Herbal Cures: Bladder Problems

The most common causes of bladder problems are tumors, infections, bladder stones, and old age. Incontinence, or involuntary urination, is a common ailment for older people--especially women--because the sphincter muscles that surround the urethra become gradually weaker with age. Most sufferers can be helped, but because there are different kinds of incontinence, it is important to have a doctor investigate the cause. Many drugs can contribute to the problem, so be sure to tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medication you are taking.

Bladder tumors occur most frequently in men and women over 50 and can be either benign or malignant; the main symptom is blood in the urine, without pain, although tumors located near the urethra can make it difficult to urinate. Bladder stones are usually bigger than kidney stones and therefore more difficult to pass; they cause a need to urinate frequently, painful urination, and blood in the urine. Medical treatment is required for tumors or stones.

In men over 50, the prostate gland typically enlarges, squeezing the urethra and thereby obstructing the flow of urine from the bladder. Usual symptoms are difficulty when beginning to urinate, frequent urination, waking during the night to urinate (nocturia), and dribbling a little urine after you have stopped. Cancer of the prostate is common in old age and may cause symptoms similar to those that occur with enlarged prostate. Cystitis, an infection of the bladder, is much more common in women than in men. This is because the female urethra-- the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body-- is only a few inches long, giving undesirable bacteria easy entry into the bladder.

A doctor can perform a urine culture to determine which bacterium is responsible for your cystitis. Antibiotics are the usual treatment for this condition. Drinking eight glasses of water per day and acidifying the urine by eating citrus and other fruits can be preventive. Because it keeps bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract, cranberry juice is valuable for preventing and treating urinary tract infections. As a preventive, drink 3 ounces of juice per day; to treat infections, drink 12 to 32 ounces a day. Capsules of dried cranberry powder are also available.

Herbal Remedies

Lovage Medical studies have found that lovage's volatile oils contain a host of anti-inflammatory and antiseptic constituents that can sooth inflammation of the urinary tract. To make a tea, pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon minced dried lovage root. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain and drink. The tea should not be taken by people with kidney problems.

Parsley Parsley leaves and roots contain varying amounts of a volatile oil with diuretic properties. A parsley tea may be useful for mild bladder problems, to reduce urinary tract inflammation, and to facilitate the passage of small kidney stones. Add 1 teaspoon of minced leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Avoid the seeds and oil, which can be toxic in large doses. People with kidney disease should consult a doctor before using parsley. Photosensitivity may develop with excessive ingestion.

Uva ursi Before the discovery of sulfa drugs, the herb uva ursi (traditionally known as bearberry) was used as an antiseptic to treat urinary tract infections. Tea bags and extracts are now widely available. The leaves' antiseptic effect results from the metabolic breaking down of the herb's glycosides into an antibacterial substance known as hydroquinone. For this breakdown to happen, the urine must remain alkaline for three to four hours after drinking the tea. To alkanalize the urine, take the tea with a teaspoon of baking soda or with tomatoes, fruit, milk, or potatoes. The tea can be drunk three or four times a day. The taste is bitter and may cause nausea in children and those with sensitive stomachs. Pregnant women should avoid the herb entirely. Others should use it only for a few days at a time: Hydroquinone can become toxic with overuse.

Buchu Buchu leaves, from a South African shrub, have been used as a disinfectant and diuretic for mild urinary tract inflammations. Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon dried buchu leaves, cover and let stand for 10 minutes, then strain. The tea can be drunk several times a day.

Saw palmetto Today an extract of this native palm is the premier herbal remedy for infection and enlargement of the prostate. If you are taking long-term medication for prostate problems, continue as directed and consult your doctor before taking saw palmetto.