Herbal Remedies for Water Retention

Do you have swelled body parts like ankles, feet and hands? Have you suddenly gained weight? Does your weight fluctuate a lot? Is there lot of stiffness and pain in your body? Are you bloated all the time? If you have any of the above symptoms you may be suffering from Water Retention or Fluid Retention.
Volume of fluid in body should remain at a constant level. But sometime due to kidney failure, heart disease, gravity, pregnancy, protein deficiency, PMS, menopause, side effects of some medicines, Hypothyroidism, liver with cirrhosis, lack of vitamins and nutrients, excessive consumption of salt or intake of foods with high content of sodium may lead to retention of water in body. Water retention is more commonly seen in women. It worsens just before their periods.

Tips Helpful for Water Retention

• Reduce intake of salt.

• Avoid prolong standing.

• Do not reduce/increase amount of water consumption due to water retention. Drink at least 2-3 litres of water daily. A well hydrated body will store less water.

• Exercises that lead to sweating also help in water retention. As salt is removed with sweat.

• If you are overweight lose weight gradually and in a natural way.

• Consume food rich in Potassium as it is diuretic. Especially bananas and tomatoes.

• Avoid food high in salt like precooked & packed food, pizzas and salty popcorns.

• Take multi-vitamins

• Water retention can also be treated with herbs. Hence include these herbs in your daily diet. Or take herbal supplements. Herbal supplements will have no side effects.

Herbal Treatment for Water Retention

First one should know the cause of water retention. Once you know the cause for your water retention follow the treatment for the cause along with the herbal supplements. If water retention is just because of the common causes and there is no medical condition herbal supplements can alone treat water retention. There are various herbs which are diuretic and have no side effects. Herbs will not only help to get rid of the problem of water retention but will also provide other beneficial effects.

1. Punarnava (Boerhaviadiffusa) also known as Hog Weed. It is found in various parts of India. It rejuvenates the damaged cells of the body and also eliminates the extra water accumulated in body tissues naturally. It will further stop the body from storing extra water. It also has mild laxative property which will help to keep the system clean and detoxed. It helps to maintain blood pressure. It is also used for the treatment of jaundice, anemia and asthma.

2. Adrak (Zingiberofficinate or Ginger) it has blood thinning and cholesterol lowering properties and helpful in treating heart diseases. Ginger tea is a good treatment for cold and cough. It is safe to take ginger during pregnancy.The herb helps in treating diarrhea, motion sickness, arthritis, diabetes, rheumatism and bronchitis.

3. Trivrit (Operculinaturpethum) is a plant from morning glory family. It works best for liver disorders. It is also used to relieve flatulence and colic. Root of this plant is used.

4. Marich/Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) helps to reduce swelling and inflammation.Black peppers have a strong pungent flavour. They have volatile-oils, such as piperine. They have anti-flatulent properties. Piperine increases absorption of B-complex vitamins.

5. Pippali/Long Pepper (piper longum) is a strong stimulant for digestive and respiratory system. It also helps in suppressing pain and reducing inflammation.

6. Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) it is used in ayurveda for indigestion, piles and ulcerative colitis. It absorbs excess moisture from intestines. It is also used in liver and skin conditions.

7. Vibheetaki (Terminaliabelerica) it is rejuvenating and has laxative properties. It is used to protect the liver. Vibheetaki can treat respiratory tract infections, sore throat and cough.

8. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) or Indian gooseberry is believed to slow aging process. It works a liver tonic. It is diuretic, laxative, refrigerant, stomachic, antipyretic and hair tonic. It contains photo chemicals such as gallic acid and ellagic acid.