Swelling can occur as the result of any number of causes including edema, food allergies, insect bites, inflammation from gout, or a punch in the eye. Several herbal remedies may help reduce pain, inflammation and swollen tissue regardless of their cause. If you use herbs for treatment, remember that they can produce side effects. Use caution and contact your healthcare practitioner for dosing guidelines and directions.
Dandelion
Dandelion greens reduce swelling in soft tissue caused by edema. The herb, which has diuretic properties, will increase the function of the kidneys and the rate of urination. Dandelion is considered one of the bitter herbs and is beneficial for proper digestion. You can harvest your own dandelion greens from your yard or in the wild as long as they are free from pesticide spray. Alternatively, you can purchase dandelion extract at a health food store. Fresh dandelion is best used in salads or boiled as a vegetable. It is also suitable for use in herbal tea. The extract can be added to water to make an herbal tea or a topical application that you can apply to painful, swollen joints. Dandelion may cause allergic reactions such as a rash to the skin or burning in the mouth. If you experience these or other symptoms, stop using it. Do not use dandelion if you take diuretic drugs unless under medical supervision. Contact your healthcare practitioner for dosing guidelines and directions for use.
Arnica montana
Although considered an herb and a homeopathic remedy, Arnica montana is helpful for reducing swelling due to injuries to the tissues. If you have sore muscles from overexertion, have bruises any part of your body or experience any other kind of physical affront to your body, like a black eye, arnica will help reduce the pain and swelling. The remedy is indicated for internal bleeding, bruising and shock as well. Arnica extract is used for topical applications such as a sprained ankle or swelling with bruising from muscle strain. It is available not only as a homeopathic remedy, but in creams, ointments and first aid sprays as well. Never apply arnica to an open wound. Consult your healthcare practitioner or the label for directions and dosing guidelines.
Green Tea
Green tea may help reduce swelling and bloating internally due to digestive disorders or gallbladder colic. Green tea helps reduce bloating and swelling due to its high content of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that lessen inflammation and irritation in the gut. Green tea is available both caffeinated and decaffeinated forms. Caffeine can produce nervousness, irritability and sleeplessness; so, if you are bothered by any of these symptoms, drink decaffeinated tea.
Parsley
Parsley acts as a gentle diuretic to reduce fluid retention in the body's tissues. It may relieve edema in swollen ankles and help clear the body of excess fluids during a woman's menstrual cycle. You can use parsley raw in salads or make herbal tea from either the raw or the dried leaves. Drink the tea any time during the day. Consult your healthcare practitioner for dosage guidelines.
References
- "Materia Medica and Repertory"; William Boericke; 1998
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gallstones and gallbladder disease - Symptoms
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gallbladder disease
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing"; James Duke; 2002
- "Herbs for Health and Healing"; Kathi Keville and Peter Korn; 1998
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