You may turn to using a diuretic because of the discomfort of water retention prior to menstruation. They are also used to lower blood pressure by increasing urine production and sodium elimination. Some supplements may share some of the same characteristics of prescription water pills. If you are taking medication to lower your blood pressure, exercise caution before taking any supplement that affects water retention because of the risk of unsafe drops in blood pressure. Always work with your doctor to determine what, if any, supplements are right for you.
Dandelion
Dandelion, like many supplements, has a history of folklore use as a diuretic and remedy for bladder ailments. Scientific research has supported some of these uses. A 2009 study by Tai Sophia Institute in Maryland found that consuming dandelion increased urine production in human subjects within five hours after ingestion. Researchers concluded that dandelion showed promise for human use. However, some individuals may develop a skin rash or stomach discomfort from dandelion. Because of this possibility, consult your doctor before taking dandelion.
Rosemary
Like dandelion, rosemary shares a history of folklore use for treating urinary conditions. A 2000 study by the University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah in Morocco studied its diuretic properties in experiments done with rats. Researchers concluded that an 8 percent concentration of rosemary was optimal for its diuretic effects without significantly increasing loss of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Excess electrolyte loss can lead to more serious health complications. Consult your doctor for more information.
Fennel
Fennel shares a culinary as well as medicinal history of use as does rosemary. Fennel has been used as a diuretic, laxative and treatment for stomach upset. A 2007 study by the Unilever Food and Health Research Institute in the Netherlands identified fennel as part of a group of traditional medicines that showed the most promise for further research into its medicinal applications, specifically for lowering of blood pressure. By stimulating water and sodium excretion, fennel acts similarly to diuretics prescribed to treat high blood pressure by decreasing blood volume. Because of its possible impact on blood pressure, discuss taking fennel with your doctor.
Caraway
Caraway is a common perennial found throughout the United States. It has been used to treat indigestion, menstrual pain and coughs. A 2007 study by the UFR Physiology-Pharmacology, Laboratory of Animal Physiology looked at its diuretic effects on experiments done with rats. Researchers found that caraway demonstrated strong diuretic properties not unlike prescribed diuretics. Like fennel, electrolyte concentration was not affected by caraway. However, because of its similarity to poison hemlock, you should not collect caraway from the wild but purchase it only from reputable sources. As with any herbal supplement, discuss the use of any product with your doctor, especially if you have a pre-existing condition.
References
- MayoClinic.com: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Treatment and Drugs
- "Eastern-Central Medicinal Plants"; Steven Foster and James A. Duke; 1977
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; The Diuretic Effect in Human Subjects of an Extract of Taraxacum Officinale Folium Over a Single Day; B. Clare, et al.; August 2009
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Experimental Diuretic Effects of Rosmarinus Officinalis and Centaurium Erythraea; M. Haloui, et al.; August 2000
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Herbal Medicines as Diuretics: A Review of the Scientific Evidence; C. Wright, et al.; October 2007
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Diuretic Activity of the Aqueous Extracts of Carum Carvi and Tanacetum Vulgare in Normal Rats; S. Lahlou, et al.; April 2007
