10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Fluid Retention

Herbal tinctures for fluid retention are concentrated liquid extracts made from plants that have been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of water retention, such as swelling, bloating, and discomfort.

These tinctures work by increasing urine production, reducing sodium absorption, and improving blood circulation, which helps the body eliminate excess fluids more efficiently. Examples of herbal tinctures that help with fluid retention include dandelion root, juniper berries, and corn silk, which have been shown to effectively reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause.

By using these tinctures, individuals can experience improved overall health and well-being, reduced anxiety and stress related to fluid retention symptoms, and increased confidence in their daily lives.

The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for fluid retention, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion tinctures helps with fluid retention because of its diuretic properties, which stimulate the kidneys to eliminate excess water and electrolytes from the body.

The herb's leaves and roots contain potent bioactive compounds that increase urine production, reducing swelling and discomfort associated with fluid buildup.

Additionally, dandelion's anti-inflammatory effects help soothe and calm the lymphatic system, promoting efficient removal of toxins and waste products that can contribute to edema and water retention.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale tinctures that help with fluid retention.

• Flavonoids: Flavonoids, particularly quercetin, in dandelion tinctures help with fluid retention by reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health, which in turn reduces fluid buildup in the body.
• Taraxasterol: Taraxasterol, a triterpenoid saponin, in dandelion tinctures helps with fluid retention by reducing water and electrolyte imbalances, promoting diuresis, and improving kidney function.
• Inulin: Inulin, a type of fructan, in dandelion tinctures helps with fluid retention by acting as a natural diuretic, improving digestion, and reducing water absorption in the gut.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make tinctures for fluid retention.

• Leaves: The leaves are used due to their high content of taraxasterol, a triterpene that has been shown to have diuretic properties.
• Roots: The roots are used because they contain inulin, a complex carbohydrate that can help reduce fluid retention by promoting diuresis.
• Seeds: The seeds are used due to their content of saponins, which can help reduce inflammation and improve kidney function, thereby reducing fluid retention.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for fluid retention.

1. Harvest fresh taraxacum officinale roots and leaves in the early morning or late evening to ensure optimal potency.
2. Chop the plant material into small pieces using a sharp knife or herb cutter to increase surface area.
3. Combine the chopped taraxacum officinale material with 60 80 percent ethanol in a 1 5 ratio by weight to create the tincture.
4. Allow the mixture to steep in a cool dark place for 2 6 weeks to allow for extraction and infusion.
5. Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean dark glass bottle to remove plant material.

2. Urtica dioica

Stinging nettle tinctures helps with fluid retention because it has natural diuretic properties that encourage the body to eliminate excess water.

The herb's ability to reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation also plays a role, as swelling caused by fluid buildup is reduced when blood flow is increased.

Additionally, stinging nettle's anti-histamine effects help to alleviate bloating and discomfort associated with fluid retention, making it an effective natural remedy for achieving a healthy balance of fluids in the body.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Urtica dioica tinctures that help with fluid retention.

• Saponins: Saponins, specifically urticadiol and diosphenol, help with fluid retention by inhibiting the sodium-potassium pump in the kidneys, reducing sodium reabsorption and water retention.
• Furanocoumarins: Furanocoumarins, such as psoralen, help with fluid retention by reducing inflammation and edema, and may also have diuretic effects by increasing urine production.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, including caffeic acid and ferulic acid, help with fluid retention by reducing inflammation and improving lymphatic drainage, which can help reduce edema and water retention.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of stinging nettle used to make tinctures for fluid retention.

• Leaves: Urtica dioica leaves are commonly used in tinctures for fluid retention due to their high content of flavonoids and other compounds that help reduce inflammation and improve lymphatic drainage.
• Roots: Urtica dioica roots are often used in tinctures for fluid retention because they contain diuretic properties that help increase urine production and reduce water retention in the body.
• Stems: Urtica dioica stems are sometimes used in tinctures for fluid retention due to their ability to stimulate diuretic activity and improve the body's natural ability to remove excess fluids.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic stinging nettle for fluid retention.

1. Gather 250 grams of urtica dioica leaves and stems from a trusted source and clean them thoroughly.
2. Chop the plant material into small pieces to increase its surface area for extraction.
3. Combine the chopped plant material with 500 milliliters of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Store the jar in a cool dark place and steep the mixture for two weeks, shaking it daily.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle and discard the solids.

3. Althaea officinalis

Marshmallow tinctures helps with fluid retention because it contains mucilages that help to soothe and calm the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and irritation.

This allows for better absorption of fluids and electrolytes, helping to regulate fluid balance in the body.

Additionally, marshmallow tincture's anti-inflammatory properties can also help to reduce swelling and edema caused by excess water retention, promoting a healthy and balanced fluid environment within the body.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis tinctures that help with fluid retention.

