Monthly water retention can make you feel bloated and out of sorts, but PMS isn't the only cause for your body to retain water. Water retention can also be associated with medical conditions, such as heart disease and venous stasis, a condition affecting the veins in your legs. A number of over-the-counter herbal supplements are purported to have diuretic action; however, it's possible for your kidneys to excrete too much potassium along with water. This can be a dangerous situation that can affect your heart. Consult your doctor before you use any herbs to alleviate water retention, even the herbs that are purported to work without lowering potassium levels.
Parsley
Parsley is a culinary garden herb related to carrots and celery. Its feathery light-green leaves, along with its roots and seeds, are also used as an herbal remedy. Parsley, which is rich in potassium, can be used as a diuretic that may help alleviate bloating and water retention without lowering potassium. More clinical studies are needed, but a 2002 laboratory study published in "The Journal of Ethnopharmacology" found parsley extract to be effective in promoting increased water loss through urination in rats while increasing retention of potassium. Talk to your physician before taking parsley as a diuretic.
Dandelion
The same dandelion that is the bane of gardeners everywhere may also possess some helpful health benefits. The leaves of the dandelion plant contain compounds that appear to have some mild diuretic properties, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dandelion leaves are also rich in nutrients, including potassium, and when used as a diuretic, may prevent loss of potassium. However, no clinical studies have been performed to determine dandelion's effectiveness in preventing potassium loss when used as a diuretic. Ask your health care provider before you use dandelion to alleviate water retention.
Corn Silk
The long threads of corn silk are collected before the plant is pollinated to be used in herbal remedies. Corn silk, which is high in potassium, has some diuretic effects and appears to increase water loss through urination. Corn silk is used to treat water retention associated with premenstrual syndrome. The herb's high potassium levels may help preserve potassium levels by replacing it as it is lost. However, no clinical studies have been performed to prove this. Discuss the diuretic use of corn silk with your physician before you use it.
Juniper
Juniper is an evergreen shrub related to the pine tree. Its dark berries are collected from the outer scales of the plant's fleshy pine cones. Although more clinical studies are needed, juniper appears to increase the volume of urine excreted by your kidneys and may be beneficial for alleviating water retention associated with edema. Juniper is purported to act as a diuretic without lowering your potassium levels, but this hasn't been definitively proven by clinical study. Use juniper as a diuretic only under the direct supervision of your physician.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Water Retention: Are There Any Natural Diuretics?; Katherine Zeratsky; September 2009
- AltMD: Parsley
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Diuretic Effect and Mechanism of Action of Parsley; S.I Kreydiyyah and J. Usta; March 2002
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Dandelion
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- University of Michigan Health System: Juniper
