Certain herbal remedies are excellent to use as diuretics to help the body rid itself of excess fluid buildup associated with menstrual tension or eating too much salt. Some causes of edema are more serious, and although herbs may be helpful in reducing fluid buildup, it is important to find out why you are swelling in the first place. If you use herbs as diuretics, consult your health practitioner first and never use herbal diuretics with diuretic drugs, except under medical supervision.
Lemon Water
Lemon juice is one of the gentlest plant-based diuretics and safe to use for most people. The juice of 1/2 fresh lemon mixed with 8 oz. warm water helps flush the system and clear excess waste materials from your kidneys and blood. Drink lemon water first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before breakfast. Do not heat the juice in the microwave. Use the stove instead. Lemon water is best when consumed unsweetened. For a more vigorous drink, add the juice of a whole lemon.
Burdock Root
Burdock root can be consumed in a variety of ways to help relieve your body of excess fluid retention. It is especially helpful for use in cases of gout where swelling of the ankles is common. The dried root makes a mild-tasting herbal tea, which you can drink as needed or use as a foot bath to soak painful, swollen feet. In addition, if you can find fresh burdock root, it is good in salads or cooked and served as a vegetable like you would carrots.
The leaves of the burdock plant are also good for making a topical poultice. Warm the leaves in hot water and lay them between two pieces of thin cloth. Wrap the cloth around painful, swollen ankles to promote the release of trapped fluids in the tissues. Some people may develop a rash from touching the leaves of the burdock plant. Wear gloves to protect your skin. If symptoms persist, stop using the plant and contact your practitioner.
Dandelion Greens
Those pesky plants you call weeds that grow in your yard actually contain medicinal compounds and are very healthy for you. Dandelion greens have several uses medically and one is as a diuretic. Used by the Native American Indians for hundreds of years to enhance overall health, dandelion can be eaten raw in salads, cooked and served like collard greens or spinach, and made into an herbal tea. Regardless of how you consume dandelion leaves, the result is the same. They act as a diuretic and help the kidneys eliminate excess fluids from the body's tissues. If you do not want to pick your own fresh dandelions, you can buy dandelion extract at the health food store in liquid or powdered form. It's best used in herbal teas to promote urination and relieve bloating and fluid retention.
Other Considerations
Dandelion is considered a bitter herb and is used worldwide by herbalists to stimulate digestion and to heal digestive ailments. However, it can also produce symptoms that aggravate digestive problems such as acid reflux. If you experience an increase in symptoms resembling heartburn, stop using it and contact your health practitioner. Burdock root possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is also used as a blood cleanser by doctors in China. You should not self-treat with herbal diuretics if you take any form of diuretic drug or medicine for hypertension. Consult your health practitioner for guidelines.
References
- Urban Herbs: Medicinal Plants at Georgetown University: Burdock
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Premenstral Syndrome: Lifestyle Changes
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Kidney Stones Prevention
- Louisiana University: The Menopausal Patient and Hormone Replacement Therapy
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dandelion
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