Potassium is a mineral required by your cells, tissues, and organs to function properly and maintain optimum health. Potassium is also an electrolyte that conducts electricity in your body. Additionally, the mineral plays a critical role in heart function, and your digestive and muscular systems also use potassium. You can obtain potassium from many dietary sources including legumes, vegetables, fruits, meats and well dairy products. Several herbs are also a good source of potassium. However, you should speak with a medical professional prior to taking any of these herbal supplements.
Nettle
Nettle, commonly used as a diuretic, contains potassium. The diuretic properties of nettle can also reduce blood pressure and help women with bloating during menstruation. Additionally, nettle can be used to help treat men who have a benign prostatic hypertrophy, a condition that causes an enlarged prostate. Further, nettle contains antihistamines and can benefit individuals with allergies.
Dandelion
Dandelion is another herb that contains high levels of potassium. Dandelion also is used to treat several health conditions, including some kidney diseases, heartburn, indigestion, some liver diseases and respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and pneumonia. The diuretic effect of dandelion can also help women with premenstrual syndrome and prevent bloating. Dandelion also contains lecithin, a fatty substance that can help preserve brain function.
Noni
Noni, an herb commonly found in juice form, contains potassium and can also treat a variety of ailments. Noni is sometimes used to help treat several conditions, including bladder infection, kidney disease, menstrual cramps, diabetes, immune weakness and indigestion. Additionally, noni can be used to help to treat chronic fatigue, some respiratory disorders, skin inflammation, gingivitis and mouth sores.
Horsetail
Horsetail is another herb with diuretic properites that contains potassium. In addition to potassium, this herb also contains equisetin, calcium, magnesium, ascorbic acid, and caffeic acid. Herbalists commonly use horsetail to treat medical conditions such as urinary tract infections, brittle nails, arthritis and osteoporosis.
References
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno; 1997
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Potassium but Were Too Tired to Ask"; Betty Kamen; 1992
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