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Natural Solutions for Overative Bladder Syndrome
Kohki tea extract provides beneficial effects by:
- Providing antioxidant protection against free radical damage
- Preventing the adverse changes in the bladder that accompany BPH
Scientific studies
Although no clinical studies have been done on humans, two studies in which laboratory animals were given kohki tea found that the extract acts by protecting the bladder from the detrimental effects of repetitive stimulation and contractile damage caused by lack of oxygen,15 and from the effects of partial outlet obstruction, as in BPH.16
Despite the sparse scientific research, these two studies were carefully executed, and because of the long history of its use, we feel that kohki tea extract is of particular benefit for overactive bladder syndrome.
Cranberry Extract—from the cranberry fruit—was used by Native Americans to treat bladder and kidney ailments. It has also been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years to treat blood disorders, digestive complaints, liver problems, and scurvy.
More recently, cranberry extract has become a popular and scientifically proven remedy for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections. Although many individuals resort to drinking large quantities of cranberry juice, most juice is laden with sugar—unless you get the pure cranberry concentrate, which is extremely tart. Your best bet is to take cranberry extract, which could be considered for any of these symptoms:17
- Frequency
- Urgency/leakage
- Burning Pain/stinging
- Straining
- Voiding in small amounts
Urine travels down two thin tubes called ureters to the bladder.
Cranberry extract provides beneficial effects by: Reducing the risk of E. coli adhesion to the cells that line the bladder and urethra. 18
Scientific studies:
A recent double-blind randomized placebo-controlled cross-over trial tested the effectiveness of cranberry juice versus placebo on 10 men and 10 women. In addition to a normal diet, each volunteer received a single dose of cranberry juice at dinner or placebo.
The first urine of the day was used as a sample to support the growth of E. coli, previously isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. The researchers observed a dose dependent significant decrease in the adhesion of the E. coli resulting from consumption of the cranberry juice, when compared to the placebo.18
In another recent open label pilot study, 12 women (ages 25-70) with a history of a minimum of 6 urinary track infections (UTIs) in the proceeding year took a concentrated cranberry preparation for 12 weeks. The women were available for follow up two years later. During the study none of the women had a UTI. Two years later, eight of the women who continue to take cranberry continue to be free from UTIs.19
A study of 10 young women with recurrent bladder infections found that, compared with placebo, taking a capsule containing 400 mg of Cranberry extract daily for three months significantly reduced new infections. Of the 21 bladder infections that arose, only six occurred among women taking Cranberry.20
A year-long Canadian study of 150 sexually active women found that cranberry juice and tablets significantly decreased the number of patients experiencing at least one symptomatic UTI/year (to 20% and 18% respectively) compared with placebo (to 32%) (p<0.05). The study also found that taking Cranberry was much more cost effective than taking antibiotics.21
Conclusion
Overactive Bladder Syndrome can interfere with your daily work schedule and weekend social life. It can wreak havoc on your personal relationships and prevent you from living life to the fullest. And it can even lead to anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.
Let’s face it; it’s not fun having to go to the bathroom all the time. Don’t avoid dealing with overactive bladder syndrome because it’s an embarrassing issue. Take charge now of your bladder health by trying the natural remedies discussed in this Health and Wellness Update. They are safe, natural, time tested, and scientifically proven to make a difference without the unnecessary worry of side effects from pharmaceutical drugs.
Editor's Note:
The natural health solutions described in this article are available through many on-line retailers including those listed below. By clicking these links you help support the important alternative health research we provide.
Visit www.amazon.com – a great way to find competitive deals on supplements offered by many different manufacturers.
Visit www.hfn-usa.com – when commitment to quality and freshness is important, this factory direct solution is preferred by many of our readers.
This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a physician before embarking on a dietary supplement program.
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Yanagisawa, Ei et al. Study of Effectiveness of Mixed Processed Food Containing Cucurbita Pepo Seed Extract and Soybean Seed Extract on Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women. Japanese Journal of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science 14; No. 3:313 – 322. 2003.
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Levin RM, Leggett RE, Whitbeck C, Murakami T, Kambara T, Aikawa K. Oral Kohki Tea and its protective effect against in vitro ischemic damage to the bladder. Neurourol Urodyn. 2004;23(4):355-60.
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Levin RM, Kawashima Y, Leggett RE, Whitbeck C, Horan P, Mizutani K. Effect of oral Kohki tea on bladder dysfunction induced by severe partial outlet obstruction. J Urol. 2002 May;167(5):2260-6.
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Presser, Arthur M. Pharmacists' Guide to Medicinal Herbs. Petaluma, CA: Smart Publications, 2000, 109-112.
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Howell AB. Bioactive compounds in cranberries and their role in prevention of urinary tract infections Mol Nutr Food Res. 2007 Jun;51(6):732-7.
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Bailey DT, Dalton C, Joseph Daugherty F, Tempesta MS. Can a concentrated cranberry extract prevent recurrent urinary tract infections in women? A pilot study. Can a concentrated cranberry extract prevent recurrent urinary tract infections in women? A pilot study.
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Walker EB, et al. Cranberry concentrate: UTI prophylaxis. J Fam Prac 1997;45:167-8.
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