Overactive bladder, or OAB, is the medical term used to describe unpredictable contractions of the bladder muscles due to malfunction of the bladder nerves. This may lead to the constant need or sudden uncontrollable urge to urinate, with or without bladder leakage. OAB without leakage is known as dry overactive bladder and is experienced by 7 percent of women. Risk factors for OAB include age, obesity, pelvic surgery and the onset of conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. Herbal remedies may be useful to treat the symptoms of OAB.
Chinese Medicine and OAB
Traditional Chinese medicine is a holistic approach to health based on correcting imbalances within the body, thereby allowing it to heal itself. One such herbal medicine, gosha-jinki-gan, is thought to be potentially therapeutic in treating an overactive bladder, according to a study by the department of urology at Toshiba General Hospital in 2007. Made from a combination of several herbs, it was found to decrease urinary urgency and frequency and improve the quality of life for OAB patients. According to a report in February 2007 in the "Journal of Urology," researchers at the University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan found gosha-jinki-gan reduced the number of bladder contractions in rats by aiding the nervous system. Alpinia oxyphylla, another Chinese herbal medicine and member of the ginger family, is an anti-inflammatory thought to reduce the need for frequent urination and improve bladder control.
Pumpkin Seed and Soy Extracts
According to a report by William Faloon, published in "Life Extension Magazine" in November 2008, separate studies on maturing women found that water-soluble pumpkin seed and soy extracts rapidly reduced the number of day and nighttime urination urges in sufferers of OAB by 39 percent and 68 percent, respectively. Since the beneficial effect increased the longer each study went on, it was concluded that a steady improvement might occur when using pumpkin seed and soy extracts for long periods.
Buchu
Buchu is a traditional South African herb and diuretic that may have an antiseptic effect on the urinary system. It is used today in Western herbal medicine to treat urinary tract infections, acute or chronic cystitis and symptoms of an irritable bladder, all of which may be causes of OAB. Dosage is 1 to 2 tsp. of the leaves infused in boiling water for 10 minutes, taken three times a day. Or take 2 to 4 mL of the tincture three times daily.
Other Useful Herbs
According to theNaturalBladder.com website, ginseng enhances the conversion of a naturally occurring amino acid, L-arginine, into nitric oxide believed to help relax the bladder muscles. Goldenseal, echinacea and nettle can all be taken as herbal teas to flush out the bladder if OAB symptoms are caused by a bacterial infection. Cranberry juice is also beneficial in preventing harmful and infectious bacteria from adhering to the lining of the urinary tract.
Urinary tract infections may cause kidney damage if not caught early, therefore, always seek medical advice before taking herbal treatments.
References
- Cornell University; Department of Urology; Overactive Bladder; 2010
- Department of Urology, Toshiba General Hospital: Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine on Overactive Bladder; December 2007
- "Journal of Urology"; Effect of Gosha-jinki-gan, a Blended Herbal Medicine, on Bladder Activity in Rats; Saori Nishijima et al.; February 2007
- theNaturalBladder.com: Natural Herbal Alternatives For An Overactive Bladder; 2008
- Life Extension Magazine: A Breakthrough in the Relief of Overactive Bladder and Urinary Incontinence; William Faloon; November 2008
- Herbs2000.com: Bichu