• Mucilages: Mucilages help with fluid retention by forming a protective barrier on the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and preventing excess fluid from entering the tissues.
• Irridoids: Althea iridoid glycosides help with fluid retention by reducing inflammation and promoting diuresis (increased urine production), which helps to remove excess fluid from the body.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids help with fluid retention by inhibiting the synthesis of pro-inflammatory enzymes and reducing vascular permeability, which helps to minimize fluid accumulation in the tissues.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of marshmallow used to make tinctures for fluid retention.

• Roots: Rich in mucilages, which help to soothe and calm the body, reducing fluid retention.
• Leaves: Contain anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, helping to reduce swelling and promote urine production.
• Flowers: Have a diuretic effect, which can help to reduce fluid buildup in the body.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow for fluid retention.

1. Gather 2 parts dried althaea officinalis roots and 1 part high-proof vodka or ethanol in a clean glass container.
2. Combine the dried althaea officinalis roots and high-proof vodka or ethanol in a 1:2 ratio by volume.
3. Steep the mixture for 2 to 6 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking or stirring.
4. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container discarding the solids.
5. Transfer the resulting tincture to dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids for storage and use as needed.

4. Verbena officinalis

Lemon verbena tinctures helps with fluid retention because its bioactive compounds, including citral and limonene, have a natural diuretic effect that enhances urine production.

This increase in urine output helps to remove excess fluids from the body, reducing swelling and bloating. Additionally, lemon verbena's anti-inflammatory properties can also help to soothe and calm irritated tissues, further supporting the elimination of excess water.

As a result, regular use of herbal lemon verbena tinctures may help alleviate symptoms associated with fluid retention, such as puffiness and discomfort.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Verbena officinalis tinctures that help with fluid retention.

• Verbascoside: Verbascoside is a phenylethanoid glycoside that helps with fluid retention by increasing the permeability of the blood vessels, which in turn helps in reducing swelling and edema.
• Verbenalin: Verbenalin is a phenolic glycoside that helps with fluid retention by its diuretic properties, which stimulate the kidneys to remove excess water and salts from the body.
• Limonene: Limonene is a terpene that helps with fluid retention by its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and promote the removal of excess fluids from the body.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of lemon verbena used to make tinctures for fluid retention.

• Leaves: The leaves are used for their diuretic properties, helping to increase urine production and reduce fluid retention.
• Roots: The roots are used for their ability to stimulate the kidneys and promote the elimination of excess fluids.
• Stems: The stems are used for their diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce swelling and alleviate fluid retention symptoms.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon verbena for fluid retention.

1. Harvest fresh verbena officinalis leaves and flowers in the morning after the dew has dried for maximum potency.
2. Dry the harvested plant material in a warm dark place for 1-2 weeks to reduce moisture content.
3. Grind the dried plant material into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder.
4. Combine the powdered plant material with 80% ethanol in a ratio of 1:5 to create a strong tincture.
5. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-4 weeks shaking the container every few days to facilitate extraction.

5. Plantago major

Plantain tinctures helps with fluid retention because it has natural diuretic properties that stimulate the kidneys to release excess water and reduce swelling.

The plant's anti-inflammatory compounds also help to ease congestion in the lymphatic system, allowing for improved circulation and reduced fluid buildup.

Additionally, plantain's ability to balance the body's electrolytes helps to regulate blood pressure, further contributing to its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of fluid retention.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Plantago major tinctures that help with fluid retention.

• Apolactone glycosides: These compounds help with fluid retention by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidneys, thereby promoting diuresis.
• Flavonoids: These polyphenolic compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce fluid retention by improving kidney function and reducing inflammation in the body.
• Saponins: These compounds have a mild diuretic effect, helping to increase urine production and reduce fluid buildup in the body.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of plantain used to make tinctures for fluid retention.

• Leaves: Used for their diuretic properties, helping to increase urine production and reduce fluid retention.
• Roots: Employed for their ability to reduce water retention and alleviate edema due to their bioactive compounds.
• Seeds: Utilized for their potential diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help alleviate fluid retention and related symptoms.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic plantain for fluid retention.

1. Harvest 100 grams of fresh plantago major leaves and flowers in the early morning when dew is still present.
2. Chop the harvested plantago major material into small pieces to increase surface area for solvent interaction.
3. Combine 1000 milliliters of 95% ethanol with 100 grams of chopped plantago major material in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the plantago major material in the ethanol mixture for 2 weeks with occasional shaking to ensure proper extraction.
5. Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle to separate the liquid from solids.

6. Echinacea purpurea

Purple coneflower tinctures helps with fluid retention because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and discomfort associated with excess fluids in the body.

The tincture's natural diuretic properties also stimulate the kidneys to eliminate waste and toxins more efficiently, promoting a healthy balance of fluids within the body.

