Herbs for Incontinence

Incontinence can be an embarrassing thing that can happen to anyone. Incontinence is the loss of control of the muscles that hold the bladder. This loss of control causes the leaking of urine. The weakened muscles can be helped with the use of a supplementary vitamins containing magnesium, calcium, vitamin E and vitamin B. Specific herbs can also be helpful in controlling incontinence.

Pills and Capsules

• Take some of these herbs in pill or capsule form: horsetail (an astringent with tissue healing properties), buchu (a soothing diuretic and antiseptic), saw palmetto (nerve sedative and works well with the digestive tract, only for men), corn silk (for soothing and diuretic properties), plantain (astringent and demulcent) and nettles (for cleansing). These herbs strengthen the mucous membranes and muscles of the urinary tract that help keep control of the bladder muscles.

Teas

• A tea made from horsetail is helpful in restoring the muscles of the bladder. It strengthens the connective tissues between the muscles. Do not drink horsetail tea for more than one month at a time. Take a break from this tea for at least a week before beginning again.
  Make another kind of tea using 4 tsp. of valerian, 2 tsp. of lemon balm, 1 tsp. of thyme, 2 tsp. of tormentil and 1 tsp. of uva ursi. Mix all the herbs. Add 1 tsp. of the mixture to 1 cup of boiling water. Steep the tea for 10 minutes. Strain and drink. This works best if you drink two cups a day.

Other Herbs

• Make use of other herbs that are good for all types of incontinence problems.
  Pareira helps to retain urine in males who suffer from an enlarged prostate.
  Zincum is helpful for stress incontinence, especially in males.
  Use arnica after surgery if you are suddenly having trouble with incontinence.
  Belladonna works for those whose bladders leak when they are cold. Use causticum if your bladder leaks more in during the winter months when it is colder.
  Take equisetum if you have trouble with leakage especially at night while sleeping.
  Ferrum phos is useful during the daytime. Use this if the urge to urinate is strongest while you are standing and cannot stop the flow. Kreosotum is also good for this same type of problem where you have the urge to urinate yet cannot get to the bathroom in time.

Warnings

• Visit your doctor and discuss any herbs you are taking. Some herbs interact with commercial medications. Some herbs are recommended only for men or women, but not both.