The kidneys and bladder are part of the urinary system, which transports harmful waste products out of the body. For correct functioning, a good fluid intake is essential, so drink plenty of liquids to avoid a bladder infection or kidney stones.
BLADDER WEAKNESS AND INCONTINENCE
Do you check where the toilets are at the shopping centre before you get there? Or try to avoid sneezing [or laughing because you are not sure you’ll stay dry? You’re probably suffering from bladder weakness or incontinence. Both men and women suffer from this embarrassing condition, but the physical stresses of childbirth and a decrease in oestrogen at menopause make women three times more susceptible.
Frequently, there’s a psychological component to a weak bladder, so stress-reduction programs such as yoga or autogenic training may help.
The problem isn’t new – even the ancient Egyptians developed remedies to deal with it. As a result, there are many time-tested solutions, including the following teas that can help to strengthen bladder muscles.
- Linden flower, cornsilk and horsetail are helpful for incontinence and can be combined to make tea. Drink three cups daily.
- Raspberry leaf tea is a very good treatment for bladder weakness that may be experiences during the later stages of pregnancy, as it helps to strengthen both the uterus and the bladder. Raspberry leaf is also available in tablet form.
TREATING A BLADDER INFECTION
About 50 per cent of women will experience a bladder inspection at some point in their lives, and many will have multiple infections. Women suffer from the problem more often than men because their urethra is shorter, so bacteria can enter the bladder more easily.
Dehydration is often a factor, but there are a host of traditional remedies to combat pain and the continual urge to urinate. But bear in mind that these remedies are most effective when applied early.
- Hot cornsilk tea can help flush out the bacteria causing inflammation and soothe the pain. Strip the fine hair from corn cob and steep in 1 cup (250ml) of boiling water.
- Take a high-strength cranberry supplement or drink two large glasses of cranberry juice a day to relieve the infection. Cranberry may also help to prevent infections occurring.
- Heat reduces the pain caused by a bladder infection. Place a warmed wheat bag between your legs and/or over your bladder, or soak in hot bath.
WHEN TO CONSULT A DOCTOR
If your bladder infection is extremely painful or is not noticeably better after 3 days, consult a doctor.
Quick tips:
- Drink two large glasses of cranberry juice a day to prevent bladder infection.
- To keep your bladder healthy, drink about 2 litres of liquid a day.
Tea recipe for bladder health
This soothes pain, disinfects and flushes out bacteria causing a bladder infection. Dried buchu and horsetail are available from health-food stores.
Combine:
- 50g dried buchu
- 15g green beans
- 15g dried horsetail
- 5g each of dried fennel, calendula flowers and peppermint
Place 1 teaspoon of this mixture in 1 cup (250ml) of cold water and boil for 5 minutes. Steep for 10 minutes, strain and drink 1 cup three times a day.
Bladder and kidney problems should not be ignored. Consult a trusted medical service provider if you are experiencing suspicious symptoms.