If you suffer from an overactive bladder, you may experience incontinence, frequent urination, discomfort in the bowels or pressure and pain before urinating. While there are homeopathic remedies that claim to be able to address the problem on an acute basis, you should make an appointment to see your family physician or urologist if problems persist for more than a few weeks. The underlying cause of your problems could be related to a more serious health threat, and your condition should be evaluated by a medical doctor.
Herbal Medications
If your bladder is overactive due to a hormone imbalance brought about by menopause, ask your homeopathic practitioner about taking the salt compound natrum muriaticum, which may help with urinary incontinence, as well as vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. Causticum is a potassium-based compound that is considered effective in strengthening weak sphincter muscles in the urinary tract. If you suffer from stress incontinence due to a prolapsed uterus, you may benefit from taking sepia–an herbal remedy made from dried cuttlefish or squid ink. For men who experience the urge to urinate frequently or who have difficulty urinating while in a standing position due to prostate problems, Zincum may be an effective remedy. The common dose for most herbal medications is between 3 to 5 pellets of an oral remedy every 1 to 4 hours during the day, but check with your homeopathic practitioner to get exact dosage information for your height, weight and condition.
Diet
Eat a high fiber diet to help absorb the water in your system. Eat foods that are high in Vitamin C to help promote healthy bacteria and inhibit unhealthy bacteria in the urinary tract. Cranberries and blueberries can help to control your incontinence by drawing bacteria away from the walls of your bladder. Avoid alcohol, sugary foods, caffeine and carbonated beverages, all of which can relax your urinary muscles and create the need for more frequent urination. Drink less liquids before sleeping to eliminate the need for getting up to urinate during the night.
Exercise
Get regular exercise if you are overweight. Losing weight can reduce the amount of pressure on your bladder and help to eliminate bladder control problems caused by weak muscles in your urinary tract. Yoga exercises, including Aswini mudra, can improve your urinary muscle control and help to reduce episodes of incontinence. Kegel exercises are designed to improve muscle control in the floor of your pelvis and are another way to help control symptoms of an overactive bladder.
Acupuncture
Visiting an acupuncturist may help you to strengthen the muscles in your urinary tract and pelvis. It may also help to reduce urinary incontinence by improving the blood flow to your bladder, which will lead to overall improved urinary tract health.