Urine leakage, also known as urinary incontinence, is a relatively common, and sometimes embarrassing, health problem. MayoClinic.com states that urine leakage is a symptom, not a disease, and that there are two principle types of urine leakage: temporary and persistent. There are several possible causes of both these types of urine leakage. Herbal solutions for urine leakage exist and are often helpful in treating your condition, although you should avoid using herbs until you have discussed this treatment approach with your doctor.
Urine Leakage
Urine leakage is the inability to control urine flow from your bladder. Possible causes of temporary urine leakage include alcohol consumption, over-hydration, dehydration, caffeine, bladder irritation and certain medications. Urinary tract infections and even constipation may be contributing factors in your urine leakage. Possible causes of persistent urine leakage include underlying physical problems, such as pregnancy and childbirth, age-related bladder changes, uterus removal or hysterectomy in women, various prostate problems in men, urine obstruction, and various neurological disorders.
Herbal Solutions
Herbal solutions for urine leakage are often used in treating the underlying cause of your urinary incontinence. Examples of herbal remedies that may be helpful in treating your urine leakage, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, include extracts of green tea, St John's wort, cranberry and saw palmetto. Other herbal solutions that may be helpful in treating your urine leakage include corn silk, California poppy, plantain, nettle, horsetail and oat. Some of these herbs may require more research studies to validate their purported health benefits.
A Commonly Used Remedy
Plantain, notes Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician, expert herbalist and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," is both soothing and healing to your urinary tract and helps maintain the integrity of your bladder's epithelial lining. Plantain possesses diuretic action and has historically been used in treating indigestion or heartburn, bee stings and other ailments. The leaves of the plantain plant are used medicinally, and this plant is native to certain parts of Europe and Asia.
Warning
Herbal solutions for urine leakage, though used for many years in clinical settings, may require further scientific study to substantiate their use. Herbal solutions should always be used conservatively and under the guidance of a health care professional who has extensive training in herbal medicine. Urine leakage, especially persistent urine leakage, may signal an underlying health problem that requires your doctor's attention. If you experience persistent urine leakage, schedule an appointment with your physician.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Urinary Incontinence
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary Incontinence
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
