Herbal Diuretics: Ask the Herbalist

[Guest guest]

Herbal Diuretics: Ask the Herbalist

JoAnn Guest

Jan 12, 2007

---

QUESTION: Do you have any recommendations for daily dosage amounts

of

'Dandelion Root' to be taken for its diuretic properties?

 

ANSWER: I usually do herbs as teas, so that's my point of reference.

Dandelion tea is pretty mild so you can drink up to 4 cups a day.

That

would equal out to a teaspoon per 1 cup of water for each cup. For

capsules, there are usually directions right on the bottle. I would

start there and if you don't have any relief, try upping the dosage

slowly. Listen to your body and it will let you know when is enough.

 

QUESTION: I'm writing from Boulder, CO. I am 57 yrs old and have

diabetes (for which I take insulin) and liver disease which causes

me

to retain fluids. I have been on a prescription diuretic for about 2

years now. I really don't like taking drugs, so I decided to try

herbs

instead. I have been taking herbs for my liver for at least 5 years.

Today I bought Juniper Berry, uva ursa, dandelion root, parsley, and

cleaver. I couldn't find cornsilk yet. I was wondering if I could

combine ingredients in a coffee grinder and put into a tea ball and

is

there various proportions for different herbs or can I just put

equal

amounts of each? I appreciate your time and help.

 

ANSWER: You can certainly grind up the herbs and put them in a tea

ball.

Make sure the herbs are all natural and organic if you can get them

to

ensure the best results. Herbalists normally vary the amounts

according

to the particular issues, but equal amounts of the herbs you listed

are

perfectly fine. I would also add milk thistle to your mixture to

tone

your liver. It is the best herb, in my opinion, for liver disorders

and

to tone the liver.

 

Kudos to you for taking charge of your health, but please be careful

about stopping medication without the advice of a medical

professional.

Naturopaths, herbalists etc can help you with this. Don't ever just

stop

taking medications without speaking to some medical professional as

this

could have dire consequences. Speak with your doctor and let them

know

you'd like to pursue a more natural path to healing. They may be

able to

recommend someone to help you. Many D.O.s are turning to homeopathic

means to treat their patients.

 

 

QUESTION: Is there any natural way to eliminate water retention. I

am

on a lot of medications and am currently on antibiotics. Bloating

and

swollen legs are a bother

 

ANSWER: First you need to throw out the salt shaker. Also, the

medications you are taking could be the cause of the water

retention.

You should be drinking plenty of water every day. I know that sounds

nuts. The last thing you want is more water in your system. But if

you

aren't getting enough, the body will retain it to preserve itself.

So

make sure you're getting 8 8oz glasses a day of pure water. The best

herb, or at least my very favorite for water retention is dandelion

root. It is an excellent diuretic and won't deplete your potassium

stores like some diuretics will. So settle back with some dandelion

tea.

Also, if you can get it in the grocery, have some fresh in your

salads.

A little bit of a bite, but well worth the urinary tract health it

provides.

 

 

QUESTION: My sister has Menier's Disease and needs to be on

diuretics.

She is unable to take medications as she has low blood pressure. I

have

been unable to locate any information on an herb that she can take

that

would be a gentle diuretic. They have put her on Valium which I

don't

really agree with as it is so

addictive. She has had surgery to cut the nerve to her " bad " ear but

it

still causes her problems. Her MD

actually suggested that she look for an herbal alternative but

didn't

recommend anything ( how typical!!!) Please Help

 

ANSWER: My favorite diuretic herb is dandelion root. It is gentle,

can

be taken daily and won't deplete potassium stores like some

diuretics.

For something to relax your sister without the side effects of

Valium, I

would suggest Valerian. I Have teas on my web site for both. Go to

www.allgoodegifts.com and in the Apothecary, you will see the

medicinal

teas. The Water retention tea has the dandelion root in it and the

Stress less tea has the valerian in it.

 

QUESTION: I need to find an herbal diuretic due to fluid retention.

Years ago I tried one from a health food store and it turned out to

be

estrogen based and caused a problem. I know that cantaloupe and

cranberry juice are helpful but I cannot use these when not at home

and

want to

choose the right supplement. Have not had much luck so far on

getting

this info on the net.

 

ANSWER: I always recommend dandelion root as a diuretic. I have a

water

retention tea that I make if you're interested. Go to my website

www.allgoodegifts.com and in the Herb Shoppe under Teas, you will

find

it. BTW, you can buy cranberry capsules at most health food stores.

But

they are more for bladder health, not necessarily as a diuretic.

 

 

QUESTION: I have high blood pressure and the doctor had prescribe a

water pill call Lasix which caused my ankles to swell. It took my

potassium out. My left ankles is really swollen from water

retention.

I can't hardly put socks on. I got my potassium back up put my

ankles

are still swollen also they said a had a high level of creanine in

my

kidney what do you recommend.

 

ANSWER: My favorite herb for water retention is dandelion root. Not

only

is it an excellent diuretic, but it is also a wonderful source of

potassium! So it sounds like that would solve both problems for you!

 

QUESTION: I am a male fitness consultant and in excellent health. I

have noticed that my legs appear to hold more water while my upper

body

is quite vascular. My body fat % = 6%. My upper body does not appear

to hold any water. Question: What is the most effective natural

strong

diuretic that can be recommended?

 

ANSWER: Dandelion Root is my favorite diuretic herb, because it not

only

helps with water retention, but unlike most diuretics, it will not

deplete your potassium stores. In fact, it actually builds them up.

 

 

ANSWERS FROM DAVID BRILL

HERBAL DIURETICS

QUESTION: I have swelling in my legs and feet due to hypertension,

and

kidney disease, what herbs can i take that will help with the

swelling,

I am currently taking 40 mgs of Accupril per day, and don't want to

try

traditional otc's as they might interfere with the medication I am

taking.

 

ANSWER: Without knowing everything about you.

 

Here is some information about Edema.

 

The simple answer would be Dandelion Leaf, Latin Named Taraxacum

Officinale which is a non irritating, potassium sparing diuretic and

has

been tested as effective as Lasix for fluid buildup and edema in the

extremities. I would also suggest Nettle leaf and especially Nettle

seed, Latin Name Urtica dioca. Nettle leaf is also a good diuretic

and

tonic for kidneys but the seed of this plant has a trophorestorative

effect on the kidney. This means it restores structure and function

helping to restore kidneys which are degenerating. I would suggest

both

these herbs would be of benefit to you.

 

Finally whenever possible elevate your legs.

 

This is a sign of a more serious problem, such as Congestive Heart

Failure, Kidney Failure, Liver Disease, Loss of Vascular and

Capillary

Integrity, Obesity or Lymph congestion or blockage. Please consult

with

a practitioner.

 

These herbs act as diuretic so after starting these herbs consult

with

your practicioner you may be able to lower you Accupril dose because

diuretics lower edema and hypertension.

 

We have both Dandelion leaf and Nettle seed

http://www.herbnet.com/ask%20the%

20herbalist/asktheherbalist_questions%20on%20Herbal%20Diuretics.htm

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets