Herbal Remedies for Incontinence
Do They Really Work?
Incontinence Types
Let's understand the different incontinence types, explain what causes them, and give you some advice on how to proceed.
Bladder leaks can be frustrating, but you’re not alone—and you have options. While medical treatments like pelvic floor therapy and devices like Elitone are clinically proven, many women look to natural or home remedies first. The internet is full of herbal suggestions and DIY tips, but which ones are worth your time?
Let’s explore five popular natural remedies for incontinence—including the most talked-about herbs—and break down what’s effective, what’s safe, and what may be more hype than help.
Bladder-Friendly Herbs: Do They Work?
Herbal remedies are often promoted as “natural” alternatives to prescription drugs—but “natural” doesn’t always mean safe or effective.
Here’s what we know about some of the most commonly recommended herbs for bladder control:
Horsetail
This diuretic herb is thought to tone the bladder wall and reduce inflammation. However, there’s limited research supporting its effectiveness for incontinence. It may help with bladder infections but could worsen urgency in some people due to its diuretic effects.
Gosha-jinki-gan
A traditional Japanese herbal blend with some clinical studies suggesting it may reduce urgency and frequency. But most studies are small, short-term, and done in Japan. More rigorous trials are needed to prove its long-term safety and effectiveness.
Corn Silk
Used in traditional medicine to soothe the urinary tract, corn silk may help reduce irritation. Like many herbal remedies, there’s minimal scientific backing and potential interactions with medications.
Buchu
Buchu leaves are often promoted as a urinary antiseptic. However, there’s no strong evidence supporting its use for incontinence—and it may cause nausea or liver irritation.
Bottom line: Herbal supplements can interact with medications and are not FDA-regulated. If you’re considering them, talk to your healthcare provider first.
Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)
Strengthening the muscles that control your bladder is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress incontinence (leaking when you laugh, sneeze, or jump). The challenge? Most women don’t do them correctly—or consistently.
That’s where Elitone comes in. This FDA-cleared device does Kegels for you, with longer and stronger contractions than you could do on your own. It’s a simple, wearable treatment that fits into your routine without the guesswork.
Lifestyle Tweaks That Make a Big Impact
Avoid Bladder Irritants
Caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, citrus, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners can all irritate your bladder and increase urgency. Try eliminating one at a time to see if your symptoms improve.
Train Your Bladder
Bladder training involves gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits to help reduce urgency and regain control. It takes patience, but can be very effective.
Weight Management and Exercise
Extra weight—especially around the abdomen—puts added pressure on your bladder and pelvic floor. Losing just 5 to 10 pounds can significantly reduce leakage. Combine this with core and pelvic exercises for even better results.
Topical Estrogen (for Postmenopausal Women)
For women experiencing leaks after menopause, low estrogen levels can weaken the urethral lining. Vaginal estrogen creams or suppositories (prescribed by your doctor) may help strengthen tissues and improve control. These are not the same as systemic hormone therapy and are generally considered safe for localized use.
What’s the Most Effective Home Remedy?
There’s no magic herb or overnight fix—but combining healthy habits with effective tools can go a long way. If you’re looking for a proven, easy-to-use solution that doesn’t involve surgery or medication, Elitone may be your answer.
It’s the first wearable device that does the pelvic floor work for you—so you can stop worrying about leaks and get back to living life confidently.
Elitone: A Natural Approach to Toning Your Pelvic Floor
Elitone is an FDA-cleared device that offers offers a unique, drug-free solution for incontinence. It’s a external device that uses gentle electrical pulses to stimulate and retrain the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles play a crucial role in bladder control. By focusing on toning these muscles, you can see an improvement in your incontinence symptoms in just six weeks without concerns of side effects or medication interactions. Try Elitone and regain your confidence and freedom naturally!
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