Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is an inability to control urination. It can be a permanent condition or temporary. This condition occurs more frequently as people age and is twice as common in women as in men. When you have incontinence, there is a problem with either the muscles or the nerve supply in communicating when to hold or empty the bladder. Incontinence may be either stress incontinence (where a small amount leaks during physical activity) or urge incontinence (where the bladder empties completely).
Symptoms
Symptoms of urinary incontinence includes urinary urgency and the involuntary loss of urine.
Causes
Urinary incontinence may be caused by weakened pelvic muscles, medications, a build-up of stool in the bowels, an infection of the urinary tract, diabetes, high calcium levels, and not being able to move around. In women, after menopause the skin in the vagina and urethra sometimes thins and dries, making it less responsive and causing incontinence. For men, incontinence may be caused by an enlarged prostate gland or prostate surgery. Other medical conditions can lead to incontinence like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and severe depression.
Cautions
Incontinence may be a symptom of an underlying condition like a bladder infection or an enlarged prostate. You should seek medical advice.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Buchu – this herb is soothing and antiseptic. It is especially useful for the urinary system.
- Cleavers – this herb is a traditional herbal urinary tonic.
- Corn silk – this herb is a natural diuretic and soothes the urinary tract.
- Horsetail – this herb is astringent and heals tissue that has been traumatized. It is also a mild diuretic. A tea made from horsetail can help strengthen the connective tissues and help restore the urinary system.
- Marshmallow root – this herb is known for its soothing, demulcent properties. Taken as a cold infusion, it does wonders for the urinary tract. Soak the herb in cold water for several hours before straining out the root. Drink as needed.
- Usnea – this herb is a natural antiseptic and it soothes the tissues.
- Devil's claw – this herb will strengthen the bladder so it can hold urine until it is possible to empty it.
- Dandelion – this herb strengthens the kidneys and helps cleanse the urinary tract.
- Parsley – this herb helps with nervous tension, which may be a cause of incontinence. Add parsley to the diet or take a supplement or tea.
- Skullcap – this herb soothes the nerves and thus may be helpful with incontinence.
- St. John's wort – this herb is known for its usefulness with easing the nerves. Take a supplement according to the directions on the label for the best results.
External Applications
- Valerian – this herb can be applied topically in a mixture containing lemon balm, thyme, tormentil and uva ursi. These herbs are missed into carrier oil and massaged on the lower abdomen three times a day.
- Hayflower – apply as a compress from moist and hot hayflower to the areas above the kidney and bladder.
- Chamomile – prepare a sitz bath with chamomile, oat straw and horsetail to stimulate the circulation in the urinary system. Be sure to make enough. Each sitz bath requires from 3 to 5 quarts of herbal infusion.