Diuretics are a commonly prescribed medication that help rid your body of salt and water, states MayoClinic.com. Diuretics are used in treating numerous health problems, although prescription diuretics may cause unwanted health effects in your body. Natural diuretics, or diuretic supplements, have long been used in place of other, more conventional diuretics, although you should never use supplements in place of your doctor's recommended treatment methods without consultation.
Function of Diuretics
Diuretics, notes naturopathic physician William A. Mitchell Jr., author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," increase your rate of urine formation and excretion. The principle health action of diuretics is to increase your urine flow rate, which in turn leads to increased excretion of water from your body. This is an action that may be beneficial in treating numerous health problems, including liver cirrhosis, heart failure, high blood pressure and certain kidney problems. Diuretics are perhaps best known for their ability to flush your kidneys and manage your elevated blood pressure.
Natural Diuretics
Numerous natural remedies may possess diuretic action, although some remedies historically used as diuretics may require further scientific research testing to determine their true health effects and mechanisms of action. In her book, "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner states that parsley, nettle, boneset, usnea, bearberry, juniper, gravel root, elder, dandelion, couch grass, corn silk, burdock and cleavers are examples of natural and healthy diuretics.
Highlighted Diuretic
Cleavers may be one of the most effective natural diuretics, according to Mitchell in his aforementioned book, in which he states that cleavers is an important and excellent diuretic that contains numerous flavonoids, minerals and other nutrients. Cleavers has historically been used in treating bladder and kidney problems, though this natural supplement has also been used for lymphatic system problems. Cleavers is considered a hypotensive, a substance that possesses the ability to lower your blood pressure.
Additional Information
Both natural diuretics and prescription diuretics may cause unwanted health effects in your body, especially if they are not used in accordance with your doctor's instructions. To better understand the role of natural diuretics in treating your ailment, schedule an appointment with your family physician, who can counsel you on proper dosage and treatment duration, potential side effects to watch for and any drug interactions that might occur. Natural supplements are not without their own set of health risks.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Diuretics
- "Plant Medicine in Practice;" William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
