Acupressure
★★★★★
Several energy practitioners advise pressing these points, that are, SO ODDLY, nowhere near the bladder.
Use light pressure on these points, about the weight of a nickel.
There are two “initial points" to press, first on one side, right or left -- and then do the same points on the remaining side. These are generally held for one minute, though if two points are held at the same time, the time spent is shortened.
There are also “controlling points", right and left again, that are held for just half a minute.
Here's what I did, though I will use "you" to encourage you!
The first set of points are to press a spot that is just a little further down your foot, just past where the little toe meets the foot, on the top of the foot. Press this point for one minute.
If you are able, you can be more efficient by pressing the other “initial" point -- your index finger nail -- against this spot just-beyond-the-little-toe. Choose the right side with both points -- and then repeat on the other side.
Or if that is too difficult, press on the near-the-toe-point with another hand -- and press the index fingernail with another hand -- separately. (Again, do the right side points and then the left side points.)
Do each of these points for one minute, either each point separately for one minute each -- or pressing one point with another point for one minute, pressing the two points together.
If you are extremely agile, you can press the right index fingernail on the beyond-the-little-toe point on right side, while also pressing the left index fingernail on the beyond-the-little-toe point on the left side. And that just takes one minute altogether!
Next there is another set of “controlling points" to press for just half a minute. I am going to hope that you can do these points with one hand on one knee -- and the other hand on the other knee -- in the same thirty seconds.
Find the spot in the center of the back of the knee. Press lightly there while also stretching a spare finger around to the middle of the front of the knee, going down about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch to a spot below the kneecap bone. Press these together for 30 seconds.
I did these pressings -- initial and controlling sets -- just once or twice in a two day time period. And I have been much more controlled than previously. I do have to be aware of how full my bladder is -- or if "number two" is pressing in on my bladder and causing issues.
But generally, this exercise has freed me and allowed me to go out into the world again. It is wonderful.
In point of fact, my bladder is now just a little too tight -- and many times I have to press on my bladder to get any "action." There are "sedation" points that I have also used, when I got too "tight."
I am happy to say that I no longer purchase “Depends" for security.
I have chronic Lyme disease and immune system issues, which is why this problem arose. But in talking to others about incontinence issues (and because of my success, it is often one of my main topics! ), this seems to be a growing problem for many of us. Note that adult incontinence products sell as much as baby diapers!
This may also work for “bed wetting" issues.
Please let me know if any of this is unclear -- and I will try to remedy it.
(Santa Rosa, California)
10/16/2016
Wow! How did you know what I need? I have been dealing with Lyme's since my early 30's. I am now 58. I can control my bladder really well during the day. It is the night time frequency that drives me "bonkers". Anywhere from 5-8 times a night. I am eager to try this.
I have discovered something that helped my dry eyes yesterday. I was getting a facial with steam and after that I was able to wear my "contacts" comfortably the rest of the day.
Thank you so much for sharing, Mary Beth!
(Pittsburgh)
10/17/2016
Interestingly enough, Kimberly, this has been a contrary remedy for me. It has worked beautifully for a while, but I have had to be more attuned to my bladder and ready to get to the potty in short order.
I am also having issues with needing to pee frequently at night. I find that when I feel the urge, I must try to get up and pee right away or I will have some minor leakage. I think this may be a symptom of Lyme disease -- but I am seeing it as a sign that some of my "fix-its" are working and jostling my body and getting out the toxins via urine.
I have learned that when I get up in the night, I squeeze my mouth together like I am sucking on a lemon till I get to the potty. That seems to work somehow.
I know this may sound discouraging, but I was so freed up by pressing the acupressure points, that I am very grateful for the freedom I gained in my life. I also wish things were a little less problematic at night. Lyme is a journey: we keep learning things along the way.
(California)
05/29/2017
Your instructions are great, but may I ask you for the acupuncture/Chinese names for the points, if you know them. It will make it easier to be sure they're being done correctly by looking for the points in a chart on the Internet.
