Herbs for An Over-Active Bladder

Horsetail "Equesetim"-- a herb often used as a natural remedy of Over-Active Bladder

You may have experienced an "over-active bladder" (OAB) during a time when you had a urinary infection and felt the urgency to urinate, along with that unique searing pain that generally signals cystitis, or inflammation of the urinary bladder.

The International Continence Society, started in the UK and with global branches, defines "over-active bladder" as a symptom of an affliction that can include:

• urgency, or a strong, sometimes painful, need to pee

• frequency-- urgency to pee more often than normal

• nocturia, or having your nighttime sleep interrupted by the need to get up to pee an excessive number of times

Over-active bladder, particularly when we use that phrase to describe what many of us think of as "urinary incontinence" (or usually just "incontinence"), is usually just a description of how the bladder and other urinary tract organs function and not a reference to a urinary tract infection, which is the reason that many are treated with antibiotics and tests of various sorts.  An abnormality in the structure of the urinary tract and/or organs or pelvic floor is generally associated with incontinence OAB.  

A urinary infection can certainly occur as a result of the stress of dealing with incontinence.

Incontinence is often isolating and frustrating.  Feelings of shame, having to wear protective pads or diapers, re-arranging your life to accommodate frequent bathroom visits, and the financial costs incurred are all down-sides of urinary incontinence.  While we mostly think in terms of OAB affecting the elderly (and indeed, most urgent requests for nursing home care come from the care-givers of older women with incontinence),  incontinence can affect all ages from small children and upward.

Here are the herbs ( many available through Amazon) that were reviewed in the NCBI article:

Gosha-jinki-gan (Chinese Medicine herbs-- Please discuss with your health provider)

Hachi-mi-jio-gan (Chinese Medicine herbs-- Please discuss with your health provider)

Buchu (Barosma betulina) (South African Herb -- Please discuss with your health provider)

Cornsilk (Zea mays) (yup, North Amercian corn-- the silk from the female plant) It has been used for years for relief from cystitis, but no clinical studies have been done.

Cleavers (Galium aparine) (North American Herb)-- not to be eaten raw, so often made as tea.  I call it the "velcro weed" because it tends to stick to you in the flower bed.

Horsetail (Equisetum) (European, North American)  Horsetail grows freely in the ditches around where I live.  My mother-in-law used to gather it for tea.  It is high in antioxidants, but there are no clinical studies regarding Over-active Bladder).

Ganoderma lucidum (Grown in Japan, China and other Asian countries) It is a large dark mushroom (fungus) revered as promoting longevity.  Please discuss with your health provider.

HOPING FOR A CURE-- HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS

The current range of anticholinergic pharmaceuticals  available to treat OAB generally have side-effects like dry mouth and constipation, but can have more worrisome effects such as raised blood pressure, heart 'fluttering' and/or changes in heart rhythm.  

The United Nations World Health Organization estimates that about 80% of people, world-wide, use herbs and other alternatives to primary care traditional medical treatments.  Women are the largest users of herbal supplements.  

A medical doctor authored review of the most-used herbs for overcoming Over-Active Bladder-- OAB or incontinence-- was published here at the National Center for Biotechnology Information.  They state in their review's conclusion that many of the herb supplements they review show great promise but can't be endorsed because they lack the necessary research studies.  

I believe that most herbs and other 'natural' products will not be tested by the Pharmaceutical companies because they are not open to patent, and are therefore not economically attractive to this industry-- i.e., they can not be branded by the companies.

 I suspect that many of these herbs-- in supplement form-- are being used by women and men (and children?) attempting to deal with Over-active Bladder syndrome.  There are many "anecdotal" reports of their efficacy but until there are conclusive studies, most people will not feel confident in pursuing this route.  If you know of a Chinese medicine doctor, or a naturopath who you respect, you may want to discuss these herbs with them as possible in helping overcome OAB. 

I would also like to suggest that you listen to Dr. Michael Greger's informative audio called To Pee Or Not To Pee.  He will give you some great information about working to get your bladder back into health and deal with the situation from a place of optimal health... and he won't prescribe a bunch of high-cost supplements, either, promise!  Go here-->To Pee Or Not To Pee

Disclosure: References in this blog are meant for information only and if you have a condition of concern, please consult with your trusted health care provider.

