Bladder issues:

An overactive bladder is one of the most common symptoms of peri-menopause and menopause. When oestrogen is plentiful, the bladder, urethra and vagina stay healthy. As hormone levels decline, the tissues of the system can become thinner, atrophy and susceptible to infection. The two most common outcomes of this process are cystitis and incontinence.

Cystitis:

Top essential oils:

• Tea tree: Anti-bacterial, will help to fight bladder infections
• Oregano: Anti-inflammatory properties
• Juniper: Antispasmodic, calming
• Lemongrass: Anti-inflammatory
• Sandalwood Anti-inflammatory, relaxing, calming

Recipes:

 Hydrolats:

• Dilute 200mls of thyme hydrolat into 1 litre of water and drink throughout the day.
• Douche with diluted thyme and geranium hydrolat regularly.

Bath blend:

• 10ml carrier oil
• 6 drops Tea tree essential oil

Blend oils. Add to bathwater and douche area.

Rollerball blend to assist with pain caused by an infection:

• 10ml rollerball bottle
• 10ml coconut carrier oil
• 1 drop Oregano essential oil
• 1 drop Juniper berry essential oil
• 1 drop Lemongrass essential oil
• 1 drop Sandalwood essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well. Massage into abdominal area when experiencing pain.

Remember to hydrate:

• Drink water. Aim for 2 litres daily.
• Drink coconut water, as it is a natural diuretic so will help to flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.

Incontinence:

An overactive bladder is one of the most common symptoms of peri-menopause and menopause.

Top essential oils:

• Cypress: Vaso-restrictive properties, which may help if weakened or loose muscles are the cause of an overactive bladder, supports the urinary system
• Lavender: Relaxing, sedative, calming and stress relief properties. Stress is a known agitator of OAB
• Juniper: Supports the urinary system
• Clary sage: Helps to relieve stress, relaxing, calming. Stress is a known agitator of OAB. Due to its oestrogenic properties it is not suitable for people whom have/had oestrogen-induced cancers or are pregnant.
• Ylang Ylang: Supports the nervous system and has sedative properties. Helps to relax the bladder, therefore, controlling the urge to urinate.

Difficult to treat with aromatherapy, however, the following options are worth a try:

Hydrolats:

• Use cypress or clary sage. Dilute 200mls of hydrolat into 1 litre of water and drink throughout the day.

Body blend:

• 100ml unscented white lotion.
• 20 drops Cypress essential oil
• 20 drops Sweet Marjoram essential oil

Blend oils with white body lotion. Apply regularly to the lower back and abdominal area.

Rollerball blend to aid leaky bladder/urinary incontinence:

• 10ml rollerball bottle – leave the rollerball top off
• 10ml carrier oil
• 6 drops Clary sage essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well. Inhale directly from bottle.

Alternative leaky bladder/urinary incontinence blend:

• 10ml rollerball bottle – leave the rollerball top off
• 10ml carrier oil
• 4 drops Clary sage essential oil
• 2 drops Lavender essential oil

Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well. Inhale directly from bottle.

Avoiding stimulants such as coffee can help as they irritate the bladder, plus act as a diuretic.

DISCLAIMER:

Essential oils are not safe for everyone, and should only be prescribed by a qualified and insured aromatherapist following a full consultation and patch testing. If you have any concerns or are on medication, then you should consult your medical practitioner prior to use.