Thanks again! Brian
(Pittsburgh, Pa)
05/29/2017
The tonifying points are BL67 and L11. The controlling points are BL54 and ST36. I got these numbers from the "Touch for Health" book. Donna Eden in "Energy Medicine" lists the same point names.
(Phoenix)
01/24/2018
Mary Beth, thank you for sharing this wonderful post. I would like to try this for urinary urgency/frequency. But, like Brian requested, I, too, need a chart to confirm that I am using the precise point locations. I was able to confirm points BL67 (lateral top of pinky toe) and ST36 (just below patella) but, " L11" does not appear to exist on any acupuncture/meridian chart (?). And "BL54" appears to be mirror points in the lower abdomen, which does not correspond to any of the points you mentioned in your original post. Can you please confirm the point numbers, and/or names, for the points behind the knee and the index finger nail please? I'm especially confused about the index finger nail. Is it anywhere on the top of the nail? Or, is it the edge/tip of the nail?
Thank you very much for any specific info you can provide.
ACV, Cayenne, Nutmeg Drink
Robb's post was from September 2019 so he may not see your request. His recipe includes 1 gram of cayenne and 1 gram of nutmeg. According to the Traditional Oven Web site, 1 gram of cayenne equals 0.56 of a teaspoon – just a little over 1/2 teaspoon.
The same site states that 1 gram of ground nutmeg is equal to 0.45 of a teaspoon – just a little under 1/2 teaspoon. I imagine using 1/2 teaspoon of each would be fine.
https://www.traditionaloven.com/foods/exchange/g-gram/tsp/spice-pepper-red-or-cayenne.html https://www.traditionaloven.com/foods/exchange/g-gram/tsp/spice-nutmeg-ground.html
Hope that helps.
ACV, Cayenne, Nutmeg Drink
★★★★★
I drink a great deal of water and other fluids [ wine ] . My days starts at 3:00 am. I have 12 oz of water, 16 oz of coffee and head to the gym. I do X Fit, four to five days a week, I drink during the work out.
I wait for dawn and start my walk run, I do ten to fifteen miles everyday. I am peeing every 15-20 minutes, nights are no fun.
After reading what other people are doing i made a formula. 10 OZ ACV 1 grm Cayenne Pepper 1 grm Nutmeg Shake Well. I use 1oz of the above with 12 oz water.
In the afternoon I do the same but at 100mg of pure CBD. After one week, I am good, really good. I get up once at midnight and again at 3:00 am. During my walk and run I am down to a couple times in 3 hours.
KISS, Simple things can be magic. Thank you, Robb
(Birmingham UK)
06/11/2024
Hi Robb. You wrote this a number of years ago and I'd love to know how you are doing? Overactive bladder has ripped away my life for the last 18 years. I'm hunting for a cure or some great improvements. I came across your post here. I would love to know how you are faring all these years on please. Also, I am intending to try out the ACV, Cayenne and Nutmeg therapies you suggest but am a little confused on the CBD. You said that you 'at' the CBD in the afternoon. Did you mean 'add'? Also how do you add it? Is the CBD you get in the form of an oil and do you add some drops into your drink? I would love to know. Also, I'm quite a light-headed person and am concerned that the CBD may make me feel out of sorts. I wonder if the therapy you suggest may work without the CBD. With best regards, I hope you are well. Marl.
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
ow I take the same dose in the evening. Now it's a 50/50 split between nights when I don't have to go at all, and nights when I only go one time. It's a game changer.
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
(East Sussex)
11/07/2016
Hi, I take ACV every day. In a glass, I take 2 tablespoonful's with just the tip of a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda, this protects the enamel on your teeth. Let it 'fizz' then top up with water. I actually like the taste, but you can mix it with juice or use one of those dissolving vitamin C tablets in it.
(United States)
04/04/2018
Are you still getting good results from using ACV and what is your dosage?