The Chlorinated Swimming Pool and Urinary Infections

Consider this: The average American water park contains 3-4 pounds of fecal matter (that is, poop) in the water. And this poopy contaminant is mostly from adult swimmers who neglect to wipe properly and shower before getting into the pool. (WebND)

Now, chlorine is a fairly powerful chemical that can kill off most germs in seconds, but there are some nastier microorganisms that take much longer to die: e coli, giardia, and shingella are three such frequent fecal contaminants that can end up in the water as a result of swimmers with diarrhea. Cryposporidium is the nastiest little parasite to be water-borne and can live up to seven days in chlorinated pools. (WebND)

The intestinal bacteria, E coli is the most common cause of urinary tract infection. (kidshealth.org)

The pool operations-- the cooling and water uptake-- can weaken the resistance of the mucous membranes of swimmers causing them to become more susceptible to pathogens in the pools. (lenntech.com)

Adenovirus, a group of viruses, can infect the body membranes (tissue linings)including the membranes in the urinary tract. This virus can show up as the same sort of symptoms as a "regular" bacterial-caused urinary tract infection. (kidshealth.org)

The chlorine chemicals, apart from offering some protection from disease-causing bacteria, can themselves create health issues. The June 2003 issue of Occupational and Environmental Medicine talks about a layer of chlorine gas hovering just above the surface of the water that has the potential to damage lung tissue and cause asthma. Indoor pools with low ceilings pose the greatest risk.


Overall, it would appear that the chlorinated swimming pool is a rather hostile environment for swimmers, particularly those with compromised immune systems. If you have recurring urinary tract infections, the Women's Health site of the New York Times suggests that you avoid chlorinated pools altogether.

If you do intend to swim, check into the following recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control:

Swim earlier in the day and not when the water is cloudy in later afternoon and evening. You should be able to see to the bottom of the pool, and see the edges of the pool with water lapping over them as it is filtered.

The sides of the pool should not be tacky or sticky to the touch, but smooth.

There should not be a strong chlorine smell-- a strong smell means that other noxious chemicals are being produced

Keep your mouth closed.

Don't swim with diarrhea or any other infection, for that matter

Take a shower at home before swimming and bathe your children with particular attention to their bottoms. Change babies in bathroom change rooms and not beside the pool. Wear 'toddler swim diapers' on them. Make regular trips to the potty, whether they say they have to go or not.

The best cure is always prevention. If you have a strong immune system-- eat well, follow good hygiene routine, take care of yourself-- you can probably swim in your average chlorinated pool and have little more than red eyes to show for it.

Can Baking Soda Help Relieve a Urinary Tract Infection?

As you will have read before on this site, unsweetened cranberry juice can be a good help for a urinary tract infection-- however, if you are buying and drinking the kind of cranberry juice in the supermarket, you are getting a lot of sugar which will only worsen your infection.

However, don't be discouraged, because here is a cheap and effective remedy-- just be sure to start doing this at the first hint of an impending urinary tract infection. If you want to know more about how Baking Soda works, read Dr. Young's popular book The pH Miracle: Balance Your Diet, Reclaim Your Health (see it on the sidebar). If you have high blood pressure or other serious health issues, consult your physician before taking in any baking soda.

Put 1/4 teaspoon of common, ordinary Baking Soda into an 8-ounce glass of water.  Stir it up.  Drink it while it fizzes once a day beginning when you feel a urinary tract infection coming on.  Drink for no longer than 2 weeks.


References in this blog are meant for information only and if you have a condition of concern, please consult with your trusted health care provider.

Foot Soak for Urinary Tract Infection

Unbelievably soothing if you have cystitis with your urinary tract infection, the following 'foot soak' is as effective, in most cases, as if you did a sitz bath or took a regular bath. 

The essential oils are very small molecules and are able to send their healing properties right through the bottom of the foot and into through the blood stream and even cross the blood-brain barrier.

You can use different essential oils (example: lemon, basil, eucalyptus, fennel) but I have chosen Clary Sage for this particular 'recipe' since it is a uterine tonic said to strengthen the kidney.  You might want to add a few drops (2-5) of Lemon Essential Oil (or a lemon itself, cut in half, skin and all) to assist in the cleansing and soothing.

Find a large-enough, comfortable basin to accommodate both feet.  I use a large turkey roasting pan (I am vegetarian and will never use it again to roast a turkey).

Add the following to the basin:

*1 T. Honey
*1 T. green, eco-friendly Dishwash Liquid (your choice of brand)
*1/4 C. Sea Salt or Epsom Salts
*2 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or other accessible cooking oil)
*5-15 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil (less is often better)
*Whole fresh Lemon, cut in two*(optional)


Add very warm water (do not scald your feet though) to the basin.  Soak for 10-15 minutes.  Rinse your feet off with clear water to get rid of any toxins that are brought to the surface of the skin.  