Additionally, purple coneflower's ability to relax the smooth muscles in the blood vessels helps to alleviate congestion and promote healthy circulation, further supporting the body's natural process of fluid elimination.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea tinctures that help with fluid retention.

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds help reduce fluid retention by inhibiting the activity of certain enzymes involved in water absorption in the kidneys, thereby reducing water reabsorption.
• Phenolic acids: These compounds have diuretic properties, which help increase urine production and reduce fluid retention in the body.
• Alkylamides: These compounds can help reduce inflammation and promote the removal of excess fluid from tissues, which can contribute to a decrease in fluid retention.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of purple coneflower used to make tinctures for fluid retention.

• Roots: The roots of Echinacea purpurea are used to make tinctures for fluid retention due to their high concentration of inulin, which acts as a natural diuretic.
• Leaves: The leaves of Echinacea purpurea are used to make tinctures for fluid retention due to their ability to reduce inflammation and improve lymphatic drainage.
• Flowers: The flowers of Echinacea purpurea are used to make tinctures for fluid retention due to their high concentration of flavonoids, which have diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic purple coneflower for fluid retention.

1. Harvest echinacea purpurea flowers and leaves in the morning after the dew has evaporated for maximum potency.
2. Dry the freshly harvested plant material in a well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks or use a dehydrator.
3. Combine 1 part dried echinacea purpurea plant material with 2 parts 80-proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Allow the mixture to steep for 2-6 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a separate container and discard the solids.

7. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice tinctures helps with fluid retention because its active compounds, such as glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, have a natural anti-inflammatory effect on the body.

This reduces swelling and alleviates discomfort caused by excess water accumulation. Additionally, licorice root has been shown to regulate aldosterone, a hormone that controls sodium levels in the body, promoting healthy electrolyte balance and fluid elimination.

By addressing these underlying causes of fluid retention, herbal licorice tinctures can provide effective relief from bloating, swelling, and discomfort associated with water retention.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures that help with fluid retention.

• Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin acts as a mineralocorticoid receptor agonist, mimicking the effects of aldosterone, which regulates sodium and water balance in the body, thereby reducing fluid retention.
• Flavonoids: These compounds have diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce water retention and alleviate symptoms associated with fluid retention, such as bloating and swelling.
• Licoricidin: This isoflavane is believed to have a diuretic effect by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidneys, leading to increased urine production and reduced fluid retention.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make tinctures for fluid retention.

• Roots: The root of Glycyrrhiza glabra is the most commonly used part for making tinctures to treat fluid retention because it contains high levels of glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps the body retain sodium and reduce fluid accumulation.
• Leaves: The leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra are sometimes used for making tinctures to alleviate fluid retention due to their content of glycosides, which may aid in regulating the body's water balance.
• Barks: The barks of Glycyrrhiza glabra are occasionally utilized to make tinctures for treating fluid retention because they contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that may help in reducing inflammation and promoting diuresis (the production of urine).

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for fluid retention.

1. Harvest 10-20 grams of dried roots of glycyrrhiza glabra and clean them thoroughly with a soft brush.
2. Chop the roots into small pieces and combine them with 500 milliliters of 70% ethanol in a clean glass container.
3. Steep the mixture in a dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the container every day for 10 minutes.
4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle, discarding the solids and squeezing the cheesecloth to extract as much liquid as possible.
5. Store the tincture in a cool dark place for at least 2 months before using it to allow the flavors to mature.

8. Calendula officinalis

Pot marigold tinctures helps with fluid retention because of its natural diuretic properties.

The herb calms inflammation in the body, reducing swelling and edema caused by excess water retention. Additionally, pot marigold's ability to reduce blood pressure and improve circulation also contributes to its effectiveness in alleviating fluid buildup.

By addressing these underlying issues, pot marigold tinctures provide a holistic approach to managing fluid retention, promoting overall health and well-being.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis tinctures that help with fluid retention.

• Triterpenoid saponins: These compounds have been found to have diuretic properties, helping to increase urine production and reduce fluid retention in the body.
• Flavonoids: Specifically, quercetin and kaempferol, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can help alleviate conditions contributing to fluid retention, such as swelling and edema.
• Phenolic acids: These compounds may help to improve blood vessel function and increase urine output, reducing fluid buildup in the body.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make tinctures for fluid retention.

• Flowers: They are used due to their high concentration of flavonoids, which have been shown to have diuretic properties and help reduce fluid retention.
• Leaves: They are used because they contain compounds that help to stimulate urine production and improve kidney function.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for fluid retention.

1. Harvest 250 grams of calendula officinalis flowers at peak bloom for maximum potency and effectiveness.
2. Dry the flowers in a low-temperature oven at 105 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours.
3. Combine the dried flowers with 500 milliliters of 80 proof ethanol in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 3 weeks shaking daily.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle discarding the solids.

