7 Herbal Remedies for Swelling and Fluid Retention

Swelling in the body, particularly the feet and ankles, is a common condition. Elderly people often experience swelling simply due to aging and reduced circulation. This swelling is known as edema, which is caused by the abnormal retention of fluids in the body.

Although most cases of edema are not life-threatening, edema can potentially lead to other health issues, including reduced circulation, increased risk of ulcers, and increased risk of infection in the area. In most cases, the causes of edema are benign, but certain medical conditions and medications can also lead to swelling.

Common edema causes include obesity, pregnancy, injuries, medications, and diabetes. If you have edema, your first approach should include the RICE approach, which consists of rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This should help heal many forms of edema- particularly if the swelling is injury-related.

Different causes of edema can require different treatment approaches.

Using Herbs to Heal and Prevent Edema

The 5 factors listed above will contribute to an increase in non-injury related edema. During injuries, the swelling in the area increases to allow the area to heal faster and to prevent further injuries. However, unless an injury is present, swelling is normally not beneficial to any part of the body. The herbs listed below can help prevent the 5 factors that lead to non-injury-related edema.

These herbs are effective for fighting a variety of edema causes, including strengthening blood vessels, reducing water retention, and helping the lymph system eliminate excess fluids.

Butcher's Broom

What it is: Butcher’s broom is a plant native to Africa and the Mediterranean area with a rigid shape and spiny leaves. The part of the plant used for medicinal purposes is typically the root, as the medicinal compounds are stronger in the root than in the other parts of the plant. Butcher’s broom has been used as a traditional healing plant for thousands of years.

How it fights edema: Researchers believe that the compounds steroidal saponins ruscogenin, neoruscogenin, prazosin, and diltiazem reduce blood vessel permeability and reduce swelling over time. Numerous studies have shown how edema symptoms are lessened over time with the use of butcher’s boom taken internally and applied directly to the swollen area. A 1996 placebo-controlled study published in Lymphology showed that supplementing with butcher’s broom was able to significantly reduce swelling and edema signs in patients who had previously had breast cancer and suffered from swollen lymph nodes. Other studies have also backed the same edema-fighting benefits of butcher’s broom.

Dosing: The standard dose for butcher’s broom for fighting edema is between 7 and 11 mg up to 3 times a day.

Side effects: There are few side effects reported when supplementing with butcher’s broom. The worst possible side effects are contact dermatitis and in a few cases, nausea. Patients taking alpha-adrenergic antagonist antihypertensive/spasmolytic drugs should avoid using butcher’s broom, as it can interfere with these medications. A 1989 study from Germany showed that pregnant mothers could supplement with butcher’s broom without any harm to the baby, although you should always talk to your doctor or midwife before taking any supplements while pregnant.

Goldenrod

What it is: Goldenrod is an herbal plant used to treat a variety of conditions, including edema. Goldenrod is an anti-inflammatory, which can help control swelling in the body.

How it fights edema: Goldenrod fights edema in two ways. First, the plant is anti-inflammatory. A 1992 study from Cairo University looked at the ability of goldenrod to fight edema in rats. The study showed that goldenrod in any of the three tested formulas was able to significantly reduce swelling in rat paws. Goldenrod is also a mild diuretic, which can be helpful in reducing swelling.

Dosing: The recommended dosage for powdered goldenrod is 6-12 grams daily (taken in two doses). You can swallow goldenrod pills, or steep them in boiling water to make a tea. Taking goldenrod in conjunction with a liquid is a good idea, as too much goldenrod can have a dehydrating effect.

Side effects: Goldenrod has been studied little in humans. This means that all side effects may not be known. However, it is recommended that individuals who are allergic to ragweed and daisies avoid goldenrod (which is a relative of these plants). Consult with a medical professional before supplementing with goldenrod during pregnancy.

Goosegrass (or Cleavers)

What it is: This weed-like herbal plant has small white flowers and has extremely sticky seeds (which is why it is often called cleavers). The plant is native to areas around the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Goosegrass has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine as a natural diuretic to fight edema.

How it fights edema: According to the University of Michigan, goosegrass is effective as a mild diuretic. It helps reduce swelling by eliminating excess water weight from the body. Goosegrass contains glycosides, tannins, and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties as well as boost the elimination of excess fluids.

