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Herbal diuretic???????

Posted by Gandy75041 z8TX (My Page) on
Sat, Sep 1, 01 at 19:26

Does anyone have a good suggestion for an herbal diuretic for fluid retention (edema) of the lower extremities????? Am opposed to prescription drugs. Many thanks in advance.

Gandy 75041


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

The following are just a few herbs which have a diuretic effect (there are many more). Some of them have other medicinal virtues as well, so you need to know the cause of your fluid retention before deiciding which to use. I suggest Dandelion, Cornsilk and Burdock might be called 'general purpose'. You should also eat lots of fruit and vegetables, especially those which have a very high water content - celery, cucumber, citrus, watermelon etc all of which act as diuretics. And drink lots of water to flush out system. Also reduce sodium in your diet, and/or cut out salt altogether. It would be a good idea to check the cause of your problem with a doctor, it could be something very simple, like PMS, or it could be a symptom of something more serious. Remember, herbs are medicines too, and most conventional medicines are either extracts from herbs, or copies of the active components of herbs. Check with your doctor about this and take his/her advice. One cup or herbal tea per day is regarded as a medicinal dosage.

Agrimony, Barberry, Blackberry, Black Cohosh, Black Currant, Blue Cohosh, Buchu, Burdock root, Calamus, Celery, Chaparral, Cleavers, Cornsilk, Cucumber, Damiana, Dandelion, Elecampane, False Unicorn, Fennel, Gotu Kola, Gravel root, Golden Rod, Hawthorn berries, Horseradish, Horsetail, Hydrangea, Juniper berries, Kava Kava, Lady's Bedstraw, Liquorice, Lovage, Marshmallow, Mistletoe, Mullein, Parsley, Pennywort, Plantain, Pleurisy root, Rosemary, Salad Burnet, Salad Rocket, Sassafras, Saw palmetto, Senna, Sesame, Shepherd's purse, Squaw vine, St. Johns Wort, Sweet Woodruff, Sugar Palm, Uva ursi, Watercress, White willow, Yarrow.


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

Whenever taking anything diuretic, be sure to add lots of minerals to your diet, because diuretics, even herbal ones, rob the body of minerals. The easiest diuretics I have found to be lettuce or chickweed. Eat a whole head of lettuce at once and you will see the effect immediately. And chickweed grows absolutely everywhere.

There is, however, a much more powerful diuretic exercise which you can do easily. I found out about it by fluke after having swollen feet for months. I got cured permanently in one day. Then I remembered the exercise to be a cure used all over Germany. I had just forgotten about it. I have written the incident up as a story and can email it to you on request.


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

......There is, however, a much more powerful diuretic exercise which you can do easily.

Hi,
I came across your note and am interested in the exercise you refer to in the note about diuretics.

Thanks in advance,

Traci


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

Many thanks for your replies - much appreciated. All sound beneficial. Unfortunately, the exercise is not an option since I am disabled with bilateral hip osteoarthritis and do well to even get around in my home. My foot, ankle, and lower leg swelling has been a life-long problem and, of course, is worse now in my golden years. I gave up doctors years ago - all had the same answer - "poor return of the saphenous veins". I don't take prescription drugs as I don't want uninvited side-effect problems. Many thanks. Gandy75041


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

  • Posted by Cacye Denver,CO (My Page) on
    Wed, Apr 24, 02 at 14:31

Dandelion is supposed to be the best diuretic because it
doesn't deplete your potassium. I haven't tried any diuretics
as I have never needed any, so the doses for
your problem will have to be gotten elsewhere. On the
subject of your foot, though, have you thought of hawthorn?
It is supposed to be helpful with problems of the veins,
as well as a powerful antibiotic. I have advanced osteo-
arthritis and I am trying to find a good herbal painkiller
for it. If you want to get ahold of me later for doses
of hawthorn, as well as what I have and have not tried
for pain, e-mail me at Pastine29@hotmail.com and I will
bore you silly with it. Currently I am looking at Chinese
herbs. Give me at least a week to reply, as I don't get
on the net much.


