Although there are a number of plants or even vitamins that have been used historically as diuretics, Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky warns against attempting to self-treat for fluid retention. It is important to talk with your doctor about possible causes and treatments to rule out potentially serious health conditions or herb-drug interactions prior to starting a treatment regimen with natural diuretics. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, it is important to realize that using diuretics should never be used for long-term weight loss. Prolonged use of any diuretics for dehydration-induced weight loss can cause diminished heart, liver, and kidney function, as well as increased risk of death due to heart attack or stroke. He also suggests that decreasing dietary sodium is the best way to reduce pre-menstrual bloating.
Nutritive Herbs
Both common dandelion and stinging nettle have been used for centuries as diuretics and spring tonics. Although research on the diuretic effects of these plants is inconclusive, there is ample evidence of their high mineral content. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that dandelion be used for conditions requiring mild diuretic treatment, such as liver disorders, high blood pressure, or poor digestion. Nettle and dandelion are rich sources of potassium, an important electrolyte that can easily be depleted by conventional diuretics.
Vitamins
The diuretic action of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, has been known since 1937. As a water-soluble essential nutrient, it is considered to be very safe. Vitamin C exerts its diuretic action by increasing the overall acidity of the blood, forcing the kidneys to excrete it and the water it is dissolved in in order to maintain a healthy blood pH.
Irritants
Buchu, included in early pharmacopia of both the United States and United Kingdom, is still a common ingredient in over-the-counter diuretic preparations. Juniper berries have also been used to treat water retention for more than 100 years. The diuretic effects of both of these herbs are believed to be caused by their high concentration of aromatic oils, some of which are irritating to kidney cells. This mild irritation encourages the body to attempt to flush these irritants from the body by increasing the amount of fluid excreted by the kidneys.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a well-known diuretic with a good safety record. It can be found in a number of different and enjoyable forms. Unlike many other herbs, it is generally quite easy to find and incorporate herbs containing caffeine into the diet. Green tea and yerba maté are commonly available in grocery stores, and coffee is all but ubiquitous. Green tea and yerba maté are also rich in health-promoting antioxidants and can be safely taken long-term.
References
- DrWeill.com; Natural Diuretics for Fighting Fluid Retention?; September 2002
- MayoClinic.com; Is There A Natural Diuretic I Can Take Something Without a Prescription for Water Retention that Causes Weight Gain?; Katherine Zeratsky; September 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Dandelion; December 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Stinging Nettle;
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Dandelion; May 2006
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Green Tea; May 2006
