Bedwetting or Nocturnal Enuresis means involuntary urination in bed during sleep at night. Normally control over urination is gained by the age of four or five. Due to some reasons, some children fail to gain bladder control at night and resulting in bedwetting. This syndrome is usually inherited from either of the parents who had suffered from the same problem in their childhood. In Ayurveda bedwetting is referred to as “Shayya Mostra.”

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Up to the age of 7 years, there is no need for any treatment as this condition does not continue beyond that age. But if it persists beyond the age of 8, medical attention is necessary.  Ayurvedic treatment for bedwetting is aimed at eliminating causes and conditions associated with it.  Praajaka pitta takes care of the expulsion of body wastes in the form of fluids and when it is weak bedwetting can result. Kapha dosha when disturbed can affect the balance of the human body with the external environment and result in bedwetting.

Types of Bed Wetting

1. Primary Nocturnal Enuresis – This condition is mostly found in children. The bed-wetting happens almost every night.

2. Secondary Nocturnal Enuresis – In this condition bedwetting happens once in a while. There may be long spells when the person does not urinate at night but may urinate in bed again on some nights. This condition is attributed to emotional stress which is common to both adults and children.

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Ayurvedic Treatment for Bed Wetting

According to Ayurveda, bedwetting is the result of Pitta and Kapha doshas.

Biological Causes: The bladder muscles may not have developed properly. The size of the bladder may not be adequate to retain the urine. Production of more quantities of urine may happen due to excess intake of fluids just before bedtime. Structural defects in the urinary tract may also cause this condition. Infection in the urinary system can also be a cause.

Emotional Causes: Change of place or change in climate to a colder environment may cause bedwetting. Anxiety or stress may be other reasons. Problems like insecurity, adjustment issues, not getting enough attention from parents, the rivalry between siblings, conflict in the family relationships maybe some other emotional factors that may lead to bedwetting.

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Ayurveda recommends the use of Amalaki, Ajwayan, Ginger, Jeera, Pudina, and Tulsi as part of the regular diet. Stress-reducing herbs such as Brahmi, Shankapushpi, and Jatamansi are also effective. These herbal medicines can strengthen the muscles and enhance the ability to control the bladder’s activity.

When bedwetting is accompanied by constipation, the treatment consists of Arogyavardhini and Chandraprabha Vati.

Some children may suffer from indigestion, lack of appetite, or lose motions besides bedwetting. Ayurvedic medicines like Sanjeevani Vati and the decoction of Pippalyadi.

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Herbal Medicines in Ayurvedic Treatment

A teaspoonful of pure honey taken at bedtime is effective in controlling the bladder at night.

Milk mixed with the power of Sarshapa or Sarson taken at bedtime helps in curing the condition.

If the condition is due to general weakness it is treated with Shatavari Kalpa (Asparagus Racemosus) with Shatavari Ghruta. Massaging the body with Mahanarayan Oil for strength is also recommended.   If there is a worm infection the child can be given Krumimudgar Ras or Krumikuthar Ras.

If the condition is due to a urinary tract infection, it is treated with Gokshuradi Guggulu.

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Lifestyle Suggestions

The child can be asked to empty the bladder before going to bed. Restrict the intake of fluids two hours before bedtime. Care should be taken to see that there is no stress or anxiety in the child’s mind. If there is any other ailment, it should be treated side by side. Spicy foods can be avoided as they lead to the production of gas which may cause bedwetting. Diet should consist of lots of leafy vegetables, radish, drumstick, spinach, cabbage, tomato, pumpkin, bitter gourd, etc.   Regular evening walks with the children can boost their feeling of mental strength and be loved. It will also help in overcoming complexes.

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