Pulsatilla, derived from various species of the Pulsatilla plant (notably Pulsatilla pratensis and Pulsatilla vulgaris), is primarily used in traditional and homeopathic medicine for a range of conditions, including irritable bladder symptoms such as frequent urination, discomfort, or urinary retention. Its use in this context is rooted in historical European herbal practices and is especially common in homeopathic systems, where highly diluted preparations are prescribed for urinary tract irritability, particularly when symptoms are accompanied by a gentle, yielding emotional state or are aggravated by warmth and improvement in open air.

However, the scientific evidence supporting Pulsatilla's efficacy for irritable bladder is scant. There are no robust clinical trials or pharmacological studies demonstrating its effectiveness or elucidating a mechanism of action for this indication. The majority of evidence comes from anecdotal reports, traditional herbal texts, and homeopathic materia medica. Some herbal literature mentions Pulsatilla as a mild sedative and anti-inflammatory, but these effects are not specifically validated in the context of bladder irritation.

In summary, the use of Pulsatilla for irritable bladder is justified primarily by tradition and homeopathic doctrine rather than by scientific validation. The evidence supporting its use for this purpose is weak and largely anecdotal.