Bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, is common in young children. MayoClinic.com notes that the reasons for bedwetting vary: nerves that run to the bladder may not be fully developed yet; while deep sleeping, infections and constipation can also play a role. The website says that although bedwetting before the age of 6 is usually not a cause for concern, you should consult your doctor if your child still wets the bed after age 6, resumes bedwetting after stopping, or experiences painful urination, pink-tinged urine or snoring. Some people turn to homeopathic remedies to alleviate their children's bedwetting; consult your doctor first.
Causticum Hahnemmani
Homeopathic medicine, based on the principle of "like cures like," treats symptoms with infinitesimal amounts of a substance that, in larger amounts, would cause the same symptoms in a healthy person. The causticum remedy, or potassium hydrate, is made from calcium hydroxide and potassium bisulphate. Although both substances are caustic and shouldn't normally be ingested, the extreme dilutions of homeopathic preparation render them harmless. Homeopaths believe that the resultant liquid holds a memory, or "essence," of the original substance. Causticum is a popular homeopathic remedy for bedwetting. DrHomeo.com notes that it is particularly indicated when the bedwetting takes place in the first few hours of sleep, or if the child sometimes inadvertently urinates when coughing, sneezing or laughing. Beneforce notes that if your child is a light or uneasy sleeper, this is another sign that causticum could be the right remedy. Ask your doctor before using causticum to treat bedwetting.
Pulsatilla Nigricans
Pulsatilla nigricans is made from meadow anemone, a perennial, purple-blooming flower native to northern Europe. Homeopaths often prescribe pulsatilla to treat bedwetting; Online Family Doctor advises it particularly if the bedwetting episode follows the ingestion of rich or fatty foods. Homeopaths often suggest remedies according to personality traits. According to Beneforce, pulsatilla is most effective for gentle, mild and easygoing people who are easily moved to laughter and tears. If symptoms worsen in hot stuffy rooms, but improve with fresh air, sympathy and cool showers, this is another indication for pulsatilla. Check with a physician before using pulsatilla to treat your child.
Sepia
Sepia, made from cuttlefish ink, has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including kidney problems, since the days of ancient Greece. Homeopaths recommend the sepia remedy primarily for women, and are particularly likely to recommend it for bedwetting if the child is female. Beneforce notes that the personality type that fits the sepia remedy is extroverted and intelligent, but irritable and given to lethargy when depressed. If symptoms worsen with cold and wet weather but improve with warm rooms, this is another indication that sepia may be the right remedy. Consult a pediatrician before using sepia for your child's bedwetting.
Safety and Efficacy
According to Blue Shield Complementary and Alternative Health, homeopathic remedies have been regulated in the U.S. since 1938, and are generally recognized as safe. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says that there are few clinical studies demonstrating that homeopathy works to treat specific conditions, but there is some observational and anecdotal evidence that it has positive effects.
