Overactive bladder (urinary incontinence) is a common health condition, especially in women. It is also a health problem many people are embarrassed by and don’t openly discuss it. If you have frequent trips to the toilet and accidents, then it is time to do something about this issue.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of overactive bladder are:
- Despairing need to pee but you cannot get to the toilet in time;
- Sudden urge from hearing a sound of sipping a drink or running water;
- Leaking urine when your laugh hard, sneeze, cough, or exercise;
- Large amounts of urine every time when you pee, or
- Running to the toilet even when your bladder is empty.
Overactive bladder: health problem for women of all ages
You may think overactive bladder is something that occurs when you get older. The truth is that women of all ages can have urine leakage. Men can have this problem as well, but still it is more common in women.
This disorder is most common for women who have stopped having their periods (menopause). Urinary incontinence may be a small problem or a large bother.
About 52 % of adult women in the USA say they have had bladder control problems at some period of their life. This is also an annoying daily problem to many women.
Older women usually have this problem, but that does not mean it is a natural part of getting older. Therefore, you cannot “just face it” and not treating it. There are some things you can do to regain your bladder control.
The Most Effective Herbal Treatments
Apart from some lifestyle changes, many people treat overactive bladder with herbal remedies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims that about 75% of people with overactive bladder have turned to home remedies at some point.
So, why people often choose to go natural?
Dr. Bilal Chughtai, an assistant professor of urology at Weill Cornell Medical College, says that people go natural because they have unpleasant side effects of many medications or their medical treatments does not work.
Herbal treatments have shown an excellent result for treating overactive bladder. According to CDC, herbs are probably one of the most effective home treatments for urinary incontinence. So, try whipping up one of these great teas to naturally provide relief from the discomfort:
- Horsetail tea
Horsetail is named for its tail-like appearance, and it is a member of the fern family. It usually grows in marshes, rivers and swamps.
Horsetail is rich in antioxidants that are thought to protect against stress. Many researchers suggest that horsetail tea has an ability to slow or reverse this process.
- Gosha-jinki-gan tea
It is a Japanese blend of 10 amazing herbs. This tea is a most studied product. Researchers have shown that people who consumed it every day for eight weeks went to toilet less. Some other studies are claiming that it lowers the urge and thus, helps with urinary incontinence.
- Cleavers (Bedstraw) Tea
Cleavers have small and sticky hooks on their leaves. They are traditionally used in a tea form to treat various urinary issues. There are few researchers who claim that this tea can soothe the bladder.
As a Your Health Tuber– nutritionist, I have experience with cleavers tea for urinary problems, and I recommend you to use it.
- Saw Palmetto Berries Tea
It is a tea made from berries of a dwarf palm tree. In Europe, people often use this tea to treat enlarged prostate problems.
The latest research suggests that saw palmetto has great compounds that can work with nerves in the urinary tract to ease overactive bladder.
You can find saw palmetto in the form of tea and extract in the USA.
- Hachimi-jio-gan herbal complex
Hachimijiogan herbal complex is a popular Chinese herbal remedy. It contains 8 powerful ingredients: Poria whole plant, Rehmannia root, Chinese yam root, Astragalus root, Asiatic dogwood aerial part, Cassia bark, Barrenwort aerial part, and Water plantain aerial part.
Many studies proved its amazing effects in the treatment of overactive bladder. It has an ability to ease muscle contractions in the bladder.
In the USA, you can find Hachimi-jio-gan in a granule form.
- Corn silk tea
Corn silk tea is a very nice tasting infusion, traditionally employed as an anti-inflammatory tea for many urinary tract problems. It is also packed with incredible vitamins and has great anti-oxidant properties.
It can be made from fresh or dried tassels. This tea can help you to eliminate excess water and calm cramps. Corn silk extract made from a fresh silk can be added to cranberry juice or other herbal teas when treating overactive bladder and kidney problems.
- Buchu tea
It is a flowering plant that originates from the mountains of South Africa. Buchu (barosma betulina) plant has been used as an herbal remedy since 1650.
This tasty tea can treat numerous health problems, from coughs and stomach pain to bladder and kidney infections.
- Capsaicin
Capsaicin is a component of chili peppers that are plants from the genus Capsicum. Chili peppers get their hotness from this powerful spicy compound.
Experts have different opinions about capsaicin. However, the latest researchers in Thailand found that it aids you to go less in the toilet and controls your bladder. You can find it in a form of tea together with a green tea. Ask for this combination in your local organic store, pharmacy, or supermarket.
Note: Some people may feel mild pain or irritation as a side effect.
- Ganoderma lucidum & Green Tea
This tea is a combination of best organic green tea leaves packed with renowned Ganoderma lucigym mushroom. It is a mushroom that has been a staple of Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years
Green tea is abundant in antioxidants that can reduce bladder inflammation. So, this combination of green tea and Ganoderma lucidum mushroom is a truly invigorating infusion that doctors recommend for urinary issues and prostate problems. Studies have proven that a regular use of this blend can drastically lower the urge to go. Simply drink 2-3 cups of this tea every day.
You can find green tea with Ganoderma lucidum in every organic store, pharmacy, or supermarket.
Medications That Worsen Overactive Bladder
There are some medicines that you may take for treating other health problems that can cause or worsen urinary incontinence. Although certain types of antidepressants can relieve the symptoms of overactive bladder, they can also cause other issues and make incontinence worse.
Hence, if you choose to treat this condition with medications, you need to tell your doctor about the drugs that you are taking already.
Conclusion:
Home remedies are the most common approach to treating incontinence. Many of these herbal treatments have been used for centuries. Herb-based remedies can be a safe way of treatment because they’re made from natural ingredients. However, if you want to use some of these teas, you should always consult your doctor or urologist first. They can help you find the best tea for you. The one that will help you ease overactive bladder and is good for your well-being.
Reference: ]The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)