8 medicinal plants to say goodbye to fluid retention

Jordi Cebrian

Journalist specialized in medicinal plants and ecology

February 6, 2023 13:23

Liquid retention is a much more common problem than it may seem. It is manifested, more than by the slightest need to urinate, by the swelling in arms, feet and legs, but also in the abdominal area.

Why does fluid retention occur?

The causes of this fluid retention they are very varied and not always easy to determine. A sedentary lifestyle, a diet that is excessively salty and rich in processed foods, hormonal changes, pregnancy and stress are, without a doubt, situations that can explain it, but it can also be the body’s response to underlying problems such as heart failure. , hepatic or renal.

Therefore, in the face of persistent fluid retention, the most sensible thing to do is go to the doctor so that the origin of the problem can be analyzed and the most appropriate measures recommended.

Natural and effective diuretics

There is a wide range of medicinal plants that have proven to be very effective for treating fluid retention and its most visible symptoms, but also for Help us eliminate toxins.

medicinal plants are a safe and valid option to treat entrance edemas, due to the high diuretic potential of many of them, and even more so if they are taken in liquid form as herbal tea, syrup or drops. In this article we offer you a selection of eight plants that are especially recommended as home remedies for fluid retention and that you will easily find at your trusted herbalist.

8 plants to eliminate retained liquids

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Diuretic horsetail rich in silica and potassium

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.) grows in grasslands, marshes, riverbanks, and lakes. In phytotherapy it is a recognized remedy for fluid retention.

Properties: It is a notable diuretic and detoxifier, provides minerals and vitamins, and acts as an astringent and hemostatic.What is indicated for: To enhance the emission of urine and to eliminate fluid retention and edema, but also to detoxify, in genitourinary conditions such as cystitis and as support in hypertension. Parts we use: Sterile stems (they come out after the fertile ones). How is it used: In decoction, with complementary herbs, up to 3 glasses a day, or in baths, washes and compresses. Tincture, liquid extracts, and capsules or tablets are also used. It should be avoided orally in pregnancy and lactation.

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Dandelion to purify liver and kidney

The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber) grows in very diverse environments, such as humid meadows, riverbanks and fields. Its diuretic and cleansing properties, very useful against fluid retention, add to its protective effect on the liver.

Properties: Diuretic and detoxifying, hepatoprotective, appetizer, antioxidant and tonic.When is it convenient: It is a remedy of the first order for edemas. Due to its cleansing effect on the liver and kidneys, it is included in formulas to drain the body and combat excess weight due to fluid retention. Helps reduce uric acid and urea and regulate blood pressure.Parts we use: The leaves and the root, rich in potassium salts.How it is taken: Three cups a day of decoction of the root or infusion of the leaves, with plants that reduce their bitterness, before meals. It is found in liquid extract, tincture and tablets.

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Cherry tree to eliminate liquid and lose weight

of the cherry tree (Prunus avium L.), which grows both in humid mountainous areas and in the orchard, the stalks of cherries are used for their diuretic properties. With them, diuretic decoctions are prepared that help to eliminate retained fluids and improve the symptoms associated with fluid retention.

Properties: It is diuretic, purifying, detoxifying, cardiotonic, analgesic and febrifuge.When is it convenient: The stalks have traditionally been used for genitourinary conditions. They are suitable to promote the emission of urine and combat fluid retention, as well as in natural slimming treatments. They are used in diuretic formulas for hypertension, hyperuricemia, or gout.Parts we use: Corns or peduncles of the fruits, and the fruits themselves in food. How it is taken: Along with other diuretic plants, in decoction, up to three glasses a day. Also in liquid extract and/or fresh cherries, as is or in juice.

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Birch to relieve swelling of legs and feet

With birch (Humulus lupulus L.) very useful diuretic infusions are prepared against fluid retention in the legs and other areas of the body. This tree grows in mountainous areas and avalanche terrain and, for medicinal purposes, the leaves are mainly used.

Properties: It is diuretic, cleansing, vitamin, remineralizing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibiotic and healing.When is it convenient: To increase diuresis and combat overweight due to fluid retention, reduce edema symptoms such as swelling of the feet, legs or arms, in kidney and urological conditions, and against hypertension or high urea and uric acid. Parts we use: The leaves and buds (in yemotherapy) and more rarely the bark. How it is taken: In infusion of the leaves, with other plants, to take during the day; or in decoction of the buds or bark. You have it in liquid extract, syrup, fresh juice (sap) and capsules.

