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.