blackcat
11-15-2004, 07:28 AM
Hi all,
Where I've found that I can't take the pills my doctors been trying for my bladder because they don't seem to agree with me, I've been on the hunt for herbal things that might help. So I just thought I'd share all the info I've found and various links, for anyone that's looking for a herbal alternative.
Firstly it's wise to check with your doctor if your taking any medications, as some herbal things can interact badily with medications. And some shouldn't be taken if you have certain illnessess, or are pregnant. So please be sure before you take any.
Here's a link for a herbal reference guide, has info on tons of herbs etc http://www.crystalgardenherbs.com/HerbalReferenceGuide.htm
Some that I've found mention bladder things that I think sound promising.
HORSETAIL - "Indications: Horsetail is an excellent astringent for the genito-urinary system, reducing hemorrhage and healing wounds thanks to the high silica content. Whilst it acts as a mild diuretic, its toning and astringent actions make it invaluable in the treatment of incontinence and bed wetting in children. It is considered a specific in cases of inflammation or benign enlargement of the prostate gland."
"Inflammation of the urinary tract"
"This primitive plant has a strong astringent action on the urinary tract, helping in some cases of cystits, urethritis and prostatitis, and traditionally used for bed-wetting. It can strengthen connective tissue due to its high silica content.
Do not use for longer than 6 weeks unless under professional supervision. Always combine with soothing, demulcent herbs such as marshmallow leaf or cornsilk.
Cystitis, urethritis, urinary tract infections, urinary astringent."
KAVA KAVA ROOT - BIG WARNING WITH THIS ONE. IT HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN FROM SOME COUNTRIES DUE TO FEARS THAT IT MAY BE UNSAFE AND CAUSE LIVER PROBLEMS- SO BARE IN MIND. Couple of links of this http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1718164.stm
http://alex.iomis.com/article/SUSPENSION_OF_KAVA_KAVA_SALES_FOLLOWING_SAFETY_CONCERNS_327.asp
http://www.artemisherbs.co.uk/info/kava_kava_root_tincture.html
"Kava kava is now well-known for its strongly relaxing effect. It can be helpful in painful conditions, especially where there is much muscle tension. Kava kava is also a urinary disinfectant and relaxant, making it ideal in 'irritable bladder'.
Avoid in pregnancy. Do not take for longer than 4 weeks and do not take over the recommended dosage. In high, sustained doses, kava can occassionally cause a skin rash which will go on stopping the herb.
Insomnia, anxiety, hypertension, panic attacks, irritable bladder, IBS, muscle spasm."
Its also used a lot for stress, anxiety problems, sleeping problems and such. But don't mix it with regular medications for these things.
MARSHMELLOW LEAF - Now this one gets a bit confussing, the one recommended by the icn handbook is marshmellow root. Now this may be correct, however I have found a couple of sites that seem to say that it's infact the leaf, not root which is needed for bladder/urinary problems. So make up your own mind here.
http://www.artemisherbs.co.uk/jsp/artemis/c_viewnotes.jsp?id=T10085-100
http://www.artemisherbs.co.uk/jsp/artemis/c_viewnotes.jsp?id=T10084-100
"The roots have been used more for the digestive system whilst the leaves are used more for the urinary system and lungs. All inflammatory conditions of the G-I tract will benefit from its use, e.g. inflammations of the mouth, gastritis, peptic ulceration, colitis etc.. The leaves help in cystitis, urethritis and urinary gravel as well as bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, irritating coughs. Externally the herb is often used in drawing ointments for abscesses and boils or as an emollient for varicose veins and ulcers."
CORN SILK - "Corn silk is a soothing urinary remedy, suitable for almost any problem affecting the urinary tract. It is helpful in urinary frequency due to irritation of the bladder and urethra. It has a gentle diuretic action and will aid the passage of urine in conditions such as prostate enlargement. By soothing and healing the walls of the urinary tract, it is an ideal remedy in chronic cystitis, where it will combine well with antimicrobial urinary herbs such as buchu, couchgrass or juniper. Suitable for children. Best avoided in pregnancy.
Cystitis, urinary infections, prostate enlargement, interstitial cystitis, irritable bladder."
CRAMP BARK - This one is likely more useful for cramping problems. Spasms perhaps of the bladder, etc.
http://www.herbaltransitions.com/materiamedica/Viburnum.htm "specific indications: Cramp bark can be used for most spasmodic pains but is specific for spasmodic and congestive conditions of the female genitourinary tract. It is indicated when pelvic pains extend down the thighs and are accompanied by nausea."
Well thats about it. Please be sure to check the safety of any of these with any medications you are already taking, or any medical conditions you already have.
