Herbal Diuretics for Edema and Water Retention

Most people at one time or another have had that bloated feeling where their hands, legs, and other areas of their body are filled with excess fluids. But there are lots of great herbal diuretics that will help.

Uva Ursi is a great herb for getting rid of water and at the same time working to fight off bacterial infections, and works wonders for those with slight kidney problems.

Corn Silk is a very gentle way to get rid of excess water. Make yourself a tea of corn silk which is very pleasant tasting and within a few minutes you will start to feel better.

Dandelion Leaf works well for excess water retention, and at the same time also replenishes your  body with B Vitamins, magnesium, and potassium. Potassium is depleted from the body when using diuretics so it’s very important to replenish your bodies potassium. Just add some dandelion leaves to your salads, they are sold in many health foods stores.

Yarrow will rid your body of excess fluid, at the same time lower your fever and battle bacterial invaders, plus lower your blood pressure.

Parsley is a great way to get rid of excess fluid retention. You probably thought that bunch of parsley was just a decoration on your plate. Parsley is great for UTI’s and helps with bladder stones, plus it also works for water retention related to menstrual periods. You can eat some parsley, add it to your soups and stews, make a tea, or take capsules.

Meadowsweet is a great herb for getting rid of water, and it’s also great for soothing the GI tract and getting rid of nausea. Meadowsweet also protects the stomach insuring the mucosa is always there to protect against inflammation.

Chickweed is a green you can add to your salads, is great for excess water retention (You can find it at your local market). At the same time it’s full of wonderful nutrients such as potassium, iron, and calcium.

Horse Chestnut is very useful for water retention and it also works well for varicose veins, and phlebitis, plus it also works well for prostate problems and even menstrual pain. And horse chestnut is a good antioxidant and provides for vessel integrity, strong veins, and capillaries.

Bilbarry will increase the return of blood back to your heart thus helping to rid your body of excess water, and it also helps your kidneys get rid of excess fluids.

Nettle according to university studies will rid your body of excess water, and it’s also a great anti-inflammatory agent, and helps with allergies, and soothes away gas and acid reflux.

Gotu Kola works well for those with circulator problems causing pooling of blood and retention of water in the lower limbs, and it helps with inflammation.

Buchu is a great herb that grows all over the world. It’s a mint that has strong diuretic properties and works well for getting rid of excess water, you can make a tea or buy it in capsules.

Celery Seed, studies at leading universities show that celery seed works well for water retention. You can find this spice at your local market and make a great tea that will do the trick.

Remember salt will retain fluids so make sure to reduce your salt intake. Other facts include medications you are taking and your diet. Some medications will cause you to retain fluids and eating lots of processed foods will do the same. Also if you have kidney disease, heart disease, or  a history of on going edema always check with your doctor.

Paul Haider – Master Herbalist