Natural treatments for enuresis

Enuresis in children: when to consult?

Let us remember that the enuresis of the child, if it is nothing exceptional, must, if it persists apart from isolated accidents, push to consult a doctor. A nocturnal or diurnal enuresis which persists beyond the three or four years of the child should lead to look for possible organic causes (urinary infection, urinary malformation, diabetes, etc.). Same thing if it is a secondary enuresis, occurring when cleanliness has been acquired for several months. Apart from a specific pathology, bedwetting may be due to immaturity of sphincter control, or a concern psychological order (upheaval, family change, difficulties at school…). It is better not to let the situation settle for too long, as it could increase the child’s unhappiness. 

In this sense, the natural treatments listed below do not replace medical advice. They are rather to be used in parallel with conventional care.

Essential oils against enuresis in children

If the child is over three years old, it is possible to turn to essential oils to help him fight bedwetting.

The main essential oils considered to be effective against enuresis arecypress essential oil (which can also be taken as a mother tincture to dilute in a glass of water), noble chamomile, true or officinal lavender (lavandula angustifolia) or even shell marjoram. Generally, it is advisable to dilute two drops of EO in a vegetable oil, then toapply this to the solar plexus or the soles of the feet. Do not hesitate to seek advice from a pharmacist trained in aromatherapy, a naturopath or an aromatherapist doctor. There are also specialized books, so prefer those which concern children.

Which Bach flowers against enuresis?

Against enuresis in children, we can consider taking Bach® Cherry Plum Flower, since it is recommended for fight the fear of losing control.

You will obviously have to opt for an alcohol-free formula, and follow the dosage indicated on the packaging, generally 2 to 4 drops per dose, several times a day or simply at bedtime.

Note that there are also mixtures of Bach flowers ready to use and specially designed for fight against enuresis in children. However, we must keep in mind that this type of approach has not proven its effectiveness and that dubious marketing arguments are well underway to seduce distraught parents …

Homeopathy against enuresis

Although it has not been shown to be effective from a strictly scientific point of view, homeopathy is often cited as an aid in the fight against bedwetting. The treatment, which is carried out over a long period of several months, includes, for example, Sepia 9 CH, Causticum 9 to 15 CH, Equisetum hiemale 6 CH or Benzoic acid 9 CH. The granules are usually taken at bedtime.

Note that nothing beats the advice of a homeopathic doctor, who will prescribe granules in a personalized way, taking into account the type of enuresis (primary, diurnal, nocturnal at the beginning or end of the night, with or without a strong odor, etc.), its frequency, the child’s age, etc.

Hypnosis or self-hypnosis against enuresis in children

Because enuresis is sometimes of psychological origin, the use of hypnosis or learning self-hypnosis can work, especially since children are often more receptive to it than adults. However, recourse to this type of treatment implies having excluded any organic cause and being certain that the problem is psychological.

Funny remedies from grandmother to stop wetting the bed

Some websites share funny tips, or “grandmother’s remedies” to end bedwetting in children. 

The most convincing is undoubtedly that which consists in give a spoon of acacia honey to the child before bedtime, because the honey would retain water without tiring and soliciting the kidneys. 

Other tricks leave us more perplexed, in particular the one which consists in making take a bath of very salted water at 30-35 ° C for the child, or the one which consists of place a basin filled with water under the child’s bed… Parents who live in the countryside or by the sea can also respectively embark on the making of a fern or dry kelp mattress topper, to be placed between the fitted sheet (or the mattress) and the mattress. Less comfortable, this plant layer would push the child to contract his sphincters.

Other simple approaches against enuresis in children

Before playing the sorcerer’s apprentice or over-medicating in the face of persistent enuresis, it is crucial to reassure the child. Because enuresis is not inevitable.

We can try toinvolve the child, for example by asking him to help us change the sheets, while avoiding however that he perceives it as a punishment. 

We can also set up a voiding calendar, on which the child writes “dry” and “wet” nights, for example with a sun icon and a rain icon. This method is often cited as a first approach, and in the absence of a physical cause. It allows the child to follow his progress over time, and to strengthen his motivation.

At the same time, it is advisable to implement educational measures:

• teach the child to hold back during the day and to distribute his urination (about 6 per day),
• fight against constipation, which increases the risk of bedwetting,
• invite the child to limit his fluid intake in the evening
• and of course, asking her to go to the bathroom to empty her bladder one last time before bed. 

So many approaches that it is good to put in place in parallel with care and before considering drug treatment or vesico-sphincteric rehabilitation.