Q. Dear Terry, “After having children, I developed overactive bladder. I’ve been working on bladder training and certain exercises, but I’m still struggling. I’m desperate for relief and have considered trying the medication my doctor recommended. Any alternatives that I can try first?”– Kelsey B., Sacramento, CA

A. Dear Kelsey, Overactive bladder affects about 16% of the adult population. As we age, more people become impacted by bladder issues. Some people experience incontinence with sneezing, laughing, or exercising. There are medications for overactive bladder, but they belong to a class of drugs called “anticholinergics.” These medications work by inhibiting a key neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, and long-term effects of depleting acetylcholine include dementia. I believe there is a safer way to handle overactive bladder.

For bladder support you may want to consider Angelica archangelica. Also called “Angel’s Herb”, this beautiful plant grows all over Iceland. When it comes to bladder support, this is the single most efficacious botanical I have ever encountered. A special standardization of this herb may help both men and women with overactive bladder, frequent nighttime awakenings to empty the bladder, bladder spasms and inflammation, urinary incontinence, stress incontinence, and adult bed-wetting.

Not only does Angelica help to strengthen the bladder muscles, it also helps increase bladder capacity. That means fewer trips to the bathroom and less urinary leakage.

I would take 100 mg of this herb twice per day for the first two or three days, and then you can try once per day after that. If you experience more incontinence issues in the evening, I would take it before bed and vice versa if your issues are generally in the morning and throughout the day.

When choosing a formula, I recommend finding one that features an aqueous (water) extract of Angelica and is clinically studied.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally