Summary
Incontinence as described in the literature is not as
simple as most would think. There are two general
types that are quite different, urinary incontinence and
fecal incontinence. Then within urinary incontinence
three types are described; stress incontinence, overflow
incontinence, and urge incontinence. Or, if someone
experience more than one type at the same time it is known
as mixed incontinence.
• The
most common problem is stress incontinence that occurs when
someone coughs, exercises, laughs, sneezes or other things
that put pressure on the bladder. This type of
incontinence is more common in women than men primarily
because of pregnancy and the difference in the female
anatomy.
• Urge
incontinence is a sudden need to urinate, the bladder
immediately contracts, and the person may not even have time
to react before leakage occurs. Taking a drink,
hearing water run, or even a thought can trigger this
reaction.
•
Overflow incontinence is when the bladder cannot empty
completely and leakage follows.
•
Fecal incontinence is the loss of the regular control of the
bowels resulting in involuntary excretion and leaking.
This type of incontinence can be simply from constipation or
diarrhea or longer term from damage to the nerves or muscles
associated with the anal sphincter. The more common
reasons for this are damage during birthing and normal
aging.
• Bed
wetting (enuresis) in children is not considered
incontinence. Under the age of 5 or 6 it is not
uncommon. Go to the separate page on
bed wetting for
more information.
The process of urine flow requires the coordination of
the muscles in the bladder wall and the muscles of the
sphincter (the valve that allows urine to leave the
bladder). As the bladder fills from the kidneys the
nervous system will signal the sphincter to open and the
bladder walls to contract giving normal urination.
Incontinence can occur either with the opening or leaking of
the sphincter or the bladder muscle contracting and forcing
leakage past the sphincter. Bladder control is not an
uncommon problem especially with older adults.
Incontinence can be caused by some diseases and medicines
and be a short-term problem or a long term or chronic
conditions can be the result of medical procedures or bodily
malfunctions.
Among women pregnancy or weight gain can stretch the
muscles that support the bladder in the pelvic region.
This lack of support puts pressure on the bladder and
sphincter and does not allow them to function properly.
Common among men are
problems with the prostate gland that
surrounds the urethra and is just under the bladder and
before the sphincter. An enlarge prostate, common in
aging men, or treatment for prostate cancer can disrupt the
normal functioning of bladder and sphincter muscles.
There are some physical things that can be done to help,
especially women with weakened muscles in the pelvic area.
Bladder retraining where a definite schedule is set for
urination and followed rigorously (whether you need to go or
not) with a widening period of time till a comfortable 3 to
4 hour period is reached. Another is Kegel exercises
that strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor.
Suggestions and experiences with essential oils can be
viewed by clicking on the tabs above.
[search helps: faecal
incontinence, FI, bowel incontinence, detrusor muscle]
Oils, blends & products
recommended:
Oils & Blends:
Citrus Bliss, clove, cypress, frankincense,
lavender, thyme
Essential oils based
products:
Also consider:
Suggested protocols:
Female related incontinence:
•
Apply and rub in a few drops of cypress topically over the
bladder area
• Also
consider coupling with the bladder retraining procedure and
Kegel exercises
Prostate relaed incontinence:
Protocol 1:
•
Apply 2 drops frankincense to the area between the rectum
and scrotum 2 times per day (also consider the reflexology
points)
•
Place 2 drops of frankincense under the tongue daily
Protocol 2 (originated with Dr. Hill):
Prepare a 00 capsule with 10 -13 drops of the following
blend and take orally 2-3 times daily.
Blend:
• 5 parts frankincense
• 3 parts thyme
• 3 parts clove
• 3 parts lavender
• 5 parts Citrus Bliss
Experiences and Testimonials of others
Vickie - About 2
years ago my husband had prostate cancer and braketherapy.
He now has to get up 3-4 times a night to go to the bathroom
and has to go very frequently during the day also. Do
you know of anything that will help?
Julie Ann – I know an older gentleman
who was having prostate trouble. I told him to apply
frankincense to the privates externally and take it under
the tongue, a few drops daily. He told me that his frequent
going has stopped and he can get a good nights rest now.
Rosemary – My friend has prostate
cancer, it is very enlarged and his PSA numbers are high.
He has taken the following formula for two weeks and came
back for more. He said the incontinence has improved,
it is easier to urinate, and is not painful. This
formula came from Dr. Hill.
I put the oils in one bottle, dropping it in sequence. Of
course you can make the capsules up each time, dropping the
oils in the capsule one at a time. A 15ml
bottle holds enough oil for 16 dosages. You put 19
drops into a veggie capsule. I figured it costs around
$39. Formula: 5 drops frankincense, 3 drops thyme, 3
drops clove, 3 drops lavender, 5 drops Citrus Bliss.
He is supposed to be doing it 2 to 3 times a day at the
first. He always does it once, but tries to do it AM
and PM
Gretchen - My 12
year old son and I just finished our day 10 of the GX
cleanse and we have started PB Assist. …The reason we are
doing this with him is because even at 12 he still wets the
bed every night. … Any suggestions or thoughts would be
appreciated.
Curl - Try rubbing cypress on his belly
at night before bedtime. My mother in law has been
using the cypress for incontinence and it's been working
great for her.
What Science & Research are saying
Australian Continence Journal, May 2001
HERBAL ESSENTIAL OILS FOR URINARY
INCONTINENCE
DR ELIZABETH STEELS BSc(Hon)
PhD Applied Science and Nutrition Pty. Ltd., TRACEY SEIPEL
BSc BNt Dip Herb.M MsT, MANPA, AMANDA RAO BAppSc PGDip AppSc
Excerpts taken from this study
follow (the full PDF may be found online).
INTRODUCTION
This study investigates the effectiveness of a natural
therapeutic preparation, BioLogic® bladder control cream, in
relieving symptoms of urinary incontinence. The preparation,
containing primarily essential oil herbal actives, was
developed based on a review of the traditional literature
and on consultation with natural therapy practitioners of
treatments commonly used to relieve symptoms of urinary
incontinence. The product was then formulated in accordance
with the principles of essential oil administration.
The active ingredients are essential oils of Citrus
sinensis (orange) oil, Juniperus virginiana (Virginia
cedarwood) stem oil, Commiphora myrrha (myrrh) oil, Citrus
aurantium (neroli or orange flower) oil, and Cupressus
sempervirens (cypress) leaf. …
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirteen women experiencing symptoms of urge incontinence
and/or stress incontinence were recruited through newspaper
advertisements. Three women withdrew from the study for
personal reasons within the first few weeks. The remaining
10 women completed the 3 months of the study.
Women experiencing urinary incontinence on a regular
basis were considered eligible for inclusion in the study if
they met the following criteria:
• They had not undergone recent surgery, particularly
hysterectomy or prolapse repair, within the last 12 months.
• They had not recently undergone childbirth (within the
last 12 months).
• They were not using any medicine for incontinence
symptoms in the last month.
• They did not have any serious health conditions such as
diabetes mellitus, heart disease, pancreatic disease,
hepatic disease or chronic inflammatory conditions.
• They were not currently being treated for psychotic
disturbances.
• They did not suffer from skin disorders that are
affected by transdermal applications.
Women were asked to maintain current dietary patterns but
were not given any advice regarding diet during the study.
The exercise patterns of the participants were also noted,
with women engaged in some form of exercise at least three
times a week regarded as being active.
Participants were asked to apply 5gm of the cream to the
body twice daily for a period of 3 months. …
RESULTS
… Prior to commencement of the treatment, all women
reported that they were extremely bothered by leakage. The
cause of the leakage was often a combination of the feeling
of urgency, the result of physical activity or just
continuous leakage. …
The study results indicate a significant positive change
in the responses concerning leakage relating to urgency and
activity. These effects were observed after the initial
month on the treatment and continued to improve over the 3
months. There were also improvements in the area of
continual leakage and difficulty emptying bladder, although
these only became significant after the full 3 months of the
treatment. It is noteworthy, however, that there were no
significant changes in the response to frequency of
urination over the 3 months. …
DISCUSSION
… The mechanism whereby this treatment may reduce
incontinence symptoms is not clear. There is evidence for
the use of Virginia cedarwood in treating incontinence,
enuresis and assisting bladder tone as well as bladder
infections, difficult urination and cystitis. The documented
properties likely to produce this effect are the
antispasmodic, diuretic, antiseptic and astringent.
Cypress is documented as an antispasmodic, astringent,
antiseptic, deodourant, diuretic and tonic that may promote
venous circulation to the kidneys and bladder area, improve
bladder tone and assist with urinary incontinence and
enuresis.
Recent literature describes myrrh as an astringent and
antiseptic that produces a soothing effect on mucous
membranes of the urinary system and promotes healing of
tissues. Orange and neroli are documented as having
anti-spasmodic, antiseptic and deodourant effects.
These essential oils appear to target the urinary system
and promote better control over urination. But it is
not clear whether this is a result of an action on the
muscles of the pelvic floor, sphincter or bladder wall
itself. Some of these essential oils are also recommended
for male reproductive health, indicating a possible effect
on the prostate in men.
The common properties of each of these essential oils may
provide some insight into their mechanism of action for
incontinence symptoms. In decreasing order of commonality,
the key actions that may relate to incontinence relief are
antispasmodic, astringent, antiseptic, diuretic, deodourant
and tonic.
Ready, Set, Grow
