due to possible medication interactions. Horsetail is not suggested for long-term use due to it containing a chemical that can lead to thiamine deficiency.
Uva Ursi
The herb uva ursi, also known as bearberry, is used to treat bladder inflammation and urinary tract infections due to its antibacterial properties. Uva ursi is a red-berry producing shrub, but the leaves are the only portion of the herb used for bladder treatments. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates this herb is available in capsules with a standardized dose of 2 to 4 g taken daily, but uva ursi should not be taken for more than five days at a time. This herb has possible interactions with anti-inflammatory drugs and may increase urine acidity if taken with vitamin C and cranberry juice.
Buchu
The buchu herb originates as a shrub with leathery leaves that contain oil. The leaves of the buchu are used for treating inflammation of the bladder or kidneys. One to two buchu leaves are used to treat bladder problems; however, no standard dose exists. Side effects of use include stomach irritation and induced menstrual flow.
Cranberry
Cranberry is useful in treating bladder problems, although it is not an herb. Cranberry is a vitamin-rich antioxidant fruit. Cranberry is used as a preventive measure or as a means for naturally treating mild bladder infections. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, dosage in tablet form is 300 to 400 mg taken twice daily or drinking 8 ounces of unsweetened cranberry juice three times a day. Cranberry is safe with minimal adverse effects or drug interactions; although heart patients particularly should check with their doctors before taking cranberry. Individuals with existing oxalate-related kidney stones are not suggested to use cranberry, which can increase symptoms.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Your Urinary System and How It Works
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Cranberry for Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Saw Palmetto
- Medline Plus: Horsetail
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Uva Ursi
- Drugs.com: Buchu
