Fluid Retention
Fluid retention is also known as edema. This occurs when water is held in the tissues. The lymphatic system normally processes fluid in the cells and sends it back to the bloodstream, but when the lymph system is not properly removing the fluid, the tissues hold onto it, causing edema. Swelling is most common in the legs and feet, but it can also appear in the hands, arms, and the abdomen and around the lungs.
Symptoms
Symptoms of fluid retention may be a sudden weight gain of several pounds or swollen ankles. In worse cases, you may feel like your skin is too tight. Symptoms will vary according to the affected area.
Causes
Fluid retention can be caused by eating too much salt or drinking too much alcohol. Both of these things cause the body to hang on to fluid. Remaining inactive for long periods of time can cause fluid to pool in the tissues. Activity will help get the fluid moving again. Many women also experience swelling before their period due to hormone fluctuations. They can also experience fluid retention due to oral contraceptives.
Cautions
Seek medical attention if swelling in the extremities or abdomen last for a week and your skin takes a minute or more to recover from the dent made from poking a finger into the swelling. This is called pitting edema. Sometimes, signs of swelling may be a symptom of heart or kidney disease, liver problems, arthritis, thyroid disease, allergic reactions or chronic lung disease. If you are pregnant and experience sudden swelling in your legs, hands and face that is accompanied by high blood pressure, notify your caregiver immediately. These are symptoms of pre-eclampsia. Some swelling of the ankles and feet are normal in late pregnancy, but if you are concerned, seek advice.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Parsley – this herb is a natural diuretic. Parsley tea is an easy way to get all the benefits of this herb quickly. Add two teaspoons of dried parsley to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for ten minutes. Drink up to three cups a day to relieve water retention. Parsley can also be added to your salad and other foods.
- Dandelion – this herb is another natural diuretic that is also a gentle tonic for the entire system. Dandelion can be taken as supplements or as tea. Leaves and flowers can also be added to salads or cooked like potherbs.
- Dong quai – this herb has a diuretic effect and can help relieve bloat when used regularly.
- Corn silk – drinking corn silk tea can also help relieve the tissues of excess fluid.
- Stinging nettle – among all the other benefits of nettles, it also helps relieve fluid retention. Dried leaves can be used to make nettle tea or you can take an extract or a supplement.
- Celery – celery seed is a very strong diuretic. It is especially helpful when the fluid retention if related to arthritic conditions. Take as directed on the label.
- Horsetail – this herb is helpful in relieving water retention. Supplements of horsetail can be taken daily to help with this condition.
- Butcher's broom – this herb is helpful for fluid retention caused by lymphatic or venous disorders. Take 300 to 450 mg of the extract per day with vitamin C.
- Rosemary - treat bloating by drinking 3 cups of Rosemary infusion a day - infuse 3 grams dried herb in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink
- Horse chestnut - use for treatment of leg edema.
- Cleavers - is a diuretic and tonic. Take as liquid extract or infusion. It has properties that helps tone the liver and cleanse the blood. It is a diuretic and can help break up kidney and bladder stones as well.
- Hawthorn – improve vascular tone and works as diuretic. Steep the liquid for 20 minutes and strain before drinking. Take three times per day.
- Meadowsweet - works as diuretic. Take as liquid extract or infusion. Drink 3 - 4 cups of infusion a day.