Many children can suffer from a tendency to wet their bed at night while they are asleep. This can go on long after they have been toilet trained and have reached the age when they are supposed to be able to control their bladder. This can be frustrating and embarassing for the child. It can also be quite worrisome for the parent.

In Western Medicine, certain children have weak smooth muscle lining the wall of their bladder, which results in frequent bedwetting, till the muscle lining of their bladder gains more tone as they get older. In Chinese Medicine, the tendency towards bedwetting can be a sign of a constitutional imbalance. It can specifically be a sign of Kidney Deficiency. The energy of the Kidney is supposed to control bladder functioning. It is also responsible for the various developmental milestones that children go through on their path to adulthood. When this energy is deficient, the child is less able to control their bladder function at night during sleep.

There are a number of Chinese herbs that are used to help children reduce their tendency towards bedwetting. These herbs can improve the muscular tone of the walls of the bladder, making it easier for the child to have bladder control through the night. The most commonly used and most effective herb is Sang Piao Xiao (ootheca mantidis). This herb is actually the eggshell of a praying mantis egg. It is specifically used to help children retain their urine at night. It can help to replenish deficient Kidney energy in children.

It is also crucial to help allay any fear or shock the child may be experiencing, because these emotions can also contribute to Kidney deficiency. Sang Piao Xiao herb can be taken in tea form and mixed with honey to increase palatability for young children. The flavor is naturally bland, so children usually find that it tastes all right. Pediatric Tui Na and laser acupuncture can also help balance out and strengthen the child's constitution.

Some other herbs that can help to strengthen Kidney energy in a child and help to reduce bedwetting include Ji Nei Jin (endothelium corni gigeraiae galli), Sha Yuan Zi (astragalus seed), Tu Si Zi (cuscuta), Suo Yang (cynomorri), Xu Duan (teasel Root), and Yang Qi Shi (actinolitum).

Some essential oils that can help children with Kidney Deficiency are ginger, yarrow, sandalwood, chamomile roman, and thyme linalol (do not use red thyme or thymus vulgaris on children). These oils are suitable for children age 5 and up. These oils need to be diluted in a carrier oil in smaller concentrations for children than when used for adults. They are never used undiluted, and they are used externally. These oils can be used, a few drops at a time mixed in vegetable oil and rubbed over the area of the bladder and the tailbone regularly before bed time.

As you can see, there are a number of safe, gentle, natural remedies that can be used for children suffering from a tendency towards bedwetting. Resolving this issue can significantly boost a child's sense of self-esteem, and ease the mind of his or her parents.