edema

[Guest guest]

Dear Diane,

One of the simplest and most effective remedies for edema is Parsley

leaf tea.

Get some fresh or dried parsley and steep it with some distilled

water.

 

Organic Solutions has a Kidney/Bladder tea that has parsley as well as

many other

diuretic herbs that are also very beneficial for eliminating fluid from

the body.

You can find the tea on their website: www.OrganicSolutionsStore.com

 

Best Wishes,

Kelly Shillington

 

tzane12 wrote:

 

 

Looking for suggestions for edema.

Thanks

Diane M

[Guest guest]

Water retention or fluid retention, also known as edema, is the accumulation of fluid in spaces between the cells in the soft tissue of the body. This can occur anywhere in the body but, because of gravity, often appears in the feet, ankles, and legs. Natural diuretics are food, herbs, or minerals that increase urine flow and aid in removing excess fluids from the body, thereby alleviating the swelling or puffiness that accompanies water retention. Some naturalists encourage flushing out the kidneys and bladder as a part of natural healing that is not restricted to the correction of edema.

Several cautionary notes are in order if you are considering the use of natural diuretics. First, water retention or edema can simply accompany normal hormone fluctuations associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. However, water retention can also signify serious medical issues, such as kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid malfunction, high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure. Unless normal hormonal fluctuation, or a minor trauma to the body, is the obvious underlying cause of water retention, you should consult a medical professional to determine the cause before you try addressing the symptom on your own using natural diuretics.

Second, using diuretics can drain your body of needed vitamins and minerals, so you may want to consider using supplements as well, particularly potassium. For this reason, you should not use natural diuretics simply as a weight loss aid. In addition, you will regain any weight you lose through using diuretics when you discontinue their use.

Foods that are Natural Diuretics

You should first note that some foods actually cause the body to retain water and you should avoid or drastically reduce their use. These foods include salt, sugar, processed foods, and complex carbohydrates. Inadequate consumption of protein can also cause fluid retention as can drinking beverages containing caffeine and alcohol.

Foods that are natural diuretics should be eaten in moderation, and increase the amount of water that you drink. When water retention caused by hormonal fluctuation or minor trauma is a problem for you, try adding some of the following foods and beverages to your diet to address this symptom:

 

 

Apple juice (stimulates kidneys and liver) Artichoke Asparagus Bananas (also a good source of potassium) Beets Brussels sprouts Cabbage Carrots Celery Cranberry juice Cucumber Grapes Green tea Lettuce Tomatoes Watermelon Yogurt

 

Especially consider these natural diuretic powerhouse foods to include in food dishes or eat separately:

 

 

Garlic Horseradish Onions (raw) Parsley (especially powerful and packed with vitamins)

 

Herbs that are Natural Diuretics

Some herbs are especially potent natural diuretics, especially when made into teas (try one teaspoon of herb for every cup of hot water). These include:

 

 

Alfalfa Bilberry Butcher's Broom Dandelion Hawthorn Juniper Linden Stinging Nettle Yarrow

 

You should especially consider Dandelion and Hawthorn. Dandelion leaves cleanse the bloodstream and liver, and help improve kidney and spleen functioning. In addition, dandelion is packed with vitamins A, C, D, and B complex, as well as minerals, especially potassium, an important consideration for those using natural diuretics. Hawthorn has natural diuretic properties, contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C, as well as calcium, chromium, magnesium, and potassium, and helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Linda Metzger is a free-lance writer, with a strong commitment to natural health. She recommends all-natural products, including the natural diuretic found here: http://www.wellness-4-women.com/product/AQR-0141