Bedwetting.

Date: Sat, 5 Aug 1995 15:20:58 +0000
Sender: HERB.TREARNPC.EGE.EDU.TR
From: jonathan treasure <jtreasure.JONNO.DEMON.CO.UK>
Subject: Re enuresis - poor recommendation

Anita says:
>Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi is of great service in all diseases of the urinary organs including enuresis. A recommended formula is as follows: Uva Ursi--1 oz, Populus Trem. (White poplar), Sumach berries (not poison type), Yarrow each ½ oz. Simmer in 1 qt water for 20 min. Strain and give 3 Tbsp 3 times daily. A hot sitz bath daily is helpful. Rub the lumbar region every day with a solution of common salt and cold water (mild saline).

Whoa - Arctostaphylos spp contain arbutin which , in appropiate pH, hydrolyses to hydroquinone - a powerful urinary antiseptic It is however quite irritant, and even with a lower UTI which is an indication for the herb, usage should be limited to a few days. It is absolutely not suitable for the treatment of chronic bedwetting, except in the rare case where an infection may be the cause. Nor is it *of great service in all diseases of the urinary organs* - a gross and innaccurate generalisation which could possibly do more harm than good.

As it happens, the other herbs mentioned are not accepted in general practice to be specific for enuresis either - Equisetum or Verbascum tend to be first choice - at least in the UK. The whole mixture seems unnecessarily harsh to me.

I cannot comment on the other measures eg saline rubs or hydrotherapy, but I know that voluntary exercise of the sphincter muscles in mid stream can help a lot too.

jonathan treasure