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

Hi Gandy,
I have somewhat the same problem as a diabetic.
I use Asparagus and cranberry juice as diuretics and it helps alot to cut down on salt and drink water.
As you,re not taking manufactored medicine. Could i
suggest you get at least two good Herbal books that can tell when and how to take what you need, compare
the two books or more to double check what you should
take.:) come back and let us know how you're doing.
Vickie


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

Hi Cayce and Vickie - many thanks for your time and effort replies. Asparagus is one of my very favorites and I can tolerate cranberry juice very well. I'll try anything short of drugs and poison. Again, my appreciation. Gandy


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

Try a search on Turmeric, diuretic is listed among its medicinal uses, as are anti-inflamatory (arthritis), anti-oxidant, antibiotic, anti-cancer, etc...
I know what that sounds like, I've read all the info available on it and can honestly say Turmeric is worth looking into.


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

I too am very interested in the diuretic exercise. I am at a loss at this point in keeping the swelling of my ankles under control. I am overweight and trying hard to lose weight but have not been very successful. thanks Lucy


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

Yes, Traute Bio Gardener, please post the exercise information here. I'm sure many of us would be interested in an exercise, as opposed to taking something internally.


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

Hello....Just thought I would share my remedy.....Caffeine is (to me) the most effective remedy for fluid retention. You do not need much of it either. It works quickly and easily, and you will not lose potassium while ridding the excess fluid from your body...I drink a cup of coffee every am anyway, but do not drink cokes UNLESS, I am retaining fluid around my feet ( I stand all day at work)...you know, the days when you take your socks off, and they "appear" to still be "on"....It really works....Good luck <*-*>


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Mzny thanks to all who have offered their tips. I am most appreciative to each and every one.

Gandy


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

PARSLEY


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Cutting down or cutting out most of the grain-based and 'cured' foods from your diet will help in fluid retention and diabetes (type 1 and 2). As long as your liver and kindey functions are normal, do a web search for 'Paleolithic Diet'. I've been on it for 2 years, lost 55lbs and dropped my serum cholesterol and triglycerides. This doesn't work for everyone, but there are no drugs, supplements, poisons, etc. The only cost is no more cookies or candy and most of us shouldn't be eating them anyway ;) Just my thought, hope it helps.


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I totally suggest using dandilion. It is the best herb for getting rid of swelling and high blood presure.


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Dandilion root is the best diuretic in the plant kingdom. According to the principals of Chinese medicine, edema is a deficiency of the spleen's qi. There is a point on the ankle about 3 inches above the medial epicondile of the tibia (Sp6). Try accupuncture, it works wonders for your condition. But as for herbs, nothing beats dandilion, nothing.


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

Many thanks to lindaleb and all others for your input. I do so appreciate your tips. My daughter has found a marvelous Certified Herbalist and is doing so well that I am planning on visiting him after the Holidays.

Merry Christmas.
Gandy


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

If you want to learn about the method which helped me, you will have to send me a note. It is the method which is used in the most expensive European spas, but you can practice it by yourself, and it won't cost you a penny.

I have used it regularly most of my life.


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

Traute - thank you so very much. I am about to send you a note. Certainly never expected a reply so long after my original posting.

Gandy75041


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Mugwort(artemisia vulgaris) and dandelion are effective diuretics. I use them when I'm bloated. Make them into a tea. Don't plant it (Mugwort), it's a noxious weed, but if you have it growing and can't get rid of it, this is a good use.


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karl2marie@msn.com requested diuretic exercise.


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good morning. i am sorry about having to send you another email. i received your response yesterday on diuretic exercise. i am 77 and not very good on the computer. try as i may, i could not find your story on the powerful easy diuretic exercise. if you would give me a hint on where to find the story,i will be forever greatful to you. thanks very much. kark.


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KARK - MANY THANKS FOR YOUR POSTING YESTERDAY. YOUR TODAY'S POSTING REGARDING THE DIURETIC EXERCISE DIDN'T COME FROM ME - I, TOO, WOULD BE INTERESTED IN THAT EXERCISE. AGAIN, MY APPRECIATION.

GANDY75041


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

  • Posted by chaman U S east coast (My Page) on
    Sun, Feb 22, 04 at 7:40

Dandilion root helps keeping liver healthy along with all good things reported by fellow participants of the Forum.

chiman


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

This diuretic exercise can be done by anyone who is able to stick a foot into a bucket of water, even if someone has to help you with it.


