Urinary incontinence is spoken of when the bladder suddenly empties without its own influence. Already with loss of a drop of urine is medically spoken of incontinence, which can become both temporary and chronic and is often based on urinary tract infections, drainage problems or too high internal pressure in the abdomen. In addition to targeted training of the pelvic floor muscles, home remedies such as pumpkin seeds or cranberries are particularly suitable for successfully treating incontinence.
What helps against incontinence?
A tea made from goldenrod helps flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. Classic home remedies for urinary incontinence include pumpkin seeds from the medicinal gourd, which are suitable for treating men, women and children alike. Not to be confused with the commercial vegetable pumpkins, the seeds of the medicinal pumpkin have a particularly high concentration of phytosterols, which positively influence the urological metabolic process. The pumpkin seeds support the bladder and prostate systems in their function and alleviate bladder weakness by strengthening the bladder muscles. It is recommended to take a heaping tablespoon of pumpkin seeds daily, and the therapy should be carried out over a longer period of time. The bark of the spice sumac, known to many as lady’s bush, also has a high content of phytosterols. Originally native to North America, the plant has been used for more than 120 years to treat irritable bladder, urinary tract infections, and urinary incontinence. Spice sumac extract is often found in combination preparations with medicinal gourd to also provide an anti-inflammatory effect against bladder infections. The active ingredients of goldenrod are also available as a tea. Goldenrod tea has a diuretic and germicidal effect, so that the urinary tract is flushed to flush out bacteria. Goldenrod also has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and analgesic effects. Goldenrod is often offered in combination with nettle, horsetail and hops as a bladder-kidney tea. This tea should be drunk at least once a day and for prevention for several weeks.
Quick help
A special bladder and pelvic floor training offers an everyday life facilitating help against incontinence. During bladder training, the lower abdomen should be gently stroked with the hand and lightly tapped at intervals of about three hours. This can, with practice, trigger a reflex that results in bladder emptying. This practice is helpful before having to leave the house and when no toilet is available on the road. In addition, the bladder itself can also be specifically trained. First, care should be taken to ensure that the bladder always empties at specific times. It is recommended to keep a diary in which the respective intervals are noted in order to document successes or failures. The intervals between emptying the bladder are then extended step by step. Even if the urge to urinate exists, it should be “held” for a brief moment. This automatically exercises the pelvic floor muscles, which helps in regaining control over bladder function. More specific exercises for the bladder and pelvic floor can be learned in various courses offered by educational institutions.
Alternative remedies
The berries and leaves of the cranberry are among the best-known alternative remedies for incontinence, cystitis and bladder weakness. In cranberry leaves, it is the tannic acids and arbutin contained that help against urinary tract infections. An equally effective alternative is bearberry leaves with the same mode of action. A tea made from cranberry leaves also prevents bacteria from settling in the bladder and kidneys and should be drunk up to three times a day. Cranberries, on the other hand, can be helpful fresh, dried, cooked or as juice. Rich in vitamins A, B and C, cranberries are known for their astringent, antibacterial as well as diuretic effects. Cranberry is another effective alternative. In general, with urinary incontinence or urinary infection, fluid intake should never be restricted. On the contrary, fluid intake should be increased to benefit from the flushing effect of the bladder.Blisters that are painful and cramped due to inflammation can be soothed and relieved in a sitz bath with added chamomile. For a sitz bath, either fresh chamomile flowers or tea bags are added to the bath water, and the bath temperature should not exceed 38 degrees Celsius.