Where I've found that I can't take the pills my doctors been trying for my bladder because they don't seem to agree with me, I've been on the hunt for herbal things that might help. So I just thought I'd share all the info I've found and various links, for anyone that's looking for a herbal alternative.
Firstly it's wise to check with your doctor if your taking any medications, as some herbal things can interact badily with medications. And some shouldn't be taken if you have certain illnessess, or are pregnant. So please be sure before you take any.
Here's a link for a herbal reference guide, has info on tons of herbs etc http://www.crystalgardenherbs.com/HerbalReferenceGuide.htm
Some that I've found mention bladder things that I think sound promising.
HORSETAIL - "Indications: Horsetail is an excellent astringent for the genito-urinary system, reducing hemorrhage and healing wounds thanks to the high silica content. Whilst it acts as a mild diuretic, its toning and astringent actions make it invaluable in the treatment of incontinence and bed wetting in children. It is considered a specific in cases of inflammation or benign enlargement of the prostate gland."
"Inflammation of the urinary tract"
"This primitive plant has a strong astringent action on the urinary tract, helping in some cases of cystits, urethritis and prostatitis, and traditionally used for bed-wetting. It can strengthen connective tissue due to its high silica content.
Do not use for longer than 6 weeks unless under professional supervision. Always combine with soothing, demulcent herbs such as marshmallow leaf or cornsilk.
Cystitis, urethritis, urinary tract infections, urinary astringent."
KAVA KAVA ROOT - BIG WARNING WITH THIS ONE. IT HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN FROM SOME COUNTRIES DUE TO FEARS THAT IT MAY BE UNSAFE AND CAUSE LIVER PROBLEMS- SO BARE IN MIND. Couple of links of this http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1718164.stm
http://alex.iomis.com/article/SUSPENSION_OF_KAVA_KAVA_SALES_FOLLOWING_SAFETY_CONCERNS_327.asp
http://www.artemisherbs.co.uk/info/kava_kava_root_tincture.html
"Kava kava is now well-known for its strongly relaxing effect. It can be helpful in painful conditions, especially where there is much muscle tension. Kava kava is also a urinary disinfectant and relaxant, making it ideal in 'irritable bladder'.
Avoid in pregnancy. Do not take for longer than 4 weeks and do not take over the recommended dosage. In high, sustained doses, kava can occassionally cause a skin rash which will go on stopping the herb.
Insomnia, anxiety, hypertension, panic attacks, irritable bladder, IBS, muscle spasm."
Its also used a lot for stress, anxiety problems, sleeping problems and such. But don't mix it with regular medications for these things.
MARSHMELLOW LEAF - Now this one gets a bit confussing, the one recommended by the icn handbook is marshmellow root. Now this may be correct, however I have found a couple of sites that seem to say that it's infact the leaf, not root which is needed for bladder/urinary problems. So make up your own mind here.
http://www.artemisherbs.co.uk/jsp/artemis/c_viewnotes.jsp?id=T10085-100
http://www.artemisherbs.co.uk/jsp/artemis/c_viewnotes.jsp?id=T10084-100
"The roots have been used more for the digestive system whilst the leaves are used more for the urinary system and lungs. All inflammatory conditions of the G-I tract will benefit from its use, e.g. inflammations of the mouth, gastritis, peptic ulceration, colitis etc.. The leaves help in cystitis, urethritis and urinary gravel as well as bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, irritating coughs. Externally the herb is often used in drawing ointments for abscesses and boils or as an emollient for varicose veins and ulcers."
CORN SILK - "Corn silk is a soothing urinary remedy, suitable for almost any problem affecting the urinary tract. It is helpful in urinary frequency due to irritation of the bladder and urethra. It has a gentle diuretic action and will aid the passage of urine in conditions such as prostate enlargement. By soothing and healing the walls of the urinary tract, it is an ideal remedy in chronic cystitis, where it will combine well with antimicrobial urinary herbs such as buchu, couchgrass or juniper. Suitable for children. Best avoided in pregnancy.
Cystitis, urinary infections, prostate enlargement, interstitial cystitis, irritable bladder."
CRAMP BARK - This one is likely more useful for cramping problems. Spasms perhaps of the bladder, etc.
http://www.herbaltransitions.com/materiamedica/Viburnum.htm "specific indications: Cramp bark can be used for most spasmodic pains but is specific for spasmodic and congestive conditions of the female genitourinary tract. It is indicated when pelvic pains extend down the thighs and are accompanied by nausea."
Well thats about it. Please be sure to check the safety of any of these with any medications you are already taking, or any medical conditions you already have.