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

I would like to know the exercise that everyone is talking about for diuretics


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I think dandelion is one of the most common/effective and easy to come by. Get some from the backyard. :) I always drink dandelion tea in "pmsing" to get rid of extra fluids and it works.! :)


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try making/buying dandilion and burdock drink warning:do nto drink just before bed, they don't call danidlion pissabed for nothing.

maybe putting a pillow under you feet in bet at night might be an dea, that will help with the return from the vein., arteries have the srength to push the blood up to the foot but the veins preasure s so much lower. therefore if you can, keeping it higher than ur hip, if only slightly wiil be of much use, i think.

i sugest in bed as that means you spend a long time liek that and it also means ur lying down so you CAN rais ur feet above your hips regardless of ur physical condition (well more or less).

worth a try anyway.


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Is the herb to use for a diurectic the root or the plant of the dandillion? I bought some dandillion root 520mg as a Herbal Supplement. Do I need to get the leaves and make a tea, and if so, how much? Also do they need to be dried first.
I am also in need of this amazing exercise. Please email me with the exercise and info to debethz@hotmail.com or at the yahoo email. Thanks


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still waiting for a eamil, thanks


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With all the Okra plants coming to their end of season, collect their roots to dry for use as a diuretic. Among other medicinal uses....

From my research, okra root does not tincture in alcohol. The properties are released by soaking in cold water and boiled.

I store my roots whole and cut up or powder just prior to it's use.


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TO: Traute_Biogardener
Dear Traute, I tried to find info about a "much more powerful diuretic exercise which you can do easily" on your site, and couldn't. Please send me that story you are talking about on the diuretic exercise (milaphi12@hotmail.com). Thank you!


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

Did anyone learn of Traute Biogardener's simple European spa remedy? That address no longer exists in this group. I am desperately looking for an alternate remedy for my Mom's swollen legs. Any help would be appreciated!


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Could someone please provide me with the diuretic exercise? I am in great need of the exercise for fluid retention in the lower legs. I have tried to email Traunte Biogardener and have been unsuccessful. If someone could provide this information, I would be very grateful. Thank you.


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(RANT ON)Don't you just love people who tell you "I can solve your problems simply" ... and don't just damn well DO it? And then vanish into the ether... (RANT OFF)

Compression stockings work, raising your feet works, uva ursi works, dandelion root works. Maybe sticking your foot in a bucket of water works, too, or maybe that's just a smartass "I know something and you don't!" bit of BS, too. Did anyone here ever get anything of value from that "Biogardener" dude? If so, would you share it?
Thanks!
Bill Whedon
billwhedon@billwhedon.com


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

I used cranberry juice during my pregnancies to effectively combat water retention. Although it is more well known as a weed than for its medicinal properties, I've also found a tincture of lambsquarter (or lambsquarters) to be an effective diuretic. It is high in magnesium and other nutrients so it's good as a tonic too. It is more palatable flavored with mint and sweetened. Here is a website which might be helpful:http://www.cloudnet.com/~djeans/FlwPlant/lambsQuarters.htm


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Many thanks, Jade. That sounds like a winner to me.

Frances


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RE: Herbal diuretic??????? For Traute

Hi Traute!

I'd also be interested in your exercise for helping water retention. Would you be so kind as to share it with me too? Thanks in advance!

Vicki (BecauseILikeIt@aol.com)


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

I would love to know about this exercise thats been talked about on here so if anyone knows the info please send me an email at GSchibi@yahoo.com
Thanks


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

I don't know about the exercise that people are referring to, but I do know that some massage therapists specialize in treating edema. Not sure what special techniques they use, I'm guessing they would give a few tips and tricks if you went in for a massage.

Flavonoids seem to be pretty prominently associated with preventing or reducing edema in the literature, although there are many types of edema. Onions, apples, beans, and a wide host of other fruits and veggies are rich sources, there are also supplements of individual flavonoids like rutin, quercetin, etc.


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NETTLES

Health: Internal: Used as a diuretic. Stimulates circulation and clears uric acid, relieving arthritis and gout. (Tea: 2 tsp to one cup boiling water, steep for 10 min. Drink 3-4 cups a day for 3-5 weeks.) External: A poultice treats eczema.

As well as Dandelion, this works rather well also.


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GOLDENROD. Goldenrod is a yellow flowered herb that grows by the 1000s all over the place. Along roads, along side fields, in ditches.

From what I have learned it is a good diuretic. I read in several places how one needs to keep drinking plenty of water if they are going to be using goldenrod because of how it works as a diuretic.

I gathered and dried some to use in teas for the winter. Right now I just go outside to the fence row along the field and pick some to make tea. It is also said to help one not get bladder and kidney infections. I do notice that I have to pee more after I drink goldenrod tea.

