Edema (Water Retention)
Accumulation of fluid in the space outside of blood vessels is known as edema. This leads to a puffy appearance to the affected limb, usually a leg. There are many causes of edema; it should never be treated until a health care professional has determined the underlying problem.
Lifestyle changes that may be helpful: The affected limb should be kept propped up whenever possible. This uses gravity to pull fluid back into the blood vessels. Individuals should avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time without moving, to decrease fluid buildup in the legs.
Dietary changes that may be helpful: High salt intake should be avoided, as it tends to lead to water retention and worsening of edema.
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Coumarin is a bioflavonoid-like compound, found in a variety of herbs, that has been used for edema. Because coumarin is not widely available in the U.S., other bioflavonoids such as quercetin and rutin can be substituted in an attempt to get similar benefits. Both animal
1 and human2 studies have confirmed coumarin can be of benefit in treating edema. Even edema due to damage to lymph drainage of areas of surgery is helped by coumarin. Coumarin should not be confused with the anticlotting drug Coumadin. Other bioflavonoid-type compounds from medicinal plants, known as hydroxyethylrutosides, are also beneficial for edema.3 The ideal amount of the bioflavonoids quercetin and rutin is unknown, but 1,000 mg of mixed bioflavonoids three times each day is a standard recommendation by many doctors of natural medicine.Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to individual supplement for complete information.) No consistent toxicity has been linked to the bioflavonoids.
Herbs that may be helpful: Herbs that stimulate the kidneys to get rid of water were traditionally employed to reduce edema. Herbal diuretics do not work the same way as drugs do, however, thus it is unclear if such herbs are effective for this purpose. Goldenrod is considered one of the most powerful herbal diuretics.
4 Although human trials have not yet been conducted, animal studies have shown another commonly used diuretic herb, the leaves of dandelion, to be as powerful as the drug Lasix.5 Corn silk (Zea mays) has also long been used as a diuretic, though a human study did not find that it increased urine output.6 Thus, diuretic herbs are generally only an addition to other therapies aimed at treating the cause.Aescin isolated from horse chestnut has been shown to effectively reduce postsurgical edema.
7 8 If purified aescin supplements are not available, then horse chestnut tincture can be substituted at a dose of 2–3 ml (1/2 teaspoon) three times each day by mouth, usually in combination with other approaches. Creams applied topically three or more times per day are also sometimes recommended by doctors of natural medicine.Horsetail contains several types of bioflavonoids, which are believed to be responsible for this herb’s diuretic action. The volatile oils in juniper cause an increase in urine volume and in this way can lessen edema.
9Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to individual herb for complete information.) Dandelion leaf and root should be used with caution by persons with gallstones. If there is an obstruction of the bile ducts, then dandelion should be avoided altogether. In cases of stomach ulcer or gastritis, dandelion should be used cautiously, as it may cause overproduction of stomach acid. The milky latex in the stem and leaves of fresh dandelion may cause an allergic rash in some individuals.
Internal use of purified horse chestnut extracts standardized for aescin at the doses listed above is generally safe. There have been two reports of kidney damage in persons consuming very large quantities of aescin. Horse chestnut should be avoided by anyone with liver or kidney disease. Its internal use is also contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. Topically, horse chestnut has been associated with rare cases of allergic skin reactions. Since circulation disorders and trauma associated with swelling may be the sign of a serious condition, a health care professional should be consulted before self-treating with horse chestnut.
Horsetail is generally considered safe for nonpregnant adults. The only concern would be that the correct species of horsetail is used; Equisetum palustre is another species of horsetail that contains toxic alkaloids and is a well-known livestock poison.
Due to potential damage to the kidneys, juniper should never be taken for more than six weeks continuously. Anyone with serious kidney diseases or taking diuretic drugs should not take juniper. Pregnant women should avoid juniper, as it may cause uterine contractions.
Nutritional Supplements |
Herbs |
Homeopathic Remedies |
| Coumarin Hydroxyethylrutosides Bioflavonoids (quercetin, rutin) |
Goldenrod
Corn silk |
No homeopathy commonly used for this condition |
References:
1. Piller NB. A comparison of the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs on
thermal oedema. Br J Exp Pathol 1975;56:554–59.
2. Becker HM, Niedermaier G, Orend KH. Benzopyrone in the therapy of postreconstructive
edema. A clinical double-blind study. Fortschr Med 1985;103:593–96 [in
German].
3. Piller NB, Morgan RG, Casley-Smith JR. A double-blind cross over trial of
o-beta-hydroxyethyl-rutosides (benzopyrones) in the treatment of lymphoedema of the arms
and legs. Br J Plast Surg 1988;41:20–27.
4. Tyler V. Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York:
Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994, 74.
5. Racz-Kotilla E, Racz G, Solomon A. The action of Taraxacum officinale extracts on the
body weight and diuresis of laboratory animals. Planta Medica 1974;26:212–17.
6. Doan DD, Nguyen NH, Doan HK, et al. Studies on the individual and combined diuretic
effects of four Vietnamese traditional herbal remedies (Zea mays, Imperata cylindrica,
Plantago major and Orthosiphon stamineus). J Ethnopharm 1994;36:225–31.
7. Dini D, Bianchini M, Massa T, Fassio T. Treatment of upper limb lymphedema after
mastectomy with escine and levo-thyroxine. Minerva Med 1981;72:2319–22 [in
Italian].
8. Wilhelm K, Feldmeier C. Thermometric investigations about the efficacy of beta-escin to
reduce postoperative edema. Med Klin 1977;72:128–34 [in German].
9. Tyler V. Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York:
Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994, 76-7.
Copyright © 1998 Virtual Health, LLC
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your physician, nutritionally-oriented health care practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.The information presented in HealthNotes Online is for informational purposes only.