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
Baking Soda
Read an interesting article and thinks it worth passing on. Old folks have to get up in the middle of the night to go pee. Most have to because their urine is acid and their body is trying to save them. It is not because their bladder is full. So to help get a good night's sleep, drink a glass of water with a teaspoon of baking soda in it prior to bed time. It is working for us. ======RH=======
(Louisville, Kentucky)
01/20/2013
I'm going to try baking soda for a bit.. Also, today I'm starting a 30 day organic juice fast. I love this site!
(Hope, Bc, Canada)
12/02/2014
★★★★★
Greetings, Robert Henry ---
I owe you a very big thank you for posting about baking soda stopping the need to get up at night. That was a while ago. I tried it and indeed I could enjoy a full night's sleep which means a lot. It was creating problems with having to sleep during day time.
I hope you are making out well in your journey to health.
Best wishes, Namaste, Om
(Takoradi)
07/12/2016
How can I lay hands on baking soda?
EC: Baking Soda is known as Sodium Bicarbonate in Europe, easily found the baking section of any grocery store.
Sodium bicarbonate (or bicarbonate of soda) are other names for what is referred to as baking soda.
(Tacoma, Wa)
03/21/2017
How many oz or size glass do I use with the baking soda?
Chromium Picolinate
★★★★★
Frequent Urination Remedies
(Canada)
08/16/2013
(Fairfax, Va)
08/16/2013
Similar to you, frequent urination has been a problem for me since Oct. 2012, when I also developed eczema, which also continues to the present day. In my case, I believe that I have a toxin that my body cannot easily release..... So, I drink a lot of water in order to prevent dehydration due to frequently urinating. Also, I try to maintain a high mineral intake because frequent urination removes minerals from the body..... Do you have any idea what may have been the immediate cause of your frequent urination problem? Let's continue to share information. Good luck.
(Latin America)
04/30/2022
If you also developed eczema, it seems like you were under a lot of stress, which can make the perinatal area tight. There are exercises to relax those muscles.
I know this is an old post, but it might help somebody.
@Namaw: To help normalize your seeming out-of-balance condition, I would recommend a high quality health food brand multivitamin/mineral plus an "Antioxidant Complex". Replace processed salt w/ Iodized Sea Salt. Also take the amino acid Taurine to help balance the minerals and water retention.
Hi Namaw, according to Arabic old medicine your kidneys are too hot, for that they are too active. Try to cool them by vinegar poultices and don't be in sauna.
(Boise Id)
11/15/2013
I have problem like that too when ever I sit down I never go all the way it feels like some is still left over, then have to go again... I HATE the taste of water so I often have to force myself to drink it and im sick of going to the dr where they precripe me meds that work for a month then stop.
(Suffolk)
02/02/2024
I wasn't keen on lots of water but much less of a problem now I distill mine, then put it in beautiful glass bottles in the fridge. I also add 1 drop of peppermint per litre or some fresh mint and or lemon slices or zest. It's way cheaper than any bottled water and there is a beauty to it which helps.
(Denver, Colorado)
11/15/2013
Vc3s: Free radicals and a lack of nutrients cause the prostrate to enlarge and make bad testosterone called bht. Take 7g hawaiin spiulina and 1/2oz. organic tomato paste. The carotenoids provide therapy. 1/2 of the carotenoids in the tissues are lycopene. Olive leaf extract is also high in these beneficial substances.
(Waynesboro, Va)
11/15/2013
I have the same kind of thing. I urinate, have to really concentrate so I empty my bladder completely, then when I stand up some more leaks out. I don't get it. I drink lots of water, take 1 tbs Apple Cider Vinegar daily in a full glass. I have done this my whole life. If you tell a dr, they right away think you have incontinence or urgency. I don't. Also, I can go w/ much volume and then, 5 minutes later, go again w/ much volume. What's up with that?
(San Antonio, Texas)
11/15/2013
Check out symptoms of insipidus diabetes. There are two forms that will require testing to confirm. Though the symtoms are the same, treatment is not. I have a relative awaiting a Dr. appointment and possible testing. I did see a little bit about it on curezone.
