You can divide the causes of leg swelling into two categories: trapped fluids and inflammation, according to MayoClinic.com. Chronic kidney failure, heart failure and lymphedema are examples of trapped fluids, while bursitis, osteoarthritis and ruptured tendons are examples of inflammation. Before using natural supplements to help reduce your leg swelling, discuss the risks and benefits of supplements with your doctor.
Leg Swelling
Leg swelling, reports Medline Medical Encyclopedia, may or may not be accompanied by pain. An abnormal accumulation of fluid in your legs is known as peripheral edema, and painless swelling in your legs -- including your calves and thighs -- can manifest on both sides of your body. Due to the effects of gravity, swelling is particularly common in your lower extremities. Possible causes of swollen legs include heart, kidney or liver failure; leg surgery and lymphatic obstruction; or a blockage in your leg lymph nodes.
Natural Supplements
Numerous natural supplements, including both herbal and nonherbal supplements, may be helpful in treating your leg swelling. Nutrition researcher and certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that butcher's broom, vitamin E, dandelion root, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, pycnogenol, juniper berries, silica, lobelia, marshmallow, free form amino acids, horse chestnut and parsley may be helpful for this condition. More clinical research evidence may be needed to evaluate these supplements' purported health benefits.
A Useful Supplement
Butcher's broom may be a helpful natural supplement in reducing your leg swelling. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, ND, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," butcher's broom possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic action and causes your veins to constrict. This natural supplement has historically been used in treating leg swelling, leg varicosities and swelling associated with hemorrhoidal varices. Butcher's broom may be particularly helpful in supporting your bladder and kidney function.
Warning
Leg swelling may be indicative of a serious underlying health problem that requires timely intervention on behalf of a licensed healthcare provider. Natural supplements, though commonly used as a helpful adjunct therapy for this health problem, may not be enough to resolve your symptoms. In many cases, a combination of conventional allopathic therapies and complementary alternative therapies may be most effective in managing your symptoms and treating your underlying health problems.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Leg Swelling
- Medline Medical Encyclopedia: Foot, Leg and Ankle Swelling
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
