Evidence supporting the use of: Mucilage
For the body system: Bladder
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Mucilage refers to a group of polysaccharide-rich substances derived from plants such as slippery elm, marshmallow root, and corn silk. The traditional use of mucilage-containing herbs for supporting the bladder and urinary tract is well-documented in herbal medicine. Historically, these substances have been valued for their demulcent properties—the ability to soothe and protect irritated or inflamed mucous membranes. In the context of bladder health, mucilage is thought to coat the lining of the bladder and urethra, helping to reduce irritation, promote comfort, and potentially support the healing of minor inflammation or infection. These effects are cited in numerous herbal compendia and traditional pharmacopeias, especially within Western herbalism and some forms of traditional Chinese medicine.
Although traditional use is robust, scientific validation specific to bladder support is limited. Most modern research on mucilage focuses on its gastrointestinal benefits, such as soothing sore throats or calming digestive upset. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest mucilaginous substances may form a protective barrier over mucous membranes, which could theoretically apply to the urinary tract. However, there is a lack of rigorous clinical trials directly examining mucilage's effect on bladder health in humans. Therefore, mucilage's use for bladder support remains primarily rooted in tradition, with moderate anecdotal support but limited direct scientific evidence.
Other ingredients that support Bladder
asparagusbearberry
beta-sitosterol
cranberry
D-mannose
damiana
dandelion
fu ling
gokhru
goldenseal
horseradish
horsetail
lophatherum leaf
lovage
mannitol
marshmallow
methenamine
nettle
parsley
pear
plantain
pumpkin
pygeum
saw palmetto
water
sarsaparilla
squawvine
uva ursi
chickweed
mugwort
Indian bael
nut grass
hedychium spicatum
punarnava
goldenrod
yarrow
sodium salt
juniper berries
dodder
cornsilk
buchu
birch
couch grass
queen of the meadow
guelder rose
hydrangea
coix
polyporus
cleavers
shepherd's purse
wood betony
white oak
herbal blend (proprietary)
gravel root
Akebia
Arbutin
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Aletris
Aucubin
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Alisma
Abuta
Baliospermum
bergenin
Blepharis
Balsam
Bistort
Brazilian peppertree
Bael
boldo
berry
Black Poplar
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Bassia scoparia
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Bottle gourd
Carrapicho
Cucurbita
Cnidium
Cornflower
Common Thatching grass
Chanca Piedra
Coconut Water
Cedar
Corktree
Cubeb
Cranesbill
Crinum latifolium
Costus
Dianthus
Didymocarpus
DL-Methionine
Dwarf Nettle
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Erigeron
Euryale seed
Echinodorus
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Fungus
Fringetree
Fleabane
Fringed Pink
Fireweed
Goldthread
Gnaphalium
Giant Blazingstar
Glechoma hederacea
Glycosaminoglycans
Golden Ragwort
Golden Shower Tree
Guazuma ulmifolia
Heather
Hygrophila
Indian Sarsparilla
Isothiocyanates
Java Tea
Joe-Pye
Japecanga
Jatoba
Kigelia africana
Kochia
Kalanchoe pinnatum
Knotgrass
Lindera
Long Buchu
Lycopodium
Lygodium
Labrador Tea
Leptospermum scoparium
Lysimachia
Longleaf buchu
Mallow
Mucilage
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Madder
Maidenhair Fern
Mondo Grass
Mannose
Meadowsweet
Manzanita
Maytenus ilicifolia
Nigella Seed
Nasturtium
Ocotillo
Operculina turpethum
Ovate Buchu
Phellodendron
Phyllanthus
Phragmites
Plantago
Pulsatilla
Phlomis umbrosa
Pellitory
Pyrrosia
Pareira
Pedalium
Pipsissewa
Pyrola
Palo Azul
Potentilla
Rubus
Rupturewort
Rosa laevigata
Rhus glabra
Sargentodoxa
Speedwell
Sausage Tree
Silverweed
Smartweed
Soft rush
Sensitive Plant
Sanguisorba
Sweet Woodruff
Spiny Restharrow
Stereospermum
Scirpus
Stachytarpheta cayennensis
Stone Root
Sparganium
Sassafras
Taraxacin
Turtle Head
Tiger Nut
Toadflax
Taraxacum
Trailing Arbutus
Taraxol
Varuna
Viburnum
Veronica
White Dead Nettle Flower
Wax Gourd
White Poplar
Yerba Mansa
Yin Chen
Zedoary