Herbs And An Under-active Bladder

With an underactive bladder, you are unable to properly empty your bladder, and you may even be unable to control your bladder altogether. Herbs such as saw palmetto and others with anti-inflammatory or diuretic properties may be beneficial in cases of underactive bladder. However, the science backing these claims is limited. Therefore, always consult with your doctor before taking these or any herbs for underactive bladder or any health condition.

Underactive Bladder

According to the Underactive Bladder Foundation, UAB, underactive bladder is a condition marked by difficulty producing the necessary contractions to void your bladder of urine. Symptoms include incontinence, prolonged length of time to empty the bladder, incomplete emptying of the bladder and an inability to feel the bladder filling back up. Urinary tract infections are also possible with underactive bladder.

Saw Palmetto

Once listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia, saw palmetto is said to benefit the bladder in a number of ways, including reducing infection and other bladder disorders, including an underactive bladder. When underactive bladder is due to bladder inflammation, or cystitis, saw palmetto may be indicated. Saw palmetto is also said to strengthen the bladder's neck, thereby promoting strong urinary flow. The MayoClinic warns, however, that scant scientific evidence existed as of 2011 supporting saw palmetto's use for an underactive bladder.

Anti-inflammatory Herbs

Herbs that help reduce inflammation can help relieve urinary retention problems, particularly when caused by cystitis, an infection of the bladder that results in bladder inflammation, or B.P.H., inflammation of the prostate. Anti-inflammatory herbs used for cystitis include nettle, sarsaparilla and licorice. According to herbalist David Hoffman in his book "The New Holistic Herbal," other herbs beneficial for cystitis include burdock root, couchgrass and juniper berry, while other good general anti-inflammatory herbs include bogbean, chamomile, devil's claw, marigold and St. John's wort.

Diuretics

One definition of a diuretic is a substance, in this case an herb, that promotes urination. Another definition encompasses any herb that benefits the kidneys or bladder. Dandelion root, according to David Hoffman, may be the most "effective and valuable" of these herbs, while dandelion leaf helps combat water retention in particular. Cleavers is another particularly safe and effective general all-purpose diuretic, with restorative effects on the organs and systems it acts upon, like the bladder. Rounding out the list of diuretics considered particularly helpful against water retention are bearberry and yarrow.