Most stimulate the kidneys to release more sodium into the urine. Diuretics, or diuretics, help the body get rid of excess fluid, mainly water and sodium. Most stimulate the kidneys to release more sodium into the urine. When diuretics flush out sodium, the body also flushes out water.
Not only medications, which often cause allergies, but also natural diuretic herbs can help with this.
General information about herbs
When fluid accumulates heavily in a person’s cells and tissues, edema appears due to various reasons. They appear in an absolutely healthy population that eats too salty foods and drinks a lot of water before going to bed. A person’s lack of sleep, exposure to heat, and pregnancy also have an effect. The occurrence and manifestation of edema indicates the development of some disease.
Edema can be of several types: renal, hepatic, cardiac and allergic. Diuretics are used to cleanse the body of excess fluid. But herbs can also cope with swelling. Even in ancient times, people collected various plants and made medicinal recipes, which are increasingly used today. Safe herbs that have diuretic properties are mint, parsley, dandelions and nettle roots. Fennel is a diuretic plant that stimulates kidney function and has no contraindications even for pregnant women. Nettle roots promote better kidney function and eliminate inflammatory processes.
Parsley
Although parsley is primarily used as a spice, it may be beneficial for people who have trouble tolerating diuretics. A 2002 study found that the plant may help with urine output. Later research by Trusted Source also confirmed its diuretic properties.
Parsley is mainly used as a spice.
How herbs work
Thanks to the use of diuretic herbs, excess fluid is removed from the body, swelling is prevented and relieved. There are herbs that have a disinfectant effect, which consists in destroying pathogenic bacteria that enter the urinary system. In addition, inflammation is relieved and the urinary tract is cleared of the products of the inflammatory process.
Diuretics have different principles of action. An increased process of urine excretion occurs when the action of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase decreases, during the synthesis of acidic substances, due to altered osmotic pressure, weakening reabsorption in the kidney canals. In some cases, the enzyme affects the regulation of hormones in water and salt metabolic processes.
The use of kidney herbs is prescribed during periods of such types of ailments as:
- swelling that appears due to renal failure;
- heart failure, which causes shortness of breath and swollen areas;
- cystitis, urethritis and other infectious diseases, which are characterized by acute and chronic forms;
- the appearance of chronic glomerulonephritis, which is in remission;
- hypertensive disease, in which there is an accumulation of fluid;
- poisoning with food or a harmful substance, after which poison and toxic compounds are removed from the body.
When is a diuretic prescribed?
Doctors prescribe diuretics when there is too much fluid in the body. This problem is more common in older people. The following conditions may require fluid regulation in the body or result in fluid retention:
- high blood pressure;
- chronic heart failure;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- kidney dysfunction;
- stones in the kidneys;
- tissue swelling, such as in swollen legs and feet;
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS);
- diabetes;
Basic rules for taking diuretic herbs
Patients are accustomed to using decoctions or infusions twice a day, but the use of diuretic herbs has some nuances. First of all, they are consumed before 16:00, because after taking them, increased fluid secretion will begin, and at night this only brings discomfort and the patient cannot rest properly. In this case, it is necessary to observe the dosage, because, otherwise, the goal will not be achieved. Diuretics are taken to prevent the development of dependence and to maintain an effective effect.
But at the same time, diuretic herbs remove potassium, as a result of which, to restore it in the body, the patient must include dried apricots and avocados, which contain a trace element, in the diet. The use of herbs is as serious a medicinal method as drug therapy, therefore they are used according to the instructions that the attending physician will prescribe, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient and the composition of diuretic herbs, their types. If necessary, the patient takes tests or undergoes a comprehensive examination to monitor the body’s reactions. You cannot stop the therapeutic process on your own.
If the patient has previously been diagnosed with nephritis or nephrosis, taking herbs that irritate the renal parenchyma is prohibited. For a better therapeutic effect, it is recommended to make medicinal mixtures that cope better with ailments than decoctions or infusions from one plant. But still, during the treatment process, on the doctor’s recommendation, breaks are taken so that the body does not get used to the components.
Diuretic property of plants for edema
Diuretics of plant origin give less effect on the body than synthetic ones, but cause minimal harm to the balance of substances and microelements. Despite the mildness of the effects and the safety of the drugs, unauthorized initiation of their use is fraught with negative consequences. Therefore, only a specialist can prescribe diuretics, depending on the root cause of the edema. For problems with the cardiovascular system, raw materials from birch and lingonberry leaves will provide a visible result. If the cause is a problem with the kidneys, then lingonberries and tansy will provide therapeutic effects.