(Somewhere, Europe)
11/16/2013
Gertie, you can try adding a LITTLE bit of good salt (Celtic, Himalayan etc.) to your drinking regime. Like a small lick every 2 or three glasses that you drink. Do NOT overdo it.
(Ca)
11/16/2013
Go to get a diagnosis at Dr. Can be overactive bladder, intersitital cystitis, try kegal excercises. Hope you feel better!
(Ca)
11/16/2013
Dear Faeqa from Jordan: How do you do the Vinegar Poultices? Thanks!!!
Hi Sunny:P our enough vinegar over 2 small cotton towels or dip the towels in AVC and put it over the kidneys separately, don't put it over the spine and keep it far from the nerves because it is harm for the nerves to be cooled. You can put it for half hour or more if you can. Wishing health for you
(Australia)
03/24/2016
Might sound weird but drink a glass of water every hour Eventually your body will thank you We are made up of water and without it you WILL suffer Think of your kidneys!!!!
(Florida)
03/25/2016
Sound like IC look it up on EC Everyone is different. What works for one may not for another. Try one thing at a time, always use more than the bottle says. For me I like stinging nettles. I use to get a combination of root & leaf from Swanson, but they stopped carrying it. Now I buy both stinging nettle leaf & stinging nettle root, 2 from each bottle 3Xs a day. ALWAYS before bed! I can now hold it 4 hours at night - that's good for me! If you start with one I'd try the root first, if no relief then add leaf. Hope this helps. Keep drinking lots of water, slow down before bedtime.
(Boston, Ma)
03/25/2016
Pumpkin is very effective for frequent urination. You can buy pumpkin seed oil either in liquid or gel caps, or you can eat a lot of pumpkin seed.
About a month ago, I noticed that Azo (the over-the-counter medication for UTI's) started selling a pumpkin-based tablet for frequent urination, so I guess the big corporations have caught on to the effectiveness of pumpkin for that purpose.
General Feedback
Baldev
(Tyler, Tx)
02/28/2017
Lactose free milk helped my husband.
General Feedback
I'm just suggesting this as a topic.
EC: Thanks for the suggestion - done!
Feel free to post your questions/comments/feedback.
(Northern Nj, USA)
03/12/2010
My husband gets up 2-3 times a night to pee. He is 58 and healthy, but are there treatments he could try?
(Long Beach, Ca, Us)
03/13/2010
Hi, I also get up up to pee during the night but it stopped after I started taking apple cider vinegar and baking soda once a day in a large glass. I do 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar to 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to 16 ounces of distilled water. I then break off a tiny piece of a ph tester strip that I bought at a drugstore and dip it in the drink to to make sure it has an alkalinity of at least 7.0 (blue). If not, I add a pinch or two more baking soda.
(San Francisco, California)
08/24/2011
I don't understand about adding baking soda to apple cider vinegar. Doesn't the vinegar by itself decrease the body's acidity?
(Singapore)
11/19/2011
For the past one week, I have had very frequent urination. Never had this problem before. Sometimes it's as quick as 15-30 mins. The amount urinated each time might be little but the urge is there always. Went and saw the doctor. Urine tests were negative and blood tests were also negative. No pain when I urinate and no other symptoms other than the constant urge to want to urinate as the bladder keeps feeling full. Is this a case of overactive/weak bladder or something else? I am a male and have followed a health diet of vegetarianism and don't drink caffeine, alcohol etc. I have been taking apple cider vinegar with water the past 2 days but with little relief. Any advice/suggestions would be most helpful.
(Australia)
03/24/2016
Drink MORE water believe it or not Your body gives you the message ALWAYS
eg In the Middle East in the heat they drink sweetened warm Tea NEVER iced cold tea.
(Somewhere, Europe)
11/19/2011
Kumar, a lick of the real grey salt with each glass of water, helps for frequent urination.
(Seattle, Wa - Usa)
11/19/2011
Hi Kumar,
I believe that an enlarged prostate can cause frequent urination in men. You didn't give your age, but this is more common in older men than younger men.
