Optimizing Bladder Health with Natural Remedies

| Modified on Jan 15, 2024
Nutmeg

Bladder issues, such as overactive bladder, bladder control problems, bladder pain, and changes in urine quality, can significantly impact daily life. These conditions can be unsettling and may cause discomfort or embarrassment. However, natural remedies offer a promising solution for improving bladder health and enhancing overall well-being.

Age-related changes, illnesses, and specific health conditions can lead to bladder control issues. Women, in particular, are more susceptible to bladder problems, including incontinence, due to the complexities of their urogenital system influenced by pregnancy and childbirth. Despite this, bladder issues are not unavoidable and can often be managed or improved. Incorporating exercises, dietary adjustments, and natural supplements can significantly benefit bladder health.

Effective Natural Solutions for Bladder Health

  1. Cranberry Benefits: Cranberries are renowned for supporting bladder health. Research, including studies conducted in Israel, has demonstrated that cranberry juice contains compounds that help flush out harmful agents from the bladder. Including cranberries or cranberry juice in your diet can be a simple yet effective way to maintain a healthy urinary system.
  2. Horsetail: Horsetail is a herb traditionally used for various urinary and bladder issues. Its natural diuretic properties can help cleanse the urinary tract and improve bladder function.
  3. Saw Palmetto: Often associated with prostate health, saw palmetto can also benefit bladder health. It helps manage bladder control problems, especially in individuals experiencing age-related changes.
  4. Cornsilk: Cornsilk, derived from the silky tassels of corn, is another natural remedy known for its positive effects on bladder health. It soothes the urinary tract and can help alleviate symptoms of bladder discomfort.
  5. Pumpkin Seeds: Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, pumpkin seeds can help strengthen bladder muscles and improve bladder control, making them a beneficial addition for those with overactive bladder symptoms.
  6. Uva Ursi: This herb has a long history of use in traditional medicine for urinary tract health. Uva Ursi's antiseptic properties can aid in reducing inflammation and combating urinary tract infections, which often contribute to bladder discomfort.
  7. Marshmallow Root: Marshmallow root is known for its soothing properties, particularly for the mucous membranes of the urinary system. It can help relieve irritation and inflammation in the bladder and urinary tract.
  8. Dandelion: Dandelion acts as a natural diuretic and can help flush out toxins from the urinary tract. It also supports kidney function, indirectly benefiting bladder health.
  9. Buchu: Buchu is a South African herb traditionally used for urinary and bladder issues. It has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively managing symptoms of bladder infections and discomfort.
  10. Nettle: Nettle is a powerful herb with diuretic properties, helping to cleanse the urinary tract and improve bladder function. It also supports overall kidney and urinary health.

In addition to these natural remedies, lifestyle changes such as staying hydrated, practicing pelvic floor exercises, and avoiding irritants like caffeine and alcohol can further contribute to bladder health. It's important to remember that while these natural solutions can be helpful, they should not replace medical advice or treatment.

If you experience persistent bladder issues, consulting a healthcare professional is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Continue reading below for feedback from Earth Clinic readers about which natural remedies helped their bladder issues, and please let us know what helped you!

Related Links:

Effective Natural UTI Remedies for Quick Relief
Top Natural Remedies for Interstitial Cystitis Relief




Acupressure

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Luis G. (Colombia) on 08/10/2019
★★★★★

For the irritable bladder, not infectious cystitis, I found an acupuncture remedy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and it is the 62V point of the bladder meridian.

Massaging this point clockwise (toning) I found immediate relief. Neither allopathic (conventional) medicine, nor bioenergetic medicine, nor homeopathic medicine offered me a solution.

Thank God I found healing when I was already very frustrated and disappointed.

EC: Thank you, Luis! For those interested in locating this point: Type "62V shen mai" into Google images to see the meridian point just below the shin bone (Tibia).


Apple Cider Vinegar

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Pam (Orange County, Ca) on 12/02/2009
★★★★★

I was awaked from feeling the urge to pee this morning. And later when I went again, I felt the burning sensation and a bit of blood in my urine. I immediately mixed 2 tbsp of organic Apple cider vinegar and 4 oz of water to drink. I also tried dabbing ACV to where I pee for 20 minutes, and the burning sensation subsided when I went again, which was about 30 minutes later, but I saw more blood in my urine. I was worried for a while and thinking if I should go see a doctor instead. But, I continued drinking ACV every hour. Then, by noon I felt normal again. I don't feel the urge to go, no more burning sensation, and no blood in the urine.

I'll continue to drink ACV, 2 tbsp 8 oz of water (I cut down the ACV as I feel better already), for the next couple of days to make sure the infection is completely gone.