Insects like goldenrod. I have saw tons of butterflies on goldenrod and the not so well known goldenrod spider that turns from yellow to white and hides on the flower looking all yellow and pretty just like the flowers.

If you do a google image search you will find pics of it and most likely reconize it.


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Herbal diuretics that worked for me

As a bodybuilder we often use diuretics for a contest. often for no more then 2 or 3 days just before the weight in.. to flush the water from the subcutaneous layer of the skin.. to help give a more defined shreeded look. Alot of bodybuilders use diuretics called " sans shreeded and " Cytodyne Taraxatone " among many other brands these are two of the leading brands and are highly effective.. HOWEVER.. they use large amounts of caffeine and can often cause undesired effects such as anxiety and over all just a bad fealing..

Some people can handle these products easly enough and a few of my friends have no issues.. however my self and some other friends have more reactions.. and can not take such evasive products..

So one of my pals that just did a show a few weeks ago got a HERBAL DIURETIC from the local grocery store in the value health section.. he said it worked just as well as the other stuff and was very easy on his system.

the company is called Natures Harmony and the product name is simply Herbal Diuretic.. not to mention as well.. this product was atleast 70% cheaper then the main stream stuff...

here i have provided a link for any one that wishes to check it out

http://www.naturesharmony.com/en/product_info/product_detail.php?id=111&category=9

or just go here and do a search

http://www.naturesharmony.com

I hope this helps.. i will be using it for my next show. i think it will do well for people that retain water due to certain diseases but like any thing.. do research before you buy!

Here is a link that might be useful: herbal diuretic


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Even if this wasn't just another spam promotion, the very last people I'd take advice from on herbs are bodybuilders out for fast alteration in their appearance, without evident consideration for long-term health.


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

gee, eric - am I not the only one who gets why Jack LaLane looks better at what, 90? than 'the governator' looks at 50?

;)

I agree with Dandelion (all parts of the plant are diuretic) as a 'safe' method of water release, Cranberry, celery, and tea (loose, but black or green doesn't matter so much) are also beneficial without being, well, scary.

Especially if you also have ANY form or arthritis, I highly recommend that you look in to Tumeric, which is also an anti-inflammatory, and one of the oldest herbs in the herbal pharmacy, period.

there are massage techniques specifically for treating edema and lymphatic buildup, that use elevation and rythmic compression to help drain the fluid...

but the 'exercise' that our missing Traut is, I suspect, keeping from y'all really is simple - bucket of hot water, bucket of cold water. plunge limb into hot water, count to 20, plunge limb into cold water, count to 20, repeat until you run out of 'hot' and 'cold'. then rest with limb higher than heart for 10 minutes. gentle massage/stroking towards body core, or 'brushing' is allowed during the resting time.

the problem with edema is that if you rely solely on diuretics, it is entirely possible to leave yourself severly dehydrated, with fluid still stagnating in a pool around your ankles.


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

Hi, about the herbal diuretics I will give you a list of them to use of my website, they are natural herbal remedies that are readily available ok. I am just going to take sections out of different posts I have done on diuertics so hopefully you can find the info that can help. Its going to be a long read...LOL.
Besides avoiding obviously the tasty salty fries, pizza, fast foods and convenience foods, cut down on foods containing that hidden salt. All these foods cause you to retain water. Other little items include some salad dressings, cereals and canned soups. Learn to read the labels. (Fat-free salad dressing have a high count of sodium and sugars, because when they remove the fat, they increase the sodium to make it taste half decent)… more on fats ………

Ham, bacon, hot dogs, sausages, pickles, pre-packaged foods such taco powders, fajita mixes, gravy, sauces etc…. are all high in sodium. These foods are all causes for retention of water. Drink 64 fluid oz. of water daily to flush the toxins out, add a few twists of lemon and or lime for the added benefit.

Avoid alcohol, animal protein, caffeine, chocolate, dairy products, gravies, olives, pickles, salt, soy sauce, white flour and white sugar. Reduce salt and preservative intake, try following a low sodium diet. If diuretics are used, be sure to supplement the body’s supply of magnesium, calcium, zinc and potassium.

