People may experience bladder incontinence--or loss of bladder control--over time due to muscular weakness in the urinary sphincter or pelvic floor muscles, or because of nervousness or other neurological disorders. Children who experience nighttime incontinence may also have weak bladder muscles. Natural herbs may treat bladder weakness and urinary tract disorders.
Cornsilk
Cornsilk is the fine, grass-like hair surrounding the corn kernels, just beneath the husk. Most just discard it, not knowing that it's an old herbal remedy for urinary tract disorders, including UTI and incontinence. It was used traditionally by herbalists to treat enuresis (bed wetting). More recently, it has been used to treat enlarged prostate. It helps strengthen bladder muscles and flush toxins from the urinary tract. The dried or fresh silk can be steeped in boiling water and drank as a tea up to three times a day.
Dandelion
Dandelion's nutritional value and medicinal properties make it a valuable asset to the herbal pharmacopoeia. It's a natural diuretic and helps alleviate water retention. It's also considered a blood purifier and helps remove toxins from the body. It helps strengthen the entire excretory system and is used to cleanse the liver, gallbladder and kidneys. Dandelion leaves and stems can be eaten fresh in salads, or dried and made into a tea. Do not use dandelion plants from lawns that have been treated with pesticides or herbicides.
Horsetail
Horsetail, also known as bottlebrush, is a versatile herb that grows throughout North America, Europe and Asia. It has been used by herbalists to relieve edema and treat kidney stones. It's a natural astringent and is used for a variety of urinary, bladder and kidney problems. According to Clayton College of Natural Health, it's considered strengthening to connective tissue, which makes it especially useful for bladder incontinence due to muscle weakness. It also has healing properties and is used to treat wounds and sores. Horsetail tea can be made by steeping the dried herb in boiling water for half an hour. It can also be found in tincture form. The usual dose is 2ml to 6ml per day.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, or melissa officinalis, is actually in the mint family. It's a tonic herb that has a calming effect. It's used for a wide variety of conditions, including wounds, toothaches, heart palpitations, PMS, depression, nervousness, exhaustion, nausea and indigestion. Because of its mild sedative effects, it's useful for bladder incontinence due to nervousness or anxiety. It's also astringent and is useful for viral infections and urinary incontinence. The fresh leaves can be made into a tea and taken two to three times per day.
