6 Natural Diuretic Teas For Fluid Retention
All types of tea are generally diuretic, as they increase water intake and, consequently, urine production. However, there are some plants that seem to have a stronger diuretic action, which is able to stimulate the body to eliminate fluid retention, helping to reduce swelling.
Diuretic teas are also a good natural option to complete the treatment of urinary tract infections, as they promote the elimination of urine, helping to cleanse the urinary tract. However, it is ideal to always have supervision from the treating physician when making use of these teas to ensure that any plant does not affect the function of prescribed medications, such as antibiotics.
1. Parsley tea
Parsley tea is one of the most popular home remedies to help with fluid retention and, in fact, animal studies with this plant showed that it is able to increase the amount of urine produced [1].
In addition, parsley contains flavonoids that, according to another study [2], are compounds capable of coupling to adenosine A1 receptors, decreasing the action of that substance and increasing urine production. Learn about other health properties of parsley.
Ingredients
How to prepare
Wash and chop the parsley. Then, add it to the water and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Finally, strain, let it warm and drink several times a day.
Ideally parsley tea should not be used by pregnant women, or by people who are under treatment with anticoagulants or other diuretics.
2. Dandelion tea
Dandelion is another popular plant that serves to increase urine production and eliminate fluid retention. This plant works as a natural diuretic because it is rich in potassium, a type of mineral that acts on the kidneys to increase urine production. See other dandelion benefits.
Ingredients
How to prepare
Add the boiling water in a cup and then place the roots and let stand for 10 minutes. Strain and drink 2 to 3 times a day. The use of this plant should be avoided during pregnancy, as well as in people with bile duct problems or intestinal occlusion.
3. Horsetail tea
Horsetail tea is another natural diuretic widely used in traditional medicine, and although there are few recent studies done with this plant, a review done in 2017 [3] reports that the diuretic effect of horsetail can be compared to that of the drug hydrochlorothiazide, which is a laboratory-produced diuretic. See more about horsetail.
Ingredients
Method of preparation
Add the horsetail into the cup with boiling water and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain, let it cool and drink 3 times a day.
There are still doubts about the possibility that horsetail increases the elimination of minerals through urine, it is recommended to make use of this plant only for 7 continuous days, to avoid mineral imbalance. In addition, this tea should not be used in pregnant or lactating women.
4. Hibiscus flower tea
The consumption of hibiscus tea seems to significantly increase the amount of urine produced and, according to a study done in mice [4], has an effect similar to some synthetic diuretics produced in the laboratory, such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide.
In addition, another research [5], also done in mice, concluded that its composition in anthocyanins, flavonoids and chlorogenic acid of hibiscus seems to regulate the activity of aldosterone, a hormone that controls urine production.
Ingredients
Mode of preparation
Add the hibiscus in the hot water and let stand for 10 minutes, properly covered. Strain and drink at throughout the day.
Although quite safe, this plant should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
5. Fennel tea
Fennel is a plant traditionally used to treat bladder problems and even hypertension, due to its diuretic effect, which increases urine production and eliminates excess fluids in the body.
Ingredients
Method of preparation
Add the seeds to boiling water in a cup and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Subsequently, strain and drink up to 3 times a day.
This is a fairly safe plant that can be used in adults and children, In the case of pregnant and lactating women, due to lack of studies, it is recommended to use the tea only under the guidance of the obstetrician.
6. Green tea
Green tea is rich in caffeine, which is a substance with natural diuretic power. Although one cup of tea may not contain the required amount of caffeine, drinking up to 3 cups a day can increase urine output and help eliminate excess fluids accumulated in the body.
Ingredients
How to prepare
Place the green tea leaves in a cup and then add the water, letting it steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Then strain, let it warm and drink up to 3 times a day. Depending on the time the tea is left to steep, the greater the amount of caffeine, and therefore, the greater the bitter taste. Thus, it is recommended to let it steep for 3 minutes and then taste every 30 seconds until you feel the best tasting point.
Because it contains caffeine, this tea should be avoided in children, pregnant and lactating women. In addition, it should also be avoided in people with difficulty sleeping, mainly at the end of the day or at night.
Cautions when using diuretic teas
The use of any type of tea should always be guided by a phytotherapist or a health professional with knowledge in the area of medicinal plants.
Ideally, diuretic teas should not be used by people who are under treatment with synthetic diuretics, such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide or spironolactone. In addition, they should also be avoided in patients with kidney problems, heart disease or low blood pressure.
In the case of diuretic teas it is also very important to avoid their use for more than 7 days, mainly without professional guidance, since some can increase the elimination of important minerals in the urine, which can cause imbalances in the body.
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