Thanks to the Earth Clinic and all the people posting their experiences with the ACV remedy. I'm now pain free. I cannot thank you enough.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Milly (Wales, Uk) on 11/17/2009
★★★★★

Urinary Problems: Started taking apple cider vinegar after reading of all the health benefits. I really like it with tomato juice. After about a week I noticed that I sleep through the night without needing to get up to visit the bathroom. I am very happy about this and feel far more energetic during the day. Thank you earth clinic!


Avoid Apple Juice

1 User Review
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Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 04/19/2013
★★★★★

Just been reading to find some answers and found a site that talked about MALIC ACID in apple juice and apple cider irritating the bladder and weakening the system supporting it.

They also talked about absorption problems causing vitamin and mineral deficiencies and how they cause hormone imbalance and how the hormone imbalance affects the muscles that hold the bladder in place.

They said APPLES DO NOT CAUSE THIS PROBLEM and encourage eating apples.


Avoid Sugar

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
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Posted by Lea (Ca, Usa) on 07/28/2015
★★★★★

For years I suffered with frequent episodes of over active bladder, most always accompanied by headaches in the forehead region and most noticed at night. Tests for infection were always negative.

It wasn't until the last couple of years that I discovered that consuming sugar caused these flare ups. I believe that I had systemic Candida.

Now, as long as I strictly limit the amount of sugar I consume, I have no more bladder issues, headaches or body aches.


Bladder Issue Remedies

Posted by Joeelli (Dublin) on 10/08/2013

hello people, just before orgasm during sexual intercourse I feel as if I have to urinate although having had emptied the bladder before. For your information - I am a male. Besides, to me the feeling of the orgasm is way less intense as before. Furthermore, I have the impression that my urinating pressure is less intense than before and the urine- stream is doubled sometimes. I do not feel any pain. 4 months ago I had pain/burn while urinating. I was prescribed antibiotics and pain got away. Any help appreciated.

Replied by Ed2010
(Canada)
10/08/2013

What is your age? Check your Prostate for any issues. Good Health

Replied by Andrea C
(Wales)
10/09/2013

Hi I don't know how old you are, but have you had your prostrate gland checked, and have you had test to establish wether it's an infection? As you can carry Infection for a long time with no pain. And as you age the prostrate gland can cause this as well. I had something called 'Nepharitis' (Inflamation and Infection) of the Kidneys for ages, I barely had any pain, and thought it was to do with a back problem, also Kidney Stones will cause these symptoms too. Go have yourself checked out, and then you can use Remedies on EC once you have an idea. But that being said, I was told I did not have Kidney stones, I insisted I did. I eventually drank loads of bottled Spring water, I kept a strainer in the toilet, and urinated through the stainer every time. And behold!! A load of 'Gravel' in appearance Kidney Stones were in the strainer, so I took it to a very red faced Urologist to show him. Love Andrea C xxxxx

Replied by Joeelli
(Dublin)
10/09/2013

Hey. Thx everyone for your reply. I am 28 and was given antiobiotics as diagnosed for Urinary Tract Infection. I will do what you told me. Maybe do some liver and kidney flushes. Again thank you very much

Replied by Timh
(Ky, Usa)
10/10/2013
2063 posts

The evidence of co-infection of the kidney/urinary and the prostate gland seem obvious, so the recommendation is treating both. My current regimen is 100mg zinc, 1 softgel Cranberry daily. Occasional Stinging Nettles works wonders. Occasional Dr Christopher's kidney/bladder formula is also sometimes needed (works well fallowing the cranberry).

Replied by James
(Va, US)
10/01/2014

I just want to throw this out there. But if the sex you're having is very good or new or he does something unusual, it may just be your body trying to ejaculate. Women 'squirt' and many women express that they feel the urge to urinate during sex. In most cases that part of your body actually shuts down during sexual activity, so there is a strong likelihood that you actually are about to ejaculate and not urinate. Ask you're doctor about it, though most male doctors don't know what I'm telling, a woman doctor who is much more in tune with the female anatomy, very well may. Good Luck! I certainly hope it's this vs something not as pleasant.


Bladder Issue Remedies
Posted by Jade (Oblivion, Ohio) on 06/06/2013

Good afternoon, I appreciate all the information I have found on your site. I noticed that you reference chronic aspartame and processed foods as causing renal problems. I am a 34 year old woman. For most of my life, I've consumed processed foods, especially diet soda and many other what I thought were healthy diet foods along with sugar.

For the past few years, I have had trouble with urinary frequency and leakage and get recurrent mild UTIs. From my research, I am guessing this is due to my terrible lifestyle habits. I am fortunate that I do not have hypertension or diabetes. Six months ago, I did a complete diet and lifestyle overhaul and started seeing a naturopathic physician. I've cut out all of the diet and processed foods. I don't take any medications, only herbs. I eat an 80% raw diet, juice, and blend. My energy level and thyroid function have improved dramatically, but I am still struggling with my kidneys/bladder. I take probiotics and cranberry supplements. I've tried D-Mannose as well. What would you suggest to repair my kidney and bladder trouble with the suspected cause of food toxins?