9. Verbascum thapsus

Mullein tinctures helps with fluid retention because of its ability to reduce inflammation in the body, particularly in the lymphatic system.

This inflammation can cause water retention, leading to swelling and discomfort. The antioxidants and bioactive compounds present in mullein tincture work together to soothe and calm the lymphatic tissues, allowing them to function properly and eliminate excess fluids.

As a result, fluid retention is alleviated, promoting a healthier balance of bodily fluids and reducing symptoms associated with water retention such as bloating and swelling.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Verbascum thapsus tinctures that help with fluid retention.

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds help with fluid retention by increasing the permeability of the blood vessels, allowing excess fluids to be removed from the body more efficiently.
• Alkaloids: These alkaloids exhibit diuretic properties, which help to increase urine production and reduce fluid retention by stimulating the kidneys to remove excess fluids from the body.
• Flavonoids: These flavonoids possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that can contribute to fluid retention, ultimately promoting the removal of excess fluids from the body.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of mullein used to make tinctures for fluid retention.

• Leaves: The leaves of Verbascum thapsus contain anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate fluid retention by reducing swelling and inflammation.
• Stems: The stems of Verbascum thapsus are used for their diuretic properties, which can help increase urine production and alleviate fluid retention.
• Roots: The roots of Verbascum thapsus are used for their antispasmodic and diuretic properties, which may help alleviate fluid retention and cramps associated with it.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic mullein for fluid retention.

1. Harvest the verbascum thapsus flowers and leaves in their prime condition when fully bloomed and dry them completely.
2. Chop the dried verbascum thapsus flowers and leaves into small pieces and combine them in a ratio of 1 part to 2 parts.
3. Steep the chopped mixture in a carrier solvent like vodka or glycerin at a ratio of 1 part verbascum thapsus to 2 parts solvent.
4. Allow the mixture to macerate for 2 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking and stirring.
5. Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle and store it in a cool dark place.

10. Rosa rugosa

Beach rose tinctures helps with fluid retention because they contain bioactive compounds that help to reduce swelling by improving lymphatic circulation and promoting diuretic activity.

The ant-inflammatory properties of beach rose also help to relax the smooth muscles in the urinary tract, allowing for more efficient removal of excess fluids from the body.

Additionally, the herb's ability to balance the body's water levels helps to reduce fluid buildup in the tissues, providing relief from symptoms such as bloating and puffiness.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosa rugosa tinctures that help with fluid retention.

• Phenolic acids: These compounds, particularly gallic acid and ellagic acid, have been shown to possess diuretic properties, helping to increase urine production and reduce fluid retention.
• Flavonoids: These flavonoids have been found to inhibit the reabsorption of sodium ions in the kidneys, which in turn increases urine production and helps alleviate fluid retention.
• Triterpenoids: Ursolic acid has been demonstrated to have diuretic effects by increasing the activity of Na+/K+-ATPase enzymes in the kidneys, leading to enhanced sodium excretion and reduced fluid retention.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of beach rose used to make tinctures for fluid retention.

• Roots: They are rich in diuretic properties, which help stimulate urine production to reduce fluid retention.
• Leaves: They contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that contribute to their diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects, aiding in fluid retention relief.
• Stems: The stems of Rosa rugosa have been used to make tinctures that help reduce fluid retention due to their mild diuretic properties and ability to support kidney function.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic beach rose for fluid retention.

1. Gather 1 part dried rosa rugosa flowers and 2 parts vodka in a clean glass jar for tincture base.
2. Fill a clean glass jar with the dried rosa rugosa flowers and cover with vodka completely.
3. Store the jar in a cool dark place for 4 to 6 weeks to allow for extraction.
4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container.
5. Transfer the tincture to dark glass bottles and store in a cool dark place for up to 2 years.

What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for fluid retention?

The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with fluid retention is a blend of Dandelion root, Juniper berries, and Uva Ursi.

Dandelion root helps to reduce water retention and improve liver function, while Juniper berries aid in eliminating excess fluids and reducing inflammation. Uva Ursi, rich in antioxidants, helps to tone the kidneys and promote healthy urination. This synergy of herbs works together to alleviate fluid retention, promote healthy digestion, and support overall kidney and liver function.

Regular use can lead to noticeable relief.

What ailments similar to fluid retention are treated with herbal tinctures?

Ailments similar to fluid retention that are treated with herbal tinctures are various conditions characterized by swelling, inflammation, and excess moisture.

These include symptoms associated with menstrual cramps, endometriosis, and PMS, as well as conditions like edema, cellulite, and gout.

Herbal tinctures containing herbs like dandelion, juniper, and uva ursi can help to reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and promote urination, thereby providing relief from these conditions.