Millions of people suffer from an overactive bladder. If you have to urinate often, if an overactive bladder is interfering with your sleep, or if you feel like your life is dictated by how close you need to be to a bathroom, then you may find relief by using a natural, safe treatment- essential oil.

What is Overactive Bladder?

Having an overactive bladder is often the sign of some other medical problem, which could be anything from weak abdominal muscles to abnormal reflexes to an infection that is causing bladder irritation. Symptoms can range from having a sudden urge to urinate, bladder leakage, urinating more than eight times per day, a weak urine flow, or incontinence. Your doctor should conduct a physical and may run other tests to determine the source of your overactive bladder symptoms.

Having an overactive bladder can affect the quality of your life, lead to psychological stress, and prevent you from engaging in certain activities, which could affect your overall health. Using essential oils can not only calm the overactive bladder muscles that may be causing your problems but also treat some of the effects that living with an overactive bladder may cause.

Top Essential Oils for Treating Overactive Bladder

Ylang-ylang Essential Oil

If you want to relax the muscles of your bladder to regain control of your urination, then this oil is a top choice. Ylang-ylang is known for its relaxing and sedative properties and massaging this essential oil (mixed with a carrier oil) onto your abdomen can supply relief for overactive bladder symptoms.

Pumpkin Seed Oil

This oil is not as well known, but recent research shows that it can be quite effective at reducing the symptoms of overactive bladder. In research studies, participants ingested the extracted oil and enjoyed a significant improvement in their symptoms.

Clary Sage Essential Oil

Clary sage is another excellent choice for treating an overactive bladder. Clary sage is often used to help address issues of depression, to relieve stress, and it works to improve digestion by reducing inflammation. This oil works best for aromatherapy, providing a relaxing and calming effect that inhibits the muscle spasms common with an overactive bladder.

Cypress Essential Oil

Cypress may also help with the symptoms associated with an overactive bladder. Cypress has vaso-restrictive properties, which may help if weakened or loose muscles cause your overactive bladder in your bladder or abdomen. Massage this essential oil mixed with a carrier into your abdomen for best results.

Lavender Essential Oil

Finally, lavender is a staple when it comes to improving your health and relieving nervous conditions. For those with an overactive bladder, lavender can help reduce stress and induce calm, which can improve sleep and allow you to feel more rested. Lavender can also calm muscle spasms which can lead to frequent urination. Massage this oil into your abdomen for best results.

Final Thoughts

When using essential oils, you can combine more than one to produce the effects and aromas that you want. A popular blend for treating overactive bladder is equal parts ylang-ylang, cypress, and clary sage. You should always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, before applying them to your skin. If you have allergies or skin sensitivities, you should conduct a patch test before applying essential oils to large areas of your skin.

Using essential oils to treat an overactive bladder can improve the quality of your life and reduce your urge to urinate often. Essential oils can also reduce the stress and anxiety associated with living with a chronically overactive bladder.