Water retention is a medical condition of our body in which there is excess concentration of water in the cavities and body tissues. Water retention and fluid retention is same thing. And it occurs due to excess intake of salt by our body, also when kidney is unable to remove water from the body, imbalance in the hormones and excess of exposure towards heat. A patient having water retention mainly experiences inflammation of hand and feet, fluctuations in the weight, general body aches etc. Moreover, some other health issues such as kidney disease, heart problems, anemia and thyroid problems can also contribute to the problem fluid retention. But modern medicines can only give some temporary relief to the patient and a permanent solution is given by ayurvedic treatment. Below are some herbal supplements for water retention:
• Dandelion: it is one of the best herbal supplements for water retention. Dandelion is rich in diuretic properties which help in removing excess of water from the body. Dandelion helps in reviving essential and useful minerals like magnesium, potassium in the body. Dandelion is helpful in stimulating the functioning of the kidney. It also helps in maintain overall health of the body. Because of its property of prohibiting water retention, dandelion also been used as an herbal remedy to reduce weight.
• Horsetail: it has been used to cure the problem of water retention. It also exhibits diuretic properties. It is helpful in increasing the flow of urine. Its work is not limited to just removing the excess water from the body but it also removes the toxins which are responsible for urinary infections.
• Alfalfa: it’s been used by Chinese and Indian people to resolve the water retention issue. It is helpful in stimulating the kidney to function properly. The leaves of alfalfa are rich in medicinal properties and can be consumed internally to get some relief from water retention. It is also taken in the form of herbal tea.
• Corn silk: it is another effective herbal remedy. The silk which is present in the corn is contains medicinal properties and also have diuretic properties. It is effective when taken in the form of herbal tea. A person should take 3 to 4 cups per day for getting its maximum benefit.
• Parsley: this herb is mostly used for water retention in the body. It prevents the re-absorption of salt in the body and prevents swelling. An herbal tea made should be consumed and is effective in removing excess water. It can be used in the salads.
• Stinging nettle: it has been used since years to prevent the problem of water retention. It nourishes the kidneys and adrenal glands. It is helpful in the excretion of uric acid and other toxins from the body which is responsible for bladder infections. An herbal tea using stinging nettle is consumed in solving problem of water retention. Stinging nettle is also available in different forms such as extract, capsules, tonic etc.
• Uva ursi: It is related to the spices of bearberry. It is very helpful in curing the problem of water retention. It exhibits diuretic properties. It also removes toxins and harmful bacteria. It brings down the swellings in the tissues caused due to fluid retention. This herbal remedy can be consumed in the form of herbal tea, capsules, and tonics.
• Buchu: it is yet another very useful herbal remedy for water retention. It removes extra water from the body. It reduces inflammation. The leaves of the herb are rich in medicinal properties. It can be taken in the form of tincture, tonics, herbal tea etc.
• Aloe vera: it is used widely for treating water retention. It soothes the body externally as well as internally. It acts as a natural diuretic.
Source : www.planetayurveda.com/herbal-remedies-water-retention.htm
Dr. Vikram Chauhan is an Ayurvedic practitioner based in Mohali, India. He is spreading the knowledge of ancient healing treatment Ayurveda, not only in India but also abroad. Dr. Vikram has conducted many seminar and workshop on herbal treatment in various nations.