This soak is a detox and has a relaxing, moisturizing, disinfecting effect. 

 Substitute other essential oils for different conditions.

Image free courtesy of dreamtime.com


References in this blog are meant for information only and if you have a condition of concern, please consult with your trusted health care provider.

Avoid UTI when you avoid the Home Spa

Dr. David G. Williams writes that a Texas A & M University microbiologist recently did testing on 43 different drain-after-use whirlpool baths and found that

95% contained fecal bacteria

81% harbored fungi

36% had the same bacteria that causes Legionnaires' Disease

It appears that whirlpool tub water is over 19,000X more toxic than tap water!

Williams suggests that there are ways to sanitize the pipes and jets to prevent the re-circulation of this bacteria and fungi after you drain your spa.

I would also say think twice about using the whirlpools in hotel rooms!

~extracted from the pre-publication edition of "The 50 Dumbest & Deadliest Medical Myths in Your Mailbox"

Essential Oils for a Child's Urinary Infection

A friend's 4-year old granddaughter was experiencing a lot of itchy discomfort as the result of a urinary tract infection. She wet the bed, which is a pretty common way the body uses to try to get rid of the infection.

These are some of the symptoms:

*burning sensation when passing urine
*strongly colored, strong-smelling urine
*urine is cloudy
*feeling the frequent need to urinate, often with little 'production of urine'
*itchiness in the genital area
*back pain, mostly above the waistline
*possibly tummy pain, nausea, perhaps vomiting
*sudden bed-wetting after being dry at night

CAUTION: If you suspect a urinary infection, take your child to a health care professional immediately.

In her excellent book, Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child: More Than 300 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Essential Oil Blends, Valerie Ann Worwood gives some very good information about preventing and healing urinary infections.

Here are some of the Essential Oils that help:
Melaleuca (Tea Tree)
Niaouli
Chamomile German
Bergamot
Lavender

Try them in the following ways:

HERE IS THE URINARY TRACT INFECTION MIX. Take some time to properly combine the following, preferably in a dark glass bottle (such as an empty essential oil bottle that has been well washed out):
*5 drops niaouli
*5 drops melaleuca
*5 drops bergamot
*5 drops mandarin
*5 drops chamomile german


WARM COMPRESSES:

Put 1 Cup of warm water into a bowl and add 5 drops of the URINARY MIX above. Soak the compress material (soft organic cotton is good), squeeze out and apply on your resting child's back, just above the waistline... (child should be lying on tummy for this).

BACK RUB OIL

Use the appropriate number of drops of the above mix diluted in the appropriate amount of vegetable oil (sesame oil, virgin coconut oil, V6, virgin olive oil) and rub gently over the child's lower back.

Age of Child/ # of drops of UTI Mix/ Amount of Vegetable Oil

Newborns: 1 drop of UTI mix to 1 ounce Veg. Oil
2-6 months: 1-2 drops of UTI mix to 1 ounce Veg. Oil
6-12 months: 1-3 drops of UTI mix to 1 ounce Veg. Oil
1-4 years: 1-5 drops of UTI mix to 1 ounce Veg. Oil
5-7 years: 3-6 drops of UTI mix to 1 ounce Veg. Oil
8-12 years: 5-9 drops of UTI mix to 1 ounce Veg. Oil
12 years and over: 5-10 drops of UTI mix to 1 ounce Veg. Oil

Other suggestions:

*Cut out all sugar-y foods and drinks
*Increase your child's filtered water drinking
*No bubble baths
*Use diluted pure essential oils in the bath
*clean organic cotton underwear is suggested (not 'pullups')
*warm compresses, warm water bottles (NOT HOT), or warmed towels placed over the area of the kidneys often helps-- on the back, just above the waist
*Little girls must be taught to wipe from the front of the genital area to the back only

A Real Honey of a Fix for Bladder infection

Mix 1/2 tsp. good quality cinnamon in one teaspoon of raw honey and stir into
a half glass of hot water and stir very well.  Then add the other half of the hot water and stir again.

Let the cinnamon water cool for 30 minutes and then add in one teaspoon of raw honey, turning very well until completely absorbed. 

It destroys the bacteria in the
bladder. Sweet! Certainly worth a try!


Here Greta tells how to do it:

  Please always consult with your trusted health care professional.