Fluid retention, also known as edema, is swelling in your body that occurs when you accumulate an excess amount of fluid in the spaces between your cells or in your blood vessels. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that edema usually occurs in gravity-dependent locations, such as your feet, legs, and ankles, although it may also occur in your face and hands. Certain herbs may decrease your fluid retention, but you should first discuss this type of therapy with your physician before using it.
Water Retention
Fluid retention, notes MayoClinic.com, may be caused by numerous conditions, including pregnancy, certain prescription drugs and various health problems, such as congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, kidney damage, dysfunctional leg veins and dysfunctional immune system. Common indications that you are experiencing fluid retention include swelling or puffiness of the the tissue under your skin, shiny skin, pitting or dimpling after your skin is pressed and increased abdominal girth.
Helpful Herbs
There is an entire class of herbs known as diuretics that may be helpful in reducing your fluid retention. In his book "Plant Medicine in Practice," Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and herbalist, states that diuretics increase urine excretion and reduce the fluid burden within your body. Examples of herbal remedies with diuretic action include uva ursi, stinging nettle, coffee, parsley, couch grass, bearded moss, cleavers, lovage, spiny restharrow and Indian kidney tea. Other helpful herbs include rose hips, horse chestnut and lobelia.
An Effective Remedy
Rose hips is an effective remedy in treating your fluid retention. Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant, nutrition researcher and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," notes that rose hips contains bioflavonoids and is helpful in treating edema. Rose hips is also helpful in treating bladder conditions, including infections, and diarrhea. When used fresh, states Balch, rose hips is an excellent source of vitamin C, and numerous vitamins and other supplements are derived from this herb.
Warning
Fluid retention, or edema, that is left untreated can lead to many health complications, states MayoClinic.com, including progressive and painful swelling, reduced ability to walk, stiffness in the affected area, a heightened risk of infection and decreased blood flow to various parts of your body. It is not uncommon for you to experience mild water retention, but if your edema is severe and persistent, you should visit your family doctor for a thorough evaluation. Avoid taking herbs until you have discussed their use with your physician.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Edema
- MayoClinic.com: Edema
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
