Natural treatments for edema
Edema, characterized by excessive fluid accumulation leading to swelling in tissues, can result from various medical conditions, including heart failure, venous insufficiency, pregnancy, and other factors. Natural treatments for edema focus on addressing fluid retention and promoting overall health. A range of natural remedies has been proposed, particularly bioflavonoids and diuretics. Bioflavonoids such as bilberry, citrus bioflavonoids, oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, and oxerutins may support vascular health and reduce swelling caused by leaky blood vessels. Diuretic herbs like buchu, dandelion leaf, parsley, rosemary, and hawthorn can enhance water excretion, potentially alleviating edema. Additionally, incorporating fruits and vegetables into the diet, engaging in regular exercise, and reducing sodium intake may further help manage swelling. These natural approaches provide a holistic perspective on improving conditions associated with edema, catering to a diverse range of individuals seeking alternatives to traditional medical treatments.
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Subject Terms
Natural treatments for edema
- DEFINITION: Treatment of excessive fluid buildup, or swelling, of tissue caused by congestive heart failure, venous insufficiency, mastectomy, premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy, and other factors.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: None
- OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Bilberry, buchu, citrus bioflavonoids, cleavers, dandelion leaf, goldenrod, horsetail, juniper, oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, oxerutins, parsley, rosemary, hawthorn, green and black teas, hibiscus
Introduction
Many medical conditions can cause edema, or swelling. A condition related to varicose veins called chronic venous insufficiency can cause swelling in the legs. Congestive heart failure can also cause leg swelling. Numerous natural treatments have substantial supporting evidence of effectiveness for these conditions.
Women who have undergone a mastectomy for breast cancer may experience swelling in the arm near the affected breast. This condition is called lymphedema, which may be helped with natural treatments.
Women with premenstrual syndrome often experience fluid retention before the onset of menstruation, and edema frequently occurs during pregnancy. Minor injuries and surgery may also cause swelling as part of the healing process. Many of the treatments used for these conditions fall into one of two categories: bioflavonoids and diuretics. Bioflavonoids have shown promise for conditions in which edema is caused by leaky blood vessels. Bioflavonoids often used as natural treatments for edema include bilberry, citrus bioflavonoids, oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, and oxerutins.
Many herbs are thought to have a diuretic effect, which causes the body to increase its water excretion. Herbs with apparent diuretic effects include buchu, cleavers, rosemary, goldenrod, juniper, dandelion leaf, parsley, hawthorn, green and black teas, hibiscus, and horsetail. Eating fruits and vegetables, exercise, and reducing sodium intake are also effective against edema.
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