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Vellosilla, the renal tonic that eliminates retained fluids

The hawkweed (Hieracium pilosela L.) stands out for its diuretic but also antibiotic properties. It is also considered a great kidney tonic. It grows in stony meadows, mountain pastures, and dry ridges.

Properties: It is diuretic, purifying, choleretic, lipid-lowering, demulcent and febrifuge.What is indicated for: In the treatment of renal failure, and as a renal tonic and diuretic. Helps prevent and treat fluid retention, reduce urea and uric acid, and control blood pressure and cholesterol. Parts we use: The floral chapters and, to a lesser extent, the leaves and the root. How it is taken: Infusion (the root in decoction), together with other diuretic and cleansing herbs, up to 2 glasses a day or to drink during the day. You can also find liquid extract, tincture, and capsules.

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Gatuña, a great natural diuretic

The cat (Ononis spinosa L.), a powerful natural diuretic, is used both to treat fluid retention and urinary tract infections. It grows in grasslands, forest margins and paths, in meadows and dry hills.

Properties: Diuretic, saluretic, febrifuge, astringent and antidiarrheal.What is indicated for: It helps combat fluid retention or edema and associated symptoms, as well as continued difficulty urinating (oliguria), but only in discontinuous treatments due to its high diuretic value. Also in urinary infections and to control blood pressure, urea and uric acid in the blood. Parts we use: The flowering tops and the root. How it is taken: In infusion of the tops, up to three cups daily, or in decoction of the root. It is found in tincture, liquid extract and capsules or tablets.

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Orthosiphon, a powerful detoxifier

The orthosiphon (Orthosiphon stammineus Benth.) is native to Southeast Asia and is planted in gardens and medicinal nurseries. It is a very complete medicinal plant: diuretic, cleansing and antihypertensive.

Properties: It is a powerful diuretic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cleansing, hypocholesterolemic and cholagogue.What is indicated for: To purify the body and eliminate chlorides and uric acid, and against bacterial urinary tract infections. Combats edema and is indicated in the treatment of obesity, high cholesterol and hypertension. Parts we use: Flowering tops and leaves.How it is taken: In infusion, with mint or lemon balm to soften its bitterness, two cups a day. It is also found in drops of liquid extract, tincture, tablets and capsules. It should be avoided in heart or renal failure.

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Levístico, a traditional remedy against fluid retention

The lovage (Levisticum officinale Koch.) is native to Iran. It has been planted in orchards and nurseries but is rare. However, its traditional use against fluid retention is well established.

Properties: It is a powerful diuretic, purifying, renal tonic, digestive, aperitif, carminative, antispasmodic and relaxing.When is it convenient: It has been used since ancient times to promote urination, combat edema, swelling of the feet or legs, and treat excess weight due to fluid retention. Parts we use: The root and the fruits with their seeds. How it is taken: Fruits and leaves as seasoning; the root in decoction and the seeds in infusion, up to three cups a day. Also in liquid extract and tincture. It should be taken, however, in brief and discontinuous periods and avoid during pregnancy and lactation.

Infusion for fluid retention

Taking an infusion that combines several of the aforementioned cleansing and diuretic plants is a good way to prevent and eliminate fluid retention. We propose two different ones below, each of which enhances some effects more than others:

1. Infusion for edema (diuretic and cleansing effect)

To prepare this infusion you need:

horsetail (stems) birch (leaves) walnut (leaves) dandelion (root) orthosiphon (tops) lemon balm (tops) fennel (fruits)

How to do it: Mix in equal parts, boil 1 level tablespoon per glass of water for 2 minutes and leave covered for 10 more. Strain and sweeten.

Dose: You can drink throughout the day, even the cold infusion from the fridge, but use it within 48 hours.

2. Infusion to eliminate liquids and reduce inflammation (powerful diuretic effect and antiseptic effect)

This infusion can also help you against being overweight and urinary conditions. In this case you will need

corn stigmas cherry stalks dandelion cat cat tail green anise

How to do it: Mix in equal parts and separate 5 g of the mixture per glass of water. Boil for 2 minutes and let rest for another 10. Sweeten with maple syrup or similar if desired.

Dose: Three glasses a day, fasting.

Other keys to prevent and reduce edema or swelling

diet and exercise They are essential to avoid fluid retention and promote diuresis with water and adequate infusions.

With a few simple changes in habits we help prevent and alleviate edema. Avoid excess salt, sugar and processed foods, and consume more foods rich in vitamin B6, B5 and magnesium.

Walking at a brisk pace whenever possible, going on excursions through the mountains, exercising and avoiding sitting for a long time, interspersing walks, is also key.

Not by not drinking you will retain less, on the contrary. Drink at least 2 liters of water a…

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