In what cases are herbs used?
Anti-inflammatory diuretic plants
One of the most common problems is inflammatory processes that can affect any human organ. Inflamed tissues increase in size and a lot of fluid accumulates in them. Thanks to herbal medicine, excess fluid is removed from the body, the inflammatory process stops, and the functioning of all systems in the body is normalized. Particular attention is paid to the quality of the plants used, especially those purchased at the market. If mold or foreign matter is visible on the grass and the plant has a faint odor, this indicates poor quality due to improper storage conditions.
Herbs for bladder cystitis
When a patient develops an inflammatory process in the urinary tract, they speak of cystitis, which is most common among women. Cystitis can be treated not only with drug therapy, but also with herbal medicine. This is especially true for the chronic form of the disease, which lasts for several years. The main rule is to select herbs only on the recommendation of a doctor. In the treatment of the disease, bear ears, garlic, and corn silk are used. Echinacea is also used to relieve pain.
Herbs for the kidneys
The kidneys are the organ responsible for filtering urine. Any disease leads to disruption of the functioning of the organ, so treatment is required. With kidney disease, it is necessary for excess fluid to come out, which, when accumulated, leads to a constant increase in pressure. Bearberry, rose hips, nettle, parsley and birch leaves are used as therapy.
Use for high blood pressure and heart disease
A patient diagnosed with heart failure and hypertension needs to especially carefully select the best diuretic plants. If a person does not use diuretic herbs for hypertension, then the heart experiences a double load. As a result, inflammatory processes appear in the heart. With the help of diuretic herbs, excess fluid is removed from the body and vascular tone is regulated. Rowan, barberry, and arnica are used for this. There is also a need to consume calming plants. These include dill and birch.
When losing weight
The most powerful diuretic herb helps get rid of the discomfort associated with excess weight. Plants that have a diuretic effect help patients lose weight by removing excess fluid from the body without losing electrolytes and potassium. Collections are a popular, harmless way to combat obesity because, unlike drug therapy, they do not have a chemical effect on the body. Mint, linden, birch leaves, milk thistle, parsley, coltsfoot, and oregano are used as treatments.
Herbs for edema and decoctions for edema
- Swelling of the legs. When blood circulation is impaired, the legs swell. Strong diuretic herbs for edema are used, such as blue cornflower, juniper, flaxseed, chamomile, birch leaves, anise, calendula and cherry blossoms. But before using diuretic herbs, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications.
- Swelling of the eyes. Herbal infusions and decoctions are made from horsetail, rose hips, bearberry leaves and drunk several times a day or made as a compress. But with long-term use of herbs, it is necessary to include dairy products, bananas, and oranges in the diet, which will restore the lack of microelements.
- Swelling of the face. For swelling of the face, it is better to use chamomile, from which a strong decoction is made, and then applied as compresses to the face. It is also necessary to drink tea made from chamomile, lemon balm, and mint several times a day.
- During pregnancy. Patients need to be especially careful during pregnancy, because some herbs can only cause harm. For swelling, patients are recommended to take bearberry, lingonberry leaves, viburnum fruits, and celery root.
General information about herbal diuretics
Plants that have a diuretic effect are used as traditional medicine and prescribed by doctors. The main advantages include ease of preparation, safety, mild effect and price. Herbal medicines that have a diuretic effect are varied and widespread. Therefore, it is easy to prepare the plants yourself. The negative aspects of using such diuretics include individual intolerance to the components that diuretic tablets contain.
Use of the most famous diuretic herbs
Thyme: properties
The plant has the necessary properties only when it is collected at the correct flowering periods. With the help of thyme, you can stimulate the immune system; it has calming and analgesic properties. It is used to treat ailments of the gastrointestinal tract, viral diseases, and also to cleanse the blood.
Birch sap and calendula
There have been legends about the properties of birch sap since ancient times. It promotes better functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, stimulating metabolism in the body. The juice is able to cleanse the body of toxins and break down stones. In addition to it, calendula is widely used. But it is not recommended for pregnant women, since, according to some reports, there is a risk of miscarriage.
Melissa and harmless valerian
A diuretic for cardiovascular diseases is lemon balm. It performs an antispasmodic function and normalizes the heart rate. Valerian and its diuretic properties are questionable, since during storage the plant quickly loses all its necessary properties, even if taken in large quantities.
