Many people are shy and embarrassed to discuss the problem of overactive bladder with their doctors and health care providers. The problem can cause huge embarrassment if you are working outside or are a socially active person. Frequent trips to the bathroom in company of friends and family can be quite an unnerving task. People who suffer from this condition also lose control of their pelvic floor as well as bladder muscles resulting in accidents.
Sufferers tend to restrict their family as well as social life because they remain always on tenterhooks not knowing when the need to urinate may strike. While this is a huge problem, the good thing is that it can be treated effectively using herbal remedies.
Herbal Remedies for Treating Overactive Bladder
1. Buchu
Buchu, also known as Barosma betulin, is a South African herb that is being used since centuries by the natives to treat conditions related to the kidneys as well as the bladder. It has been successfully used to treat the condition of overactive bladder as well. This medicinal herb is anti-inflammatory in nature. It also has antibacterial properties.
The herb is a natural diuretic and helps in removal of extra water from the body. The herb is used as a tonic to treat overactive bladder and the problem of frequent urination. It strengthens the connective tissues of the bladder, which makes it possible to hold the urine for a longer time. Dried form of the herb is available in many herbal stores. Prepare herbal tea using buchu. Drink the tea 3-4 times a day for as long as you do not regain control over the muscles of your bladder.
2. Gosha-jinki-gan
Gosha-jinki-gan is not an herb but rather a medicinal concoction that is prepared using various herbs. The herbal properties of this concoction are used for treating overactive bladder in both men and women. Regular use of the herbal preparation helps reduce the frequency of urination. This makes it possible to sleep better and longer at night without making frequent trips to the loo. The herbal medicine directly works on the nervous system, which provides the sufferer better control over his/her bladder muscles by preventing too many muscular contractions of the bladder. Gosha-jinki-gan is also known to increase the space within the bladder thus making it possible to store more urine.
3. Cornsilk
Most of us are unaware that cornsilk is the golden silk-like thread that are present inside the outer covering of the corn. The threads cover and protect the corns. We discard away these threads not knowing that they are highly medicinal and very effective in the treatment of overactive bladder.
The herb has enzymes that form a protective layer inside the urinary tract thus reducing the irritation caused by frequent urination. Prepare cornsilk tea by boiling the threads in water for 10-15 minutes. Drink this tea 3-4 times during the tea for successful treatment of overactive bladder.
4. Cleavers
Cleavers has been successfully used in the treatment of overactive bladder. The herb is also used for treating various disorders related to urinary tract including urinary tract infection. The herb is also a natural diuretic and helps get rid of excess water from the body. The herb releases enzymes that coat the inside wall of the bladder reducing the chances of infection that may occur because of irritation caused by frequent urination.
5. Horsetail
Horsetail was actually a fossil plant that is similar to fern in many ways. This herb helps treat edema and is a rich source of anti-oxidants. Horsetail has anti-inflammatory properties as well. The herb helps treat many bladder and kidney related problems including overactive bladder, kidney stones and urinary tract infections. To treat overactive bladder with horsetail consult an experienced and qualified herbalist.
6. Dandelion
The flower of dandelion is a favorite medicine among many herbalists. The herb has amazing medicinal properties that can be used for treating ailments of various kinds. This natural diuretic is useful for strengthening the connective tissues as well as the muscles that are present in the bladder. Better control over the muscles helps prevent the leakage of urine. Drinking tea prepared from dried dandelion flowers is useful in the treatment of overactive bladder. But dried dandelion flowers from your local herb store as the garden variety is treated with harmful chemicals.
7. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is the name of an herb and not an ointment of any sort. The herb belongs to the mint family and is widely consumed in tonic form for strengthening the immune system. The herb helps keep the infections at bay while keeping the nerves calm and composed. This helps deal well with the problems associated with overactive bladder.
Lemon balm is effective in treating overactive bladder caused by some form of disorder of the nervous system. By giving you better control of your nerves, the herb helps reduce the anxiety and worry felt during the condition. Drink herbal concoction prepared using lemon balm. Steep 2 teaspoons of lemon balm in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain the water and allow the drink to cool before drinking it. Take this herbal preparation 2-3 times a day.
8. Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is primarily sued for treating enlargement of prostate gland in men. The enlargement of the gland can cause prostate cancer hence it needs to be treated on an urgency basis. The herb has also been found to treat the problem of overactive bladder. The herb has anti-inflammatory properties that repair the urinary tract and help keep it healthy.
Most of the herbs mentioned above are without any side effects and can be used safely in the treatment of overactive bladder. However, if you are already taking medication for the same condition then it is best to consult your urologist and an herbalist to know if the herbs can be safely used along with the prescription medicines. The herbs can react negatively if taken with doctor prescribed or over-the-counter medications. It is also important to consult an herbalist to find out about the correct dosage of the herbal medicines for treating overactive bladder.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