On a lighter note - My husband used to have this problem, and he relieved it by buying looser underwear. Seems the kind he was wearing were too tight, and the elastic was pushing in on his bladder.
Just a couple of thoughts. Good Luck.
(Manganui, Northland, New Zealand)
11/19/2011
This condition if not diabetic, could be an enlarged prostate.. Start taking cayenne about 350mg daily, if after a week the need to urinate hasn't gone you might need a procedure to reduce the prostate.
Multiple Supplements
★★★★★
(3) 100mg Hyaluronic Acid w/Chondroitin and collagen
(2) 400mg Triple Magnesium Complex- oxide, citrate, aspartate
(2) 1000mg Vitamin C
(2) 90mg Potassium Gluconate
(1) 5000iu Vitamin D3
(1) 325mg Aspirin
Hi Steve,
Glad to hear that you have found relief for your overactive bladder!
Regarding the hyaluronic acid and Stopain for degenerative disc disease (DDD), it seems that you are using a different product than what I have found to be effective, as you mentioned that the product you are using also contains chondroitin and collagen, both of which are not in the NOW brand Double Strength Hyaluronic Acid that has been effective for DDD in many of my friends and EC members.
About 2 years ago, it became impossible to get the NOW brand HA product and quite a few friends had to use other products that contained 100 mg of HA and they all found out that the products they used did not work for DDD, but the NOW product did and as soon as it came available again they started back on it and their DDD pains went away.
This may be the reason that you have not found benefit from your regimen. Here is a link to the specific NOW brand Double Strength Hyaluronic Acid product that they used to very good effect :
As you can see from the ingredient list, the NOW product contains neither of the ingredients that you mentioned, but it does contain other ingredients which are apparently synergistic with the HA. If you decide to try the correct product, please let us know your results.
Art
(AK)
02/12/2025
Hi Art, you are correct it is a different product, it was the only one available locally that had 100mg of hyaluronic acid and I figured the other ingredients were a bonus. To keep with earthclinic guidelines I did not include the product name but it is available at walmart. As a side note, I was going to make a new post for my back. After much reading it was sounding like bursitis in my hip, and following the recommendations of the posts here on earthclinic I started taking milk of magnesia. I won't say it was near instant relief, but within a few days my back and hip area feels better than it has in a long time. I am waiting on my order of magnesium chloride flakes to make mag oil and my order of melatonin powder to make your gin/lotion remedy, although it's my belief that it's the magnesium that I'm lacking. I still use the stopain roll on because I feel it helps. Thanks for all that you do.
Hi Steve,
It will be very quick for you to find out if it is a magnesium deficiency issue, once you try the mag oil out as that ionic form of magnesium penetrates easily and quickly. It also helps relax tense muscles which are quite common with many back ache issues.
The melatonin gel works against the damage caused by osteoarthritis (OA), in case it turns out to be OA as discussed here :
Here is a relevant quote from the literature :
' Recently, the therapeutic effects of melatonin and ncRNAs in OA have been gradually discovered. Exogenous melatonin can stimulate the growth of chondrocytes and regulate the expression of cartilage-related genes. At the same time, chondrocytes can synthesize a small amount of melatonin (Fu et al., 2019). Endogenous and exogenous melatonin can regulate cartilage growth and maturation through MT1 and MT2 receptors (Fu et al., 2019). Melatonin can regulate OA by adjusting the level of ncRNAs, which is mainly reflected in five aspects (Figure 1): 1) regulating the degradation and synthesis of the chondrocyte matrix; 2) regulating the oxidative stress and apoptosis of chondrocytes; 3) regulating the differentiation of chondrocytes; 4) regulating rhythm genes; 5) regulating inflammatory mediators. In addition, melatonin can also alleviate the adverse effects of other drugs on OA. '
Art
(Seattle)
02/13/2025
Homeopathy addresses root cause
Top 6 Homeopathic Treatments for An Overactive Bladder
1. Kreosotum – Top Grade Medicine
Kreosotum is an effective homeopathic medicine for an overactive bladder with a sudden urge to urinate. In such cases, the patient needs to hurry to urinate whenever the urge arises. The frequency of urination is also high. Usually, the smell of the urine is highly offensive. Kreosotum is also used in cases where there is involuntary urination on lying down or while coughing.
