Fluid Retention: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Fluid retention, or edema, is the accumulation of excess fluid in the body's tissues, causing swelling and discomfort.

It can be caused by various factors such as hormonal changes, dietary habits, and medical conditions like kidney disease or heart failure. If left untreated, fluid retention can lead to complications like decreased mobility, skin infections, and even cardiovascular issues. To alleviate fluid retention, herbal remedies like dandelion root, juniper berries, and ginger have been found to be effective in reducing fluid buildup.

However, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of fluid retention, 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 fluid retention?

The main causes of fluid retention are hormonal fluctuations, particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone levels during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, which can lead to increased sodium retention and water absorption.

Poor diet and lifestyle choices, such as consuming high amounts of salt, sugar, and caffeine, can also contribute to fluid retention, as can a lack of essential nutrients like potassium and magnesium. Medical conditions like kidney disease, heart failure, and liver cirrhosis can impair the body's ability to remove excess fluids, resulting in fluid retention. Other factors, including stress, lack of exercise, and certain medications like birth control and antidepressants, can also contribute to fluid retention.

In addition, genetic predisposition, age, and certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders can also play a role in fluid retention.

• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalance, particularly an excess of estrogen or aldosterone, can lead to fluid retention due to the body's increased ability to hold onto water and sodium.
• Sodium Intake: Excessive sodium intake can cause fluid retention as the body holds onto water to dilute the sodium in the bloodstream, leading to swelling and bloating.
• Poor Diet: Consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can lead to fluid retention due to the body's increased inflammation and decreased ability to eliminate waste products.
• Dehydration: Dehydration can cause fluid retention as the body tries to hold onto water to make up for the lack of hydration, leading to swelling and bloating.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as birth control pills and steroids, can cause fluid retention as a side effect, leading to swelling and bloating.
• Genetic Predisposition: Individuals with a family history of fluid retention may be more prone to developing the condition due to their genetic makeup.
• Kidney Disease: Kidney disease can cause fluid retention as the kidneys are unable to effectively filter and eliminate waste products, leading to a buildup of fluid in the body.
• Heart Failure: Heart failure can cause fluid retention as the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to a buildup of fluid in the body.
• Liver Disease: Liver disease can cause fluid retention as the liver is unable to effectively filter and eliminate waste products, leading to a buildup of fluid in the body.
• Thyroid Disease: Thyroid disease, particularly hypothyroidism, can cause fluid retention due to the body's decreased ability to metabolize and eliminate waste products.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for fluid retention?

The main medicinal herbs used for fluid retention are Verbascum thapsus, Taraxacum officinale, Silybum marianum, Urtica dioica, Astragalus membranaceus, Cynara scolymus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Equisetum arvense, Plantago lanceolata, Centella asiatica.

Verbascum thapsus is used to reduce fluid retention by its diuretic properties due to the flavonoids and phenolic acids present in its leaves. Taraxacum officinale's saponins and flavonoids promote diuresis and help alleviate fluid retention. Silybum marianum's flavonoids and saponins support liver function, reducing fluid retention by preventing water buildup caused by liver congestion.

Astragalus membranaceus, Cynara scolymus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Equisetum arvense, Plantago lanceolata, and Centella asiatica, have been traditionally used to reduce fluid retention through their diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting kidney function and improving overall circulation.

• Verbascum thapsus: Verbascum thapsus, or common mullein, has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce fluid retention by decreasing swelling in tissues.
• Taraxacum officinale: Taraxacum officinale, or dandelion, is a natural diuretic due to its high levels of taraxasterol and taraxol, which may help increase urine production and alleviate fluid retention.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum, or milk thistle, contains silymarin, which has hepatoprotective properties that may aid in reducing fluid retention by promoting liver function and detoxification.
• Urtica dioica: Urtica dioica, or stinging nettle, has diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties due to its high levels of 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors, which may help reduce fluid retention by increasing urine production and decreasing swelling in tissues.
• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus, or Astragalus, contains astragalosides, which may help reduce fluid retention by improving kidney function and promoting the excretion of excess fluids.
• Cynara scolymus: Cynara scolymus, or artichoke, has diuretic properties due to its high levels of cynarin, which may help increase urine production and alleviate fluid retention.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, contains glycyrrhizin, which may help reduce fluid retention by promoting the excretion of excess fluids and improving kidney function.
• Equisetum arvense: Equisetum arvense, or horsetail, has diuretic properties due to its high levels of equisetic acid, which may help increase urine production and alleviate fluid retention.
• Plantago lanceolata: Plantago lanceolata, or plantain, has anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties due to its high levels of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which may help reduce fluid retention by decreasing swelling in tissues and increasing urine production.
• Centella asiatica: Centella asiatica, or gotu kola, contains triterpenoid saponins, which may help reduce fluid retention by improving lymphatic function and promoting the excretion of excess fluids.

What are the main herbal preparations used for fluid retention?

The main herbal preparations used for fluid retention are Decoction, Tincture, Cream, Capsule, Salve, Suppository, Gel, Poultice, Ointment, Elixir.

Decoction is a liquid extract made by boiling herbs in water to create a concentrated solution that can be used to treat fluid retention caused by kidney problems or congestive heart failure. Tincture is a concentrated herbal extract dissolved in a solvent, often used topically to reduce swelling and inflammation in the body. Creams and Capsules are used to deliver diuretic herbs such as dandelion and juniper berries directly to the body, while Salve and Ointment provide a topical delivery system for anti-inflammatory herbs like calendula and plantain.

Elixir, Suppository, Gel and Poultice preparations are not typically used for fluid retention but are more commonly associated with other conditions, although they could be used to deliver diuretic herbs directly to the affected area.

• Decoction: A decoction of the leaves of Plantago major, also known as broadleaf plantain, can help with fluid retention by increasing urine production and reducing inflammation in the body, which in turn reduces fluid accumulation in tissues.
• Tincture: A tincture of the roots of Digitalis purpurea, also known as foxglove, can help with fluid retention by inhibiting the Na+/K+-ATPase pump in the kidneys, which reduces sodium reabsorption and increases potassium excretion, ultimately leading to a decrease in fluid retention.
• Cream: A topical cream containing the extract of the leaves of Aloe barbadensis, also known as aloe vera, can help with fluid retention by reducing inflammation and promoting lymphatic drainage, which in turn reduces fluid accumulation in tissues.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the extract of the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, can help with fluid retention by inhibiting the action of aldosterone, a hormone that promotes sodium retention and water retention in the body.
• Salve: A salve containing the extract of the leaves of Echinacea purpurea, also known as purple coneflower, can help with fluid retention by reducing inflammation and promoting immune function, which in turn reduces fluid accumulation in tissues.
• Suppository: A suppository containing the extract of the roots of Berberis vulgaris, also known as barberry, can help with fluid retention by stimulating the lymphatic system and increasing urine production, which in turn reduces fluid accumulation in tissues.
• Gel: A gel containing the extract of the leaves of Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, can help with fluid retention by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, which in turn reduces fluid accumulation in tissues.
• Poultice: A poultice containing the extract of the leaves of Urtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle, can help with fluid retention by reducing inflammation and promoting lymphatic drainage, which in turn reduces fluid accumulation in tissues.
• Ointment: An ointment containing the extract of the roots of Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion, can help with fluid retention by stimulating the kidneys and increasing urine production, which in turn reduces fluid accumulation in tissues.
• Elixir: An elixir containing the extract of the roots of Polygala senega, also known as seng tea, can help with fluid retention by reducing inflammation and promoting respiratory function, which in turn reduces fluid accumulation in tissues.