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3. Black Haw (Viburnum Prunifolium)
Black haw is a relaxant, antispasmodic herb that has an affinity for the pelvis. The herb is a wild shrub and has been used extensively by Native Americans. Use the roots or stem bark if you are preparing the herb yourself.
To make a decoction of black haw, place one teaspoon of dried stem bark or roots in a pot. Cover the herb with one cup of water. Place a lid on the pot and let the decoction simmer gently for 20 minutes before straining out the spent herb. Discard or compost the herb and drink the remaining liquid. You may want to triple the recipe, as the recommended dosage is three cups of the decoction daily.
Black haw relieves urges to urinate and will help you to relax so that you can more readily employ mind-body techniques to overcome OAB symptoms. If you suffer from back pain due to spasms, black haw may relieve them. However, don’t use black haw if you have low blood pressure.
If people with OAB are overweight, losing a healthy amount of weight may help with symptoms. Learn about how overactive bladder and obesity are connected.
