Overactive bladder is a common problem with many people but most of the sufferers are not very comfortable discussing it with others including their doctors.
However, the problem needs to be diagnosed in order to be treated especially since it can lead to embarrassing incidents when you are outside among friends and family or worse still among strangers. Besides, you don’t want to be standing right next to the bathroom when you are out to enjoy yourself.
While it is easily understandable that you may not want your friends and family to know about the problem but you should let your doctor know about it in order to be treated. If you are still shy about letting your doctor know then you could try a few of the herbal remedies that are known to cure the problem of overactive bladder completely.
Herbal Remedies For Treating Overactive Bladder
1. Dandelion
Dandelion is a gardener’s headache but an herbalist’s delight. The herb is many times mistaken for a weed and uprooted from gardens because it suppresses the growth of other plants. However, not many people are aware that dandelion has amazing healing properties and is a very popular medicinal herb.
It has been successfully used in the treatment of overactive bladder since it helps strengthen the muscles and the connective tissues present inside the bladder thus giving a person better control over his or her bladder movements. The herb is also a natural diuretic and successfully eliminates the extra water from the body.
Dandelion roots are sold in powder form in the market and drinking three cups of dandelion tea will greatly help in the treatment of overactive bladder. A word of caution: do not use the dandelion found growing in your garden for treating any ailments. The medicinal properties of dandelion are only effective when the herb is grown organically.
2. Saw Palmetto
Many people are aware that saw palmetto is a very beneficial herb for treating enlarged prostate in men. The herb effectively treats the enlargement thus eliminating any risk of cancer associated with the problem.However, these days the herb is being increasingly used for treating problems related to kidneys and bladder including overactive bladder issues. The anti-inflammatory properties of the herb help maintain a healthy urinary tract.
3. Buchu
Buchu is an herb that is widely found growing in South Africa and is also known as Barosma betulin. The herb is popularly used by the natives of the place to cure various ailments of kidneys and bladder. Hence, the herb can be used for effective treatment of overactive bladder as well. Studies have also proven that Buchu has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can treat infections like urinary tract infection and penis yeast infection.
The herb is being increasingly used in the treatment of overactive bladder because it makes the connective tissues in the bladder strong thereby making it possible to hold the urine for a longer duration. The herb is sold in dried powdered form in many health stores and drinking 3-4 cups of Buchu herbal tea everyday is recommended for treating overactive bladder.
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4. Cleavers
Cleavers is another herb that is very beneficial in the treatment of problems related to kidneys and bladder including urinary tract infection and overactive bladder. The herb also has diuretic properties that help in the elimination of excess water from the body thus reducing bloating.The herb also clears the inside wall of the bladder that is coated with enzymes that are filtered during urination. The presence of these enzymes inside the bladder not only causes irritation and burning while passing urine but also increases the chances of severe infection.
5. Gosha-Jinki-Gan
Gosha-jinki-gan is an herbal concoction, much like green tea, that comprises of various beneficiary herbs. This herbal combination of different herbs is used for treating many problems including that of overactive bladder. It can be used by both men and women as it helps control the frequency of your trips to the bathroom thus help you sleep better at might.The herbal concoction acts on your nervous system directing the nerves and muscles in the body to have better control over the muscular contractions of the bladder. The herbal medicine also helps increase the size of the bladder making it possible to hold more urine for longer time.
6. Horsetail
Horsetail is an herb that is much like the fern except that it is a fossil plant.The herb is an amazing anti-oxidant and is popularly used for treating edema especially in pregnant women. The anti-inflammatory properties of the herb, combined with the anti-oxidant and diuretic properties, make it an effective medication for treating overactive bladder along with urinary tract infections and kidney stones.However, to treat overactive bladder with horsetail first get the opinion of a medical person and an herbalist.
7. Cornsilk
Not many people are aware that golden thread-like filaments present on the outer surface of corn cobs have herbal properties and are appropriately termed as cornsilk. The primary job of cornsilk threads is to protect the corn kernels from any kind of infection. The threads are thrown away since not many know that they can be effectively used in the treatment of various ailments including overactive bladder.
Cornsilk treats overactive bladder by covering the inside wall of the urinary tract with an impenetrable layer. This protective layer prevents the irritation of the urinary tract, a symptom commonly associated with overactive bladder. Cornsilk is sold in the form of tea in health stores and drinking 4 cups of cornsilk tea every day for a period of 15 days will greatly help the problem of overactive bladder.
The herbs used for treating overactive bladder are generally without any side effects. However, if you are already taking doctor prescribed medication for the same then avoid taking any herbs along with it. Speak to your urologist and an herbalist if you wish to take herbal treatment for overactive bladder. Sometimes you may not be able to consume a particular herb because of its other properties. And never combine any of the mentioned herbs with OTC medicines as it may have serious repercussions.