Herbalists often combine herbs into formulations, usually selecting herbs that are synergistic with each other.
Urinary Incontinence
We have already mentioned several nutritional combinations that may be beneficial for people with urinary incontinence. In addition, one of the best conservative treatments for urinary incontinence for both men and women is the well-known Kegel exercises. Many woman are already familiar with these exercises having learned them while pregnant in order to facilitate delivery. To identify the muscles to work on, try to stop urinating in midstream. To do the exercise, contract these muscles, hold them for ten seconds, and relax them for ten seconds. Do 50 to 200 sets a day for at least six weeks; and then make them part of your daily routine.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that such exercises are more effective than medication at relieving bladder incontinence. Researchers at the University of Alabama conducted an eight-week study of 197 women with the problem. Using the number of “accidents” as an indicator, placebos resulted in a 40% improvement, the incontinence drug oxybutynin chloride resulted in a 69% improvement, and exercises resulted in an 81% improvement! (JAMA, Dec. 16, 1998)
Post-menopausal women who suffer from stress incontinence may also benefit from one of the herbs for menopause, such as dong quai, also contained in Flash Ease. (More on this in the lesson on the glandular system.)
End of Part 1 of the Urinary System