Swollen Feet: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Swollen feet, also known as edema, is a condition characterized by excessive fluid accumulation in the feet, causing them to become puffy, heavy, and sometimes painful.

This condition can be caused by factors such as poor circulation, prolonged standing, pregnancy, and underlying medical conditions like heart disease or kidney problems. If left untreated, swollen feet can lead to complications like skin infections and ulcers.

To alleviate swollen feet, herbal remedies like witch hazel, calendula, and lavender can be used to reduce inflammation and promote blood circulation. A warm bath with witch hazel and calendula can help to ease swelling, while topical creams or ointments infused with lavender oil can promote relaxation and reduce pain.

When using medicinal herbs, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional and follow proper dosing instructions, as some herbs may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of swollen feet, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of swollen feet?

The main causes of swollen feet are fluid retention, increased blood pressure, and poor circulation, which can be attributed to various factors such as obesity, hormonal changes during pregnancy, and menopause.

Additionally, medical conditions such as kidney disease, heart failure, and liver disease can also contribute to swollen feet due to the buildup of toxins in the body. Standing or sitting for prolonged periods can also cause fluid to accumulate in the feet and ankles, leading to swelling. Furthermore, certain medications, such as steroids and certain antidepressants, can cause water retention and swelling in the feet.

In some cases, swollen feet can be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as deep vein thrombosis or lymphedema.

• Edema: Edema is a medical condition where fluid accumulates in the feet due to poor circulation, heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease, causing swelling.
• Ankles Sprain: Ankle sprain is a common injury where the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint are stretched or torn, leading to inflammation and fluid buildup in the feet.
• Varicose Veins: Varicose veins are abnormally swollen veins in the legs that can cause fluid to leak into the surrounding tissue, resulting in swollen feet.
• Obesity: Obesity is a medical condition where excess body fat can put pressure on the blood vessels in the legs, leading to poor circulation and swelling in the feet.
• Kidney Disease: Kidney disease can cause the body to retain fluid, leading to swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs due to the buildup of waste products and excess fluids.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause fluid retention and swelling in the feet due to the increased blood volume and pressure on the blood vessels in the legs.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalances, particularly those caused by thyroid or adrenal gland disorders, can lead to fluid retention and swelling in the feet.
• Infection: Infection, such as cellulitis or abscesses, can cause swelling in the feet due to inflammation and fluid buildup in the affected area.
• Injury: Physical injuries, such as broken bones or muscle strains, can cause swelling in the feet due to inflammation and fluid buildup in the affected area.
• Medication Side Effect: Certain medications, such as steroids or antidepressants, can cause fluid retention and swelling in the feet as a side effect.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for swollen feet?

The main medicinal herbs used for swollen feet are Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hamamelis virginiana, Urtica dioica, Aloe barbadensis, Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis, Aloe vera, Plantago lanceolata, Equisetum arvense, Vaccinium myrtillus.

Glycyrrhiza glabra's licorice root reduces inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory compound glycyrrhizin. Hamamelis virginiana, or witch hazel, reduces inflammation and swelling with its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Urtica dioica's leaf has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects, reducing swelling and pain.

Other herbs like Aloe barbadensis, Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis, Aloe vera, Plantago lanceolata, Equisetum arvense, and Vaccinium myrtillus are known for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which help to alleviate swollen feet symptoms.

• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with swollen feet due to its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly glycyrrhizin, which reduces swelling and pain by inhibiting the activity of phospholipase A2 and subsequently decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids.
• Hamamelis virginiana: Hamamelis virginiana helps with swollen feet due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and improve circulation by constricting blood vessels and preventing the breakdown of connective tissue.
• Urtica dioica: Urtica dioica helps with swollen feet due to its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, particularly the presence of flavonoids and carotenoids, which reduce inflammation and edema by improving lymphatic drainage and reducing fluid retention.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with swollen feet due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, particularly the presence of aloin and aloe-emodin, which reduce pain and swelling by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reducing inflammation.
• Arnica montana: Arnica montana helps with swollen feet due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, particularly the presence of arnica oil and sesquiterpenes, which reduce pain and swelling by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reducing inflammation.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with swollen feet due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, particularly the presence of triterpene saponins and carotenoids, which reduce inflammation and prevent infection by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with swollen feet due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, particularly the presence of aloin and aloe-emodin, which reduce pain and swelling by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reducing inflammation.
• Plantago lanceolata: Plantago lanceolata helps with swollen feet due to its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, particularly the presence of flavonoids and iridoid glycosides, which reduce inflammation and edema by improving lymphatic drainage and reducing fluid retention.
• Equisetum arvense: Equisetum arvense helps with swollen feet due to its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, particularly the presence of equisetic acid and flavonoids, which reduce inflammation and edema by improving lymphatic drainage and reducing fluid retention.
• Vaccinium myrtillus: Vaccinium myrtillus helps with swollen feet due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, particularly the presence of anthocyanins and flavonoids, which reduce inflammation and prevent oxidative stress by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reducing the formation of free radicals.

What are the main herbal preparations used for swollen feet?

The main herbal preparations used for swollen feet are Decoction, Cream, Tincture, Ointure, Salve, Compress, Capsule, Poultice, Bath, Tea.

Decoction of Willow bark (Salix alba) and Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is used to reduce inflammation and pain due to salicin content. Topical applications include Creams and Ointments of Arnica (Arnica montana) and Calendula (Calendula officinalis) to promote healing and reduce inflammation. Tinctures and Salves of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa) are used for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Herbal Compress, Capsule, Poultice and Bath preparations using Epsom salt and essential oils like Peppermint (Mentha piperita) and Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) help to reduce swelling and relax muscles.

• Decoction: A decoction of the roots of the Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) or the leaves and stems of the Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) helps with swollen feet by releasing the bioactive compounds into a liquid solution, which can then be applied topically to reduce inflammation and swelling through the action of flavonoids and phenolic acids.
• Cream: A cream containing the extract of the Arnica (Arnica montana) plant helps with swollen feet by reducing inflammation and promoting blood flow to the affected area through the action of flavoglycosides and terpenoids.
• Tincture: A tincture of the roots of the Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) helps with swollen feet by releasing the mucilages into a liquid solution, which can then be applied topically to reduce inflammation and swelling through the action of glycoproteins.
• Ointment: An ointment containing the extract of the Calendula (Calendula officinalis) helps with swollen feet by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing through the action of triterpenoids and carotenoids.
• Salve: A salve containing the extract of the Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) helps with swollen feet by reducing inflammation and promoting blood flow to the affected area through the action of flavonoids and phenolic acids.
• Compress: A compress soaked in the warm water of a decoction of the leaves of the Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) helps with swollen feet by releasing the bioactive compounds into the affected area, which can then reduce inflammation and swelling through the action of flavonoids and phenolic acids.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the extract of the Turmeric (Curcuma longa) helps with swollen feet by reducing inflammation through the action of curcuminoids.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the crushed leaves of the Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) helps with swollen feet by releasing the bioactive compounds into the affected area, which can then reduce inflammation and swelling through the action of flavonoids and phenolic acids.
• Bath: A warm bath containing the dried flowers of the Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) helps with swollen feet by promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation through the action of linalool and linalyl acetate.
• Tea: A warm tea made from the leaves of the Ginger (Zingiber officinale) helps with swollen feet by reducing inflammation through the action of gingerols and shogaols.