Thank you, :)

Replied by Just Me
(Usa)
06/06/2013

I feel strongly that diet tea sent me over to the dark side of bladder trouble. I had not drank it for very long. I thought I had a bladder infection and heavily dosed myself with cranberry juice which made it worse. I found out I had IC, interstitial cystitis. You may have a similar issue. If so, you need to drop acid foods including green/black tea, coffee, sodas, etc. Go to a medical cite for a list of what you need to eliminate.

Replied by Timh
(Louisville, Ky, Usa)
06/07/2013
2063 posts

Any of the forgoing remedies will improve healing. Zinc/Vit-A, Comfrey Leaf (Tea), Omega 3 Fatty Acids like Fish or Flax Oil, Raw Kidney Glandular. Also, 1 grm GABA before retiring will boost Human Growth Hormone levels around 25%. HGH causes the release of IGF (Insulin Growth Factor) which can restore healing powers to youthful levels. There are also natural non-dietary means of boosting HGH in the body; YouTube has many videos showing these methods.

Let us know how you're doing.


Castor Oil

2 User Reviews
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Posted by Mollie (Miami) on 08/16/2017
★★★★★

I woke up with pain in my bladder area. Usually I use frankincense essential oil, a drop massaged into the lower abdomen a couple of times a day when I realize I have a bladder infection coming on. I was horrified to find my frankincense oil bottle completely empty.

On to plan B.

I poured some castor oil into my hand and massaged in into my lower abdomen. A while later (less than an hour) I realized the pain was gone.

I think I caught the bladder infection early; not sure that it would have worked so easily if the infection was more established.


Castor Oil
Posted by Lucia Luna (Santa Barbara, California) on 09/12/2011

My husband has recently had a problem with his bladder enlarged which makes it so he has to self-catherize himself 4 times a day. What really bothers him is the the pain he has on his right side. What l have been doing in massaging the area that hurts. Seems to work but what l would like to know is will the castor oil treatment really help?

Replied by Cathy
(Tn)
09/10/2018
★★★★★

To Lucia, whose husband has an enlarged bladder:

If he takes a lot of medications or even natural supplements with fillers those fillers can accumulate in the kidney and bladder --clogging things up and slowing the stream or blocking urination altogether. I found diatomaceous earth got my bladder working right again. Take one teaspoon in 1/2 cup of water on an empty stomach. You can gradually increase the amount up to 3 teaspoons a day or more. If your husband is under a physician's care for bladder issue you might run this by him or her. In general it is a very safe supplement for most people. I doubt your doctor will have even heard of it. You might have to print something out for them.


Chromium Picolinate

2 User Reviews
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  100%

Posted by Bill (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) on 12/04/2011
★★★★★

Chromium Picolinate dramatically helped in my issue of frequent urination. I take 200 mcg 15 minutes before meals (3 meals a day). Hope this helps somebody.

Replied by Joy
(Battleground, Wash)
04/20/2013
★★★★★

Chromium picolinate helps regulate blood sugar and your bladder was probably trying to balance your system through urine excretion before you started on the supplement

Coconut oil also helps with the regulation of sugar in the body and brain, it helps stabilize the imbalance of sugar that can cause candida problems, usually brought on by fight or flight hormones as a response to stress.


Coffee, Clove

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Anon (Anon) on 09/19/2012
★★★★★

Make a cup of coffee and put 1/8 teaspoon or so of clove powder in it. If you get a full feeling but can't seem to easily empty the bladder. Seems to open things up. Takes a couple hours to have an effect.

Replied by Joy
(Battleground, Wash)
04/26/2013

HELPS.... To get the urine to flow.... Use cranberry or pomegranate juice.

Replied by Kathy
(the USA)
04/27/2013

Potassium "...stimulates the kidneys to eliminate poisonous body wastes... Blackstrap Molasses contains more calcium than milk, more iron than many eggs, and more potassium than any food. It is an excellent source of B vitamins." (Nutrition Almanac, Third Edition) When I could not go and read this, I tried a TBS of BSM in a glass of warm water and my flow resumed. This is what worked for me so I try to have some every day. Just remember it is a source of sugar and the B vitamins stimulate your appetite.


D-Mannose

2 User Reviews
5 star (1) 
  50%
4 star (1) 
  50%

Posted by Kk (Sherwood Ar) on 03/31/2014
★★★★★

I've used the d-mannose for quite sometime. My urologist said proven fact that cranberry is great for bladder health/infection. So sometime ago I was introduced to cran-actin with d-mannose. A wonderful combination for bladder health. My advisor who owns a local health food store said "I bet it's the tinnactic acid in tea...my daughter said it irritates her bladder and seems to increase spasms. Bottomline is I use cran-actin with d-mannose whenever I have a symptom or known exposure that my cause problems. Love it. Certainly recommend it too.


