2. Hawthorn
This plant in the rose family contains enzymes which increase the levels of sodium excreted through urine while also reducing the uric acid in this fluid (20). Its berries contain compounds which also lower blood cholesterol, reduce cardiovascular disease risk and have anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties (21).
3. Horsetail
Horsetail is closely related to ferns that kind of looks like asparagus. It’s commonly used as a diuretic as a treatment for osteoporosis (22). In fact, studies show that horsetail works just as well as the prescription diuretic hydrochlorothiazide without flushing out essential electrolytes (23).
4. Juniper
This well-known tree has long been a staple of traditional medicine. The berries are used medicinally to treat a variety of digestive issues as well as urinary tract infections and bladder and kidney issues. It’s a powerful diuretic that significantly increases urine volume without affecting your potassium levels (24).
5. Green and Black Tea
Tea made from camellia Sinensis is a great afternoon pick-me-up thanks to its caffeine content. This very caffeine, most concentrated in green and black teas, has diuretic effects (25). In fact, within as little as an hour or two of drinking tea, urine output and volume steadily increases. For best results, drink no more than 2-3 cups of tea steeped from dried loose-leaf tea.
6. Parsley
This popular herb may be used most as a garnish, but it has kidney and bladder-promoting properties. Among other things, it can treat urinary tract infection, kidney stones, edema, and more (26). Pregnant women should avoid parsley tea, as it can lead to miscarriage.
7. Hibiscus
These big beautiful flowers can be used to make a flavorful healing tea. According to WebMD, “The fruit acids in hibiscus may work like a laxative.” (27) One particular species of hibiscus “roselle,” (Hibiscus sabdariffa) has diuretic, natriuretic, and potassium-sparing effects by influencing aldosterone activity (28).
To relieve temporary edema, here are a few other tricks you can use (29):
Keep moving: moving your muscles helps pump excess fluids to your circulatory system and kidneys.
Elevate: Hold the swollen part of your body above the level of your heart several times a day or while you sleep.
Massage the area of the excess fluid to stimulate blood flow and make it easier for your body to eliminate the excess fluid.
Compression: Your doctor may recommend wearing compression garments to prevent fluid from accumulating in your tissues.
Protection: Protect your edema-affected areas from injury and care for the skin around it, which may become itchy and cracked.
Now that you know the water retention causes above and how to treat the condition, you can finally get some relief. However, keep in mind that it’s always best to speak with your doctor to find out if edema is truly the reason for of your symptoms and to treat the underlying cause.