Uterus hogweed, motherwort and other herbs
Mahogany is a herb that is used in the treatment of the urinary system. It has become popular in the last few years, when its diuretic properties were fully studied. During treatment, the tea should also contain motherwort, which relieves inflammation and destroys harmful microorganisms. It also copes with pain. Also used in teas are coltsfoot, elderberry, flax, St. John's wort, caraway seeds, dandelion, lingonberry leaves, and oregano.
Recommendations for the use of herbal diuretics
Herbal diuretics are used with caution. Incorrect dosage and long-term use can have a negative impact on health. This is due to the fact that herbal diuretics remove fluid along with useful elements: potassium, sodium and calcium. In this regard, unauthorized treatment with a diuretic that contains medicinal plants is prohibited. Along with diuretics, experts prescribe vitamins so as not to upset the balance of elements in the body. In addition, before preparing infusions and decoctions, you should make sure that the herbs are fresh. It is important not to take diuretics at night. This can lead to insomnia and frequent visits to the restroom.
The lightest and most powerful herbs
Due to the daily process of filtering urine, the kidneys are constantly under stress. In case of illness, the organ is not able to function normally, so you need to take diuretic herbs. Light herbs include birch leaves, mint, linden blossom, berries and lingonberry leaves. The most powerful herbs include rose hips, St. John's wort, knotweed, nettle, juniper, from which an herbal infusion is made.
Medicinal fees
Diuretics have a stronger effect than single-component products. To remove excess fluid, relieve swelling, improve the functioning of the cardiovascular and urinary systems, you can use:
- Collection No. 1: 2 tbsp. l. lingonberry leaves, linden blossom, coltsfoot, raspberries, anise. Pour everything into 0.5 liters of water and boil for 30 minutes. Drink a glass before dinner.
- Collection No. 2: 1 tbsp. l. valerian root, chamomile flowers, black cumin seeds. Pour everything into a glass of hot water and drink in 2 doses.
- Collection No. 3: 2 tbsp. l. parsley, rose hips. Lingonberry leaves, strawberries, carrot seeds. All pour 300 ml of water, keep on fire for 20-20 minutes. For treatment 1 tbsp. l. concentrate is diluted with 100 ml of water, drunk 3 times a day, for prevention 1 tbsp. l. The decoction is diluted with 200 ml of water and drunk once a day.
Diuretics should not be taken if you have kidney failure or large stones. If a large stone begins to pass out of the body, it can block the ureter, leading to stagnation of urine.
Traditional medicine recipes with herbs
- Bearberry, St. John's wort, nettle, rose hips, plantain
Take an equal amount of all herbs and berries, chop and mix. Then brew one tablespoon of the mixture with half a liter of boiling water, let it brew for an hour, then strain and take this volume of infusion 3-4 times during the day.
- Burdock with sugar or honey
Burdock roots should be crushed, pour 1 liter of boiling water over 3 tablespoons of the root, boil until half the liquid has evaporated, add honey or sugar to the broth to taste. Drink 0.5 cups 3 times a day.
- Lovage root, licorice, juniper berries
Chop equal amounts of fruits and roots well, mix, first pour one tablespoon with cold water and wait six hours, then boil the mixture for 15 minutes, strain, take 1/4 cup 4 times a day.
- Greens and parsley root, lemon
Grind the root, add the same volume of greens, pour half a liter of boiling water over 1 glass of the mixture, leave for 10 hours, then pour into a separate container, strain and add the juice of 1 lemon, take 1/3 tbsp in the morning and afternoon. Take a 3-day break and continue this regimen until the swelling decreases.
Cucumber
The vegetable is 96% water and contains potassium and magnesium. This composition makes cucumber a gentle diuretic. It also removes and absorbs toxins, expels stones from the kidneys, and eliminates swelling due to cardiovascular disorders.
In folk medicine, diuretic cucumber juice is used. To prepare it, you need to take whole fruits with peel, fresh and not overripe. Use a juicer. If you don’t have it, grind the cucumber into a paste with a blender and squeeze out the liquid through cheesecloth.
You can drink half a glass of cucumber juice several times during the day. The total volume is no more than 4 glasses per day.
How to choose a diuretic
Self-prescription of herbs and herbs with a diuretic effect is dangerous because it can cause unpredictable reactions in the body. You need consultation with a competent specialist. It is best to buy herbal infusions and components of decoctions at the pharmacy in the format of filtration bags. If the purchase is made on the market or from hand, you need to pay attention to the quality of the raw materials. If there is mold on the herbs, there is dust or a foreign smell, it is better to refuse the purchase.
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