D-Mannose
Posted by Jfrost231 (Hackettstown, New Jersey, United States) on 03/13/2013
★★★★☆

Hello, I have been suffering irritation and burning while I urinate for about a year now. I'm 17, and it started last year when I first got a UTI. I went to the doctor, got antibiotics, (Cipro to be exact) and it went away. Then a couple months later, I had the same problem again, so I thought I would go back to the doctor, which I did, I got Bactrim, and I would be cured. Nope. And ever since I have been trying so desperately to rid myself of whatever it is I have. I have tried apple cider vinegar, which I think made it worse, sea salt water, cranberry pills, kidney bladder health pills, as well as a variety of other pills. I have changed my diet, to only drinking water and pure cranberry juice (which helps). I cut out as much sugar as I can. I am and have been sexually active since it started, but my partner and I have used all the necessary precautions to avoid something like this happening in the first place. Now recently, I was told by this amazing indian lady who runs a health food store in my town told me to take D-Mannose for a few month, I have been on D-Mannose for three months, from November to February. But I stopped because the three months was up, and I was feeling awesome that entire time little to no pain at all. If there was any irritation, it was so small that it didn't even bother me. I know for a fact that my problem has nothing to do with my bladder or kidneys, it is all urethra. But recently, this past week, I have been drinking this detox tea, it is supposes to rid the body of your toxins and it is obviously released through waste. I have been in such awful pain with urination. So I am wondering, is it the tea that is irritating my urethra? Are the toxins being released from my body making me have burning and irritation while I urinate? I only started drinking this tea this week. I want to continue taking the D-Mannose, but I don't know if it will be harmful for my body. Am I allowed to take D-Mannose as a daily supplement? is it safe? It was helping me so much and it sucks that the joy ends. I need opinions, I need answers. I am stopping the tea, but if it continues, I don't know what to do. I'm considering going to a urologist. Help!

Replied by Timh
(Louisville, Ky, Usa)
03/14/2013
2063 posts

Jfrost231: Since you are not responding well to multiple forms of treatment, you might have a parasite infestation; in particular the bladder fluke: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schistosoma_haematobium

Replied by Joy
(Battleground , Wash)
04/20/2013

Creams and condoms and other vaginal products can cause an allergic response. Using the pill can change your system to have bladder and vaginal problems if you are on one that is not right for you

The estrogen in the pill can cause a blood sugar problem and weight gain.

Also women must always wipe from front to back.

Replied by Bea
(San Antonio)
11/26/2013

Try adding a little baking soda to your water to help with the burning.

Replied by Arthur
(Los Angeles, California)
01/18/2015

I had urinary tract infections which were treated with repeated courses of antibiotics. Because the antibiotics were causing serious medical problems (about which, OF COURSE, my doctor never warned me), I realized that I had to stop, and I looked for alternative treatments. I found olive leaf extract. Within 24 hours of taking the extract, the symptoms were gone, and, I've been taking it daily as a preventive. Except for one slight brief infection, I have not had a urinary tract infection in three years.

Replied by Cathy
(Tennessee)
09/10/2018

D-Mannose is a concentrated part of the cranberry plant and is very safe to take every day indefinitely. Although it is not cheap, it works.

Look at Diatomaceous earth powder as a solution for bladder issues also. I have a couple posts here about how to use it. My bladder symptoms..similar to yours..were greatly improved by taking this powder 2xday...it's very safe and beneficial for so many health issues to take daily


Diatomaceous Earth

1 User Review
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Posted by Cathy (Tennessee) on 09/10/2018
★★★★★

Jade.. I have experienced similar symptoms to what you described with bladder. When I would go it was small amounts but ALL the time. Which made me think it could be a blockage in the urinary tract from toxins medications Etc. I started taking Diatomaceous earth powder one teaspoon a day in water--- there is no flavor whatsoever... it's just a little gritty in the water. Just mix it in a quarter of a cup to half a cup of water and drink it on empty stomach. I eventually increased up to 3 teaspoons a day. My bladder symptoms decreased and I started going normal amounts and far less frequently. And bladder irritation symptoms resolved. It's an amazing dietary supplement and has so many benefits for so many things. Do some research and see what you think. I found no side effects except the first day it tends to also clean out your colon (one run to the bathroom one time..but after that first those it never had that effect again). I realize this post is old and you may not see my response but maybe this can help others.


Dietary Changes, Psyllium, Baking Soda

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Anon (Anon) on 12/15/2013
★★★★★

I used to think I had cystitis of my bladder. I went to the Doctor who found no infection and told me to eat less chocolate. Which was good advice. Also good advice is to drink no coffee or tea. And to take baking soda with water or with water and psyllium.



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