High sodium and water levels in your body play a role in hypertension or high blood pressure. Diuretics increase the amount of urine that your kidneys produce to eliminate more fluids and sodium. They also help to dilate blood vessels which may be constricted and causing hypertension, according to the Merck Medical Dictionary. Certain herbs and foods may act as diuretics. However, scientific proof on the efficacy of these natural diuretics is limited. Consult your physician before taking a diuretic to control blood pressure.
Dandelion
Dandelion belongs the asteraceae/compositae family, known for invading gardens. Both the root and leaves have traditionally been used for a variety of ailments. The leaves in particular have natural diuretic properties and can help to increase elimination of water and sodium, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Dandelion is also rich in potassium, a mineral that helps to counteract the surge in blood pressure that occurs when you eat salt, which many prescription diuretics deplete. Dandelion may cause allergic reactions and interact with medications such as lithium, antibiotics and antacids. Check with your health care provider before using dandelion.
Lemon juice
Rich in antioxidants and highly acidic, lemon juice has a well-known reputation as a diuretic, explains Julia F. Morton in her book “Fruits of Warm Climates." However, because of its acidity, lemon juice can damage tooth enamel if taken daily. Drink it through a straw to protect your teeth. Also, too much citrus juice may irritate your bladder. If you frequently squeeze lemons, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly to get rid of the oils, which may cause sun sensitivity.
Juniper
The evergreen juniper plant produces berries, which are really scales from the cones. The berries are the medicinal part of the plant and their oils have diuretic abilities; they speed up the kidney filtration rate and allow more urine to be eliminated in order to lower fluid and sodium levels in the body. Another benefit of juniper is that it seems to protect against potassium loss. However, the University of Michigan Health System warns that juniper may irritate your kidneys and may raise blood glucose levels. You shouldn’t take it for longer than four weeks at a time, or if you are pregnant or taking spirinolactone. Check with your health care provider before using juniper.
Cucumber Juice
A feature of many detox programs, cucumber juice is an effective diuretic, according to Phyllis A. Balch in her book “Prescription for Dietary Wellness.” It’s also loaded with potassium, which makes it an even stronger weapon against high blood pressure. Cucumber is very well tolerated by most people, but it may cause allergic reactions in people with ragweed allergies. Try boiling the cucumber before you make the juice to avoid an allergic reaction.
References
- Merck Medical Dictionary: High Blood Pressure
- Annals of Internal Medicine: Do Narrowed Blood Vessels Lead to Hypertension
- Mayo Clinic: Water Retention: Are there any natural diuretics?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dandelion
- “Doctor’s Book of Food Remedies”; Selene Yeager and the Editors of Prevention Health Books; Rodale: 1998