Beneficial Dietary Supplements

Vitamin B Complex reduces water retention
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids improves adrenal function
Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc Complex replaces minerals lost when fighting edema
Kelp improves thyroid function and supplies needed minerals
Bromelain aids digestion and metabolism
Vitamin E aids circulation
Potassium helps keep body fluids in the cell walls
Gravelroot
Cornsilk
Dandelion Root
Butcher’s Broom and Marshmallow Root
are beneficial in treating water retention-edema

Some herbs and supplements have diuretic properties that can assist in removing fluids in the treatment of backache, prostatis, sciatica, kidney stones, gonorrhea, premenstrural syndrome and obesity.

Diuretics tend to act quickly, so anyone who takes them should make sure he – she takes diuretics first thing in the morning, no later than lunch time if at all possible, to avoid getting up through the night to go to the bathroom. Drink plenty of water to keep the fluids flowing and replenish fluids lost through urination.

Herbal Diuretics For Water retention

Meadow Sweet: Meadowsweet / Filipendula ulmaria/ Bridewort / Dropwort – Queen of the Meadow can be used to make a diuretic tea to treat urinary problems and fluid retention. Also called Gravel root – meadowsweet tea is used for dropsy (fluid retention).

Buchu: Buchu / Agathosma betulina / Barosma betulina / Bookoo / Bucka / Diosma Betulina / Oval Buchu / Round Ruchu / Short Buchu – Buchu, also known as the 'urinary herb', is a natural diuretic.

Corn Silk: Corn / Maize / Cornsilk / Zea mays / Mother’s hair / Indian corn / Maize jagnog / Turkish corn / Yu mi xu / Stigmata maydis – Corn Silk works as a mild diuretic.

Parsley Herb: Petroselinum crispum – Parsley is a strong diuretic that is effective in treating water retention.

Dandelion: Dandelion / Taraxacum officinale / Dandelion Leaf – Dandelion Root is a mild diuretic that also reduces serum cholesterol levels.

Uva Ursi: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi / Bearberry / Kinnikinnick / Mountain Cranberry – Uva Ursi works well when taken in combination with other herbs such as Buchu, Cleavers, Dandelion, Juniper, and Parsley.

Cleavers: Galium aparine / Clivers / Catchweed / Goose Grass / Velcro Plant – Cleavers acts as a diuretic and as such the herb promotes in increased urine flow and helps to rid the kidneys and bladder of gravel and stones, helps clear the urinary tract of various infections, alleviates prostate disorders and treats other acute and inflammatory urinary diseases.

Taking over the counter diuretics can be habit forming so you need to be careful and use them in a sensible fashion. A lot of middle aged people have problems with water retention in the heat and humidity of the summer months, your fingers seem to puff up with fluid and your rings get tight, this is where the natural herbal diuretics will help.

Take over the counter diuretics for water retention anywhere from two to five days in a row, drink plenty of water(the more water you drink the less water your body retains). Other people wake up with the dreaded over night fluid retention, and use them a mild diuretic in the mornings such as dandelion root supplements. Stay away from high sodium foods that cause water retention such as pickles, olives, sausage, hot dogs, bacon and ham, pre packaged foods are very high in sodium.

I hope this info has been of some help..

There are a few excellent products out there that contain pretty much all of the above listed ingredients. Sick with the foods listed by another answer you got earlier, and the support stockings are a great help.

I worked in a Weight Loss wellness clinic for a number of years and it was all natural herbal products that were used for everything from natural diuretics to weight loss programs for heart smart clients to diabetics. Feel free to stay in touch if you have any questions that I may be able to help you with.

Have A Great Day!

Here is a link that might be useful: The Herbal Shopper


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RE: Herbal diuretic???????

Before recommending any treatment for leg edema (herbs, supplements, exercise, dietary restriction, "spa treatment" etc.) it's important to get a reliable diagnosis of what's causing the problem.

There's a host of potential causes for leg edema, including heart failure, liver and kidney problems, venous thrombosis, venous insufficiency, malignancy, obesity, side effects of certain drugs and so on. In addition to some causes being readily treatable, others will lead to serious problems if people go without proper diagnosis and try to paper over the problem with agents not shown to provide symptomatic relief.

One herbal remedy for venous insufficiency that may provide modest relief of leg edema is horse chestnut extract. But again this isn't something you'd want to start taking without knowing the reason for your leg edema.

As to downton's herbal shopper site - it's not completely without useful information, but I'd do without pricey unproven supplements like "Aquadrene" and "Watershed" (some of this stuff sounds like it's being promoted for bodybuilders, who are notorious for abusing their bodies for short-term appearance benefits). And as for advice like this:

"...drink plenty of water(the more water you drink the less water your body retains)."

Um...nope.


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