DDAVP, or desmopressin, is a replacement hormone for vasopressin and is an anti-diuretic, meaning that it lessens urine production. Doctors prescribe it to treat bed wetting and diabetes insipidus. Patients can take it in pill form, or via intravenous or intranasal administration. There are some herbal alternatives to DDAVP, but check with a doctor before beginning any herbal remedy.
Licorice
Licorice is the second-most-prescribed Chinese herb after ginseng, and has been used medicially for over 5,000 years, according to Innvista.com. Licorice, or Glycyrrhiza glabra, works by retaining sodium and water. Glycyrrhizic acid is the chemical compound of licorice that has this effect and can interfere with some medications. Pregnant women and people with liver disease, high blood pressure or diabetes should not take licorice.
Golden Evergreen Raspberry
Golden evergreen raspberry, or Rubus ellipticus, is a member of the rose family. It has edible fruits and a history of medicinal use. Plants for a Future, PFAF.org, states that it is an anti-diuretic used in treating polyuria, or excessive urination, and the need to get up in the middle of the night to urinate.
Chamomile
Chamomile can be used in many different forms for herbal remedies. There are several different parts of the chamomile plant that are used in herbal remedies. The plant can be a tonic and antispasmodic, the flower a sedative and anti-inflammatory agent, while the oil of chamomile is an anti-diuretic. According to the Indian Medicinal Plants Growers' Consortium, chamomile can lessen the need to urinate frequently.
Yi Zhi Ren
Yi zhi ren, or Alphinia oxyphylla, is also known as black cardamom. Only the fruit is used in herbal treatment. It is a spicy herb that "warms the kidneys," according to Herbalists.on.ca, and decreases the urge to urinate. It is used by herbalists to treat bed wetting. Yi zhi ren is listed as being relatively safe to use, but always check with a doctor before any herbal remedy, especially one that is lesser known.
