[toc]Edema is a condition where there is build up of fluid and consequent swelling in any part of the body. While chronic edema may be a symptom of serious diseases and congestive heart failure, occasional collection of fluid in the body is also a problem. Though edema requires medical attention, herbal remedies can be used to manage this condition as well.
Herbs which relieve swelling or edema include Parsley, Dandelion, Lavender, Bearberry, Hawthorn, Bilberry, Juniper, Stinging Nettle, Fennel, Licorice, Elderberry, Celery Seed, Horsetail and Butcher’s Broom. These herbal remedies are excellent for combating fluid retention that occurs in edema. This article covers some of the top herbal remedies for edema.
9 Top Herbal Remedies For Edema
Dandelion
Known by the botanical name Taraxacum Officinale, Dandelion is a herb which has many medicinal properties. Dandelion root relieves occasional fluid retention. Dandelion root acts as a natural diuretic. This is because it is high in potassium, which relieves fluid retention.
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Original price was: $20.10.$18.30Current price is: $18.30.Dandelion root can be crushed and added to tea or hot drinks. Ensure that you do not use this herbal remedy if you have gall bladder problems or you are already taking medications which are diuretics. Do not opt for this herbal remedy if you are taking medications which are blood thinners.
Bilberry
Bilberry known by the botanical name Vaccinium Myrtillus is also a herbal remedy for edema. Bilberry extracts have been found to have anti-edema effects. The fruits of this herb have also been used to treat leg swelling in pregnant ladies. Bilberry fruit can be added to your diet.
You can also extract the juice from this fruit and consume it for health benefits. Bilberry fruit is vasoprotective as well. It is an ideal herbal remedy for reducing the swelling and ensuring that excess fluid from the body is expelled in healthy ways such as sweat. It is also rich in antioxidants and tannins which help in reducing the edema.
Elderberry
Elderberry is a herb which can cure edema effectively. This herbal remedy can be taken in the form of extract. You can also add Elderberry fruit to dessert and dishes and consume these for medicinal benefits. Elderberry is high in antioxidants and it is also a natural diuretic and laxative.
This makes it very efficacious in removing fluid and waste products from the body. Elderberry fruit juice can also be drunk for relieving water retention in the body and easing swelling in persons who have edema.
Celery Seed
Herbalists have used Celery Seed to not only treat edema and inflammation, but also conditions such as gout. Celery Seed is a natural diuretic, which means that it can eliminate excess fluid from the body and fend off edema.
Flavanoids and essential oils in Celery Seed help to reduce the swelling and ease the problem. If you have been prescribed anti-diuretics, do not take this herbal remedy. You can add the Celery Seeds as a spice to dishes and soups for obtaining its anti-edema benefits.
Horsetail
Also called Bottle Brush and Shave Grass, Horsetail is a herb which has been used traditionally for treating problems such as swelling of body parts due to water retention. Edema can be treated using this herb as Horsetail is diuretic. Horsetail helps in removing excess fluids from the body. This herb may be taken as a tea or in tincture form to reduce the build up of excess fluids and consequent edema.
Do not use this herbal remedy if you have blood pressure. You can make Horsetail tea by using the dried leaves of this herb. Place the dried leaves in boiling water and add sugar or a natural sweetener. You should consume this tea regularly for benefits.
Stinging Nettle
This herb is also known as Nettle Leaf or Urtica Dioica. Known to be a natural diuretic, this herb can therefore be used as a remedy for edema. During ancient times, this herb was used to cure pain and swelling in different parts of the body. It is even beneficial for relieving muscle pain and inflammation.
Also known as Nettle Leaf, this herb helps to increase the rate at which the bladder empties itself. Thus, it reduces the level of fluid retained by the body and cures edema. You can drink Stinging Nettle tea for warding off edema. Use the leaves of this herb while brewing your tea and drink the herbal tea for best results.
Bearberry
Bearberry also known as Uva Ursi is a herb which is a well known remedy for edema. Bearberry is a diuretic so it promotes the release of excess fluids from your body. This makes it an ideal herbal cure for edema. The leaves of this herb are especially beneficial in treating this condition. As a diuretic, Uva Ursi relieves the accumulation of excess fluids in the arms, legs and other parts of the body.
Bearberry has also been used effectively as a herbal remedy for pulmonary edema. You can steep the leaves of this herb in hot water for 20 minutes and then strain the liquid from the top. Drink this liquid for relieving edema and gaining relief from painful swelling.
Lavender
Essential oil extracted from Lavender is a very efficacious herbal cure for edema. You can massage the parts of your body which are swollen due to edema using Lavender oil. The oil is absorbed by the pores of your skin and relieves excess fluids in your body. Ensure that the oil is slightly heated before you massage your body with it.
This enhances the impact of this herbal remedy on edema affected body parts. Lavender oil massage also improves the circulation in your body and edema caused due to poor circulation can be overcome in this manner. Massage your body regularly using Lavender oil for best results.
Hawthorn
The berries of this herb are a great natural cure for edema. Known by the botanical name Crataegus Laevigata, Hawthorn reduces the retention of fluids in the body. Hawthorn berries are rich in antioxidants and they help to flush out the toxins from the body. This helps in overcoming edema. You can drink juice extracted from Hawthorn berries to relieve edema.
You can also make tea using the dried berries of this herb for beneficial results. Simply place the dried berries in hot boiling water and let the tea simmer for about 15 minutes. The water absorbs the healing power of the berries and this herbal tea can be consumed regularly to obtain relief from edema.