Dosing: According to the University of Michigan, the best way to take the supplement is a liquid tincture. Dosages vary from 3–5 ml taken three times a day until swelling has subsided.

Side effects: There are no known side effects for goosegrass. However, you should not take goosegrass with other medications that have a diuretic effect on the body. Ask your doctor before supplementing with goosegrass during pregnancy.

Horse Chestnut

What it is: Horse chestnut is an herb that has been used to treat edema and a variety of other conditions for hundreds of years. Horse chestnut is used in Germany as a remedy for many conditions, including vein problems.

How it fights edema: Researchers believe that horse chestnut strengthens the veins, which reduces their ability to release water into nearby tissues. This results in stronger veins and reduced swelling. Horse chestnut has been used effectively as a treatment for varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and bruises in addition to edema. A 1992 study from the University of Heidelberg in Germany found that supplementing with horse chestnut in addition to the use of compression stockings was beneficial in reducing leg swelling.

Dosing: The most effective dosage of horse chestnut is 50 mg of aescin per dose taken twice daily. A formula that is time-released and that does not contain esculin is the safest way to take the herb.

Side effects: A formula that does not contain esculin eliminates nearly all side effects from horse chestnut. Horse chestnut should not be taken with aspirin or anticoagulant drugs as it is a blood thinner. According to the NYU Medical Center, horse chestnut should be safe for use during pregnancy.

Uva Ursi

What it is: Uva Ursi (sometimes called bearberry) is a medicinal plant native to North America. It has been used as a folk remedy for many conditions for hundreds of years. The most traditional use for uva ursi is a treatment for bladder infections.

How it fights edema: Uva ursi contains tannins, which fight inflammation and reduce swelling. Taking uva ursi will help reduce overall swelling by fighting inflammation in the body’s tissues. A 1992 study from Kinki University in Japan found that the leaves of the uva ursi plant contain arbutin, which reduces swelling when combined with indomethacin.

Dosing: The recommended dose for uva ursi is 400 to 500 mg of arbutin per day.

Side effects: There are few known side effects for uva ursi. However, some studies have shown that uva ursi may interfere with corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Talk with your doctor before adding uva ursi to your supplement routine if you take these medications. Uva ursi has an oxytocic effect on the body and should be avoided during pregnancy unless prescribed by a qualified health professional.

Ginkgo Biloba

What it is: Ginkgo biloba is an ancient remedy for a variety of health conditions. Ginkgo is native to Asia, and if allowed to grow, turns into a large woody tree that looks similar to a Cyprus tree. The part of the plant used for medicinal purposes is the seeds and leaves.

How it fights edema: Ginkgo biloba is a highly effective remedy for edema. It improves blood flow and enhances the circulation of blood. This helps prevent the blood vessels from leaking fluid into nearby tissues. A 1982 study found that extracts of ginkgo biloba improved blood vessel health in rabbits.

Dosing: Doses of 80-240 milligrams daily can help reduce edema symptoms. It can take up to three weeks before symptoms improve.

Side effects: Side effects for ginkgo biloba are generally mild. However, if you are taking blood sugar medications, ginkgo could interfere with these medications. At high doses, ginkgo could cause blood thinning. Ginkgo may increase bleeding after childbirth, so it should not be taken during pregnancy.

Buchu

What it is: Buchu is a small shrub native to South Africa. The leaves are used in many herbal remedies, including as a remedy for swelling and fluid retention. 

How it fights edema: Buchu contains Diosmin, Quercetin, Rutin, Hesperidin, and a few other ingredients that are beneficial in fighting against edema. For edema, buchu is a mild diuretic, which promotes the elimination of excess fluid.

Dosing: Buchu can be taken as an infusion. Soak 1 gram of buchu leaves or powder in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes before drinking the liquid. You can repeat this dosage up to three times a day.

Side effects: If you have acute kidney or bladder problems, you should not take buchu. Additionally, buchu may not be safe during pregnancy. Consult with a health professional before adding buchu to your supplement routine while pregnant.

Stopping Edema With Herbs

There are many herbs that have beneficial effects both on the health of blood vessels and the ability to remove excess water from the body. Combining herbs that help in both areas will not only help stop existing edema, but it can also stop future edema from occurring. Formulas that address both the cause of edema and the symptoms are more effective at treating and preventing edema than formulas that simply eliminate excess water from the body.