2. Lycopodium Clavatum – For Overactive Bladder With Frequent Urination At Night
Lycopodium Clavatum is an excellent homeopathic medicine for overactive bladder in cases of frequent urination at night. The quantity of urine in such cases is also very profuse. There is a feeling of bearing down on the bladder region along with the need to wake up at night because of the urge to urinate. Stitching pain in the bladder is also present in some cases. Lycopodium Clavatum is also helpful in cases of an overactive bladder in males suffering from prostate enlargement.
3. Merc Sol – For Overactive Bladder with Frequent Urination Day and Night
Merc Sol is an important medicine for overactive bladder cases where there is frequent urination during the day and at night. Every time the urge to urinate arises, the person has to hurry. Any delay causes the urine to leak involuntarily. The urine flow may be scanty or profuse. In some cases, there is a feeling of soreness in the bladder.
4. Causticum – For Overactive Bladder with Involuntary Passage of Urine
Causticum is a beneficial homeopathic medicine for overactive bladder in cases where there is an involuntary flow of urine. It is very troublesome when it occurs at night or if the patient is walking. Causticum also helps in strengthening the bladder sphincter and in controlling urinary incontinence.
5. Equisetum Hyemale – For Overactive Bladder with Frequent and Profuse Urination
Equisetum Hyemale is well indicated for overactive bladder cases with passage of frequent and large quantities of urination. There is a constant feeling of fullness in the urinary bladder. Inspite of passing large amount of urine very often, the bladder fullness is not relieved. Sometimes urine is passed involuntarily both in the day and at night.
6. Sepia – For An Overactive Bladder In Females
Sepia is a good homeopathic treatment for an overactive bladder in women. It is useful when a female has a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate. There is a constant bearing down sensation above the pubis. In most cases, the urine is foul smelling and may contain sediments.
You need to know the potency and how to take. I'd recommend you work with a practicing homeopath.
(Texas)
02/13/2025
Homeopathic medicine for frequent urination in males.
https://www.lybrate.com/topic/homeopathic-medicine-for-frequent-urination-in-males/84373325bbb594b99f277855bcb05bb5
Nutmeg
★★★★★
I add a dash of nutmeg to my coffee daily and my overactive bladder is functionally normally again. Try if for two weeks to see if it works for you.
(PA)
06/14/2023
I'm going to try the nutmeg, but not sure what you mean by a dash? A dash to me seems like a sprinkle of salt, which is very little?? Also, how long have you been doing this? Is it safe for long term use? I see where 2 teaspoons can cause toxicity.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
★★★★★
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4032845/
Here is a relevant quote from the study :
>>> ' The results from our study suggest that pumpkin seed oil extracts from C. maxima as well as from C. pepo are effective for urinary disorders such as OAB in humans. ' <<<
Art
(VA)
04/02/2023
★★★★★
Pumpkin seed extract has been a lifesaver!! I take 2 tablets every morning to get me thru the day, particularly at work!!
Thank you Earth Clinic😘
Shelly,
Thank you for the feedback to add confirmation for the effectiveness of the use of pumpkin seed extract for OAB!
Art
(Cabarlah)
02/13/2025
I wonder if eating pepitas raw would be equivalent to taking the pumpkin seed oil. Just asking for mere male.
(Ontario)
02/16/2025
According to various internet sources, 4,000 milligrams of whole pumpkin seeds is equivalent to 1,000 milligrams of pumpkin seed oil. Another comparison is or around 1.5 tablespoons of shelled pumpkin seeds which are equivalent to 400 mg pumpkin seed oil.
Root Vegetables & Kefir
★★★★★
