Urine retention is a problem affecting both men and women due to various reasons. Urine retention or bladder retention is characterized by an inability of the bladder to get completely empty. If the bladder is not completely empty and if large amounts of urine remain in the bladder, permanent damage to the kidneys will occur. Urine retention can be either acute or chronic. The most common causes of this problem include prostate cancer, nerve problems or muscle problems of the bladder, urethra strictures or scarring of the urethra, urinary tract stones, side effects of various medications, etc. Read on about home remedies and how they help.

Urine Retention Home Remedies

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is a traditional remedy used in many European countries for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is known that saw palmetto has anti-inflammatory properties. However, this home remedy also prevents testosterone from converting into dihydrotestosterone. For this reason, one urine retention home remedy is sawed palmetto as well.

Sarsaparilla

Sarsaparilla is a home remedy used for the treatment of cystitis. Also, sarsaparilla is a great natural remedy when it comes to relieving pain associated with urinary tract stones. One of the great effects of sarsaparilla is the relieving of the burning sensation which accompanies urinary tract infections at the end of urination.

Indian Licorice

The indicant licorice extract is considered to be a very effective natural alternative to antibiotics and for this reason, it is used for the treatment of cystitis. Indian licorice as one of many urine retention home remedies is also used when trying to relieve the inflammation or infection of the urinary tract. For this purpose, you should mash about 50 mg of Indian licorice, boil it for about 30 minutes with a glass of water and drink the tea at least three times a week.

Green Onions

Urine retention affects both men and women. Urine retention accompanied with dysuria is a common problem during the postpartum period. Hot onion compresses on the bladder area are found to be very helpful for relieving the discomfort. For this purpose, mash about 300 to 500 gr of green onions, wrap them with gauze and apply them in the lower part of the abdomen for about 15 to 30 minutes.

Nettle

Nettle is a common home remedy used for the treatment of cystitis in Oriental medicine. Nettle promotes the healing of the bladder and kidneys as well due to its diuretic properties. Nettle can be served as a tea beverage as well. When consuming nettle as a home remedy for the treatment of urine retention or other urinary tract problems, it is wise to consult a healthcare provider first as it can interact with other medications used.

Marsilea Quadrifolia

Marsilea quadrifolia is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of bladder retention, nephritis, stranguria, jaundice, edema, and other health problems. Marsilea quadrifolia has a sweet taste which works by reducing the swelling, increasing the urine output, detoxing the organism, etc.

Dandelion

Dandelion is an herb used for the treatment of various diseases such as heartburn, nausea and even kidney diseases. Dandelion is often used as a natural diuretic due to its anti-inflammatory properties as it increases the urine output.

Purslane

Purslane is an herb used both for medicinal and culinary purposes. In Oriental medicine, purslane is used as a traditional home remedy in order to reduce inflammation, increase urine production, quench the thirst, etc.

Here are some other tips and urine retention home remedies which can be helpful to you:

• Drink plenty of water during the day.
• Drink 50-50 orange juice and water, at least 2 quarts each day.
• Drink the juice of radish and its leaves.
• Drink the juice of 5-6 grape leaves mashed in 100 grams of water, as grapes are known to be rich in potassium which allows the urine to pass freely.
• Drink a decoction of pashanbheda by boiling the roots of this herb which is one of many urine retention home remedies.
• Drink a decoction of mint leaves by boiling them. Take about 20 to 40 ml of this juice every 4 hours.
• Drink a decoction of sandalwood, by boiling the flakes or the powder of this herb. Dissolve some sugar as well and drink it regularly, a couple of times during the day.
• Stop using salt.
• Drink catnip tea.
• Take herbs which increase the urine flow such as carrot tops, juniper berries, comfrey, chickweed, etc.
• Grind a walnut to powder and take one teaspoon of this walnut powder every morning and every evening, especially when small kidney stones are the ones causing urine retention.
• Make a powder of a piece of cinnamon bark. Take about 1 to 3 grams with a full glass of water.
• Mix cardamom powder with milk or water and drink it a couple of times a day.
• Grind cumin seeds, add 2 grams of sugar candy and drink this mixture with a full glass of water.
• Take a hot sitz bath, followed by a short cold bath.
• Take a cold shower, etc.

There are certain foods that should be consumed and others that should be avoided when dealing with urine retention. Foods that should be consumed include:

• Coconut water – is very beneficial for various urinary tract problems due to its diuretic properties, as well as to the fact that it is packed with electrolytes. Coconut water will increase the urine output too.
• Pineapple juice – has similar health benefits to those of coconut water. By drinking 100 % pure pineapple juice your urinary tract problems, including urine retention, will be relieved.
• Carrot juice – when consumed regularly will help prevent urinary retention. Carrot juice is a great home remedy when it comes to relieving the burning sensation while urinating as well.

Foods that should be avoided include:

• Constipating foods – such as French fries, sweets, white bread, and almost any fast food should be avoided as much as possible.
• Artificial sweeteners – such as aspartame, saccharine, or acesulfame K are known to increase the bladder discomfort. For this purpose, and in order to prevent possible urine retention, artificial sweeteners should be avoided.
• Acidic or spicy foods – such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, citrus juices, vinegar, chili pepper, chili sauce, curry, hot peppers, etc., should be avoided as they will make urinary retention get even worse.