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Herbal Options for Bladder Control

Bladder control issues can be difficult and embarrassing to deal with. Sometimes prescription and traditional medicine doesn't seem to do the trick and for people who do not have health insurance, natural remedies may be the best route to take.

  1. Pumpkin Seeds

    • According to an article by Lisa D. Ellis available on the Poise website, pumpkin seeds are one of the most commonly used folk remedies for bladder control. According to the article, titled, "Q & A: Herbal Remedies for Bladder Health," pumpkin seeds are also often recommended by health care providers. Three out of every four women who use pumpkin seeds to help with bladder control issues note a remarkable improvement.

      Pumpkin seed extract is available in different forms and supplements. If unsure of the exact dosaging information, check with a nutrition expert or the local health food store. The family doctor may also be able to offer some insight into how much pumpkin seed extract should be taken and how for bladder control.

    Cranberries and Blueberries

    • Cranberries and blueberries contain antibacterial substances. Eating these and drinking cranberry or blueberry tea or juice can help bladder control because the antibacterial substances found in cranberries and blueberries can help prevent infection-causing bacteria from adhering to the bladder. This is beneficial because frequent bladder infections may make incontinence worse in some individuals. Cranberry capsules are available in supplement form from the local health food store or pharmacy section of many discount stores.

      Cranberry and blueberry tea are available in many health food stores and tea sections of the local grocery store. Drink one cup three or more times per day to help with urinary incontinence and bladder control.

    St. John's wort

    • St. John's wort is a very popular herbal supplement typically used as a natural anti-depressant, and it can also be used to help with bladder control. The standard dosage of St. John's wort for bladder control is 300 mg three times a day. This may help urinary incontinence. The downside is that St. John's wort does not mix well with many medications, so ask the pharmacist or doctor before adding St. John's wort to a daily regimen or mixing it with other medications.

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