Edema, also known as hydropsy or dropsy is a disorder where fluid accumulates in the tissue’s in the body and causes swelling. Edema can affect any part of the body though it tends to affect the hands, ankles and feet. Edema affects millions of people worldwide, especially in the United States. Some classic indications of Edema include swelling, stretched skin, puffiness etc. Edema may be caused by sitting in a particular position for too long, and standing immobile for long can also cause this disorder. Other causes include a high-salt diet, insect bites, malnutrition and premenstrual syndrome.
Causes and Symptoms Edema
Causes: Sitting or standing in a particular position for too long, high-salt intake, malnutrition, insect bites and premenstrual syndrome.
Symptoms: Swelling and puffiness, stretched skin, increase in abdomen size
While Edema is not a serious condition by itself, it may indicate a condition in the body that can develop as a complication later. There are several easy and effective home remedies for Edema, and here are the 10 best:
Natural Home Remedies For Edema
10. Mustard Oil Massage + Turmeric Powder
- Take two to three tablespoons of Mustard Oil
- Heat the oil gently in a pan
- Add a teaspoon of Turmeric powder
- Apply the oil on the affected areas and massage gently
- Repeat the process two to three times daily for a week
Mustard oil is a great reliever of pain and helps in reducing the swelling as well. It enhances the blood circulation and stimulates the lymph flow. Mustard oil helps in draining excess water from the tissues where it tends to accumulate and cause pain and swelling. Turmeric powder is a natural antimicrobial and an excellent anti-inflammatory agent that helps in containing the swelling and hastens the healing process. Mustard oil and Turmeric together make one of the best home remedies for Edema.
Mustard oil and Turmeric powder do not cause any adverse side effects and are safe to use. Mustard oil is greasy and may be messy and needs to be washed off after each application.
9. Fennel Seeds
- Take two teaspoons of Fennel Seeds
- Boil a glass of water and add the Fennel Seeds
- Allow it to steep for 15 minutes
- Strain and add a teaspoon of honey
- Drink this decoction once or twice daily
- Continue the process for a week or 10 days
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce) is considered a sacred herb that is part of everyday cooking in most cultures of the world. Apart from being extolled as a promoting longevity due to its medicinal value, fennel is known to possess several medicinal benefits. It contains antioxidants like kaempferol and quercetin that help in flushing out free radicals from the body. Fennel seeds also contain anethole, limonene, anisic aldehyde, pinene, mycrene and cineole. Fennel seeds make one of the best home remedies for Edema treatment at home.
While Fennel does not cause any major side effects, it may cause allergic reactions for people who are allergic to celery, carrots, and mugwort.
8. Coriander Seeds
- Take two teaspoons of Coriander seeds
- Boil 2 glasses of water and add the Coriander seeds
- Allow it to steep for 20 minutes (until water is reduced to half the quantity)
- Strain and drink this decoction
- Alternatively boil 100 to 150 gm of Coriander seeds in 2 liters of water
- Allow the mixture to cool a bit and soak your feet and hands in this mixture
Coriander belongs to the Coriandrum genus and the C. sativum species and is a spice that is part of the cuisine of many cultures in Asia and other parts of the world. It is a natural digestive agent and helps cure stomach related ailments. Moreover, is also a great natural antiseptic agent. It is also an excellent anti-inflammatory and an antimicrobial that helps in reducing the swelling caused by Edema and gives relief from the pain. Coriander can be ingested as a drink or used as a soak for getting relief from the swelling and pain. Coriander is one of the best Edema remedies.
While Coriander seeds do not cause any major side effects they may cause allergic reactions, stomach upsets and diarrhea when used in excessive quantities.
7. Dandelion Tea
- Take a few fresh Dandelions
- Boil a glass of water in a small bowl
- Switch off the flame and add the Dandelions and close with a lid
- Allow it to steep for 5 to 6 minutes
- Strain and drink this decoction two to three times daily
- Continue the process for a week or 10 days
Dandelion is a natural diuretic that helps expel the excess water from the body. In addition to helping balance the liver secretions, Dandelion helps in regulating the blood pressure. This natural remedy is great for boosting the immunity
While Dandelion tea does not cause any major side effects, it may cause stomach upsets, diarrhea and heartburn for some people.
6. Parsley
- Take two teaspoons of dried Parsley
- Boil two glasses of water in a bowl
- Add the dried Parsley and allow it to steep for 10 minutes
- Strain and drink the decoction
- Alternatively, make a paste of Parsley and apply topically
- Parsley may also be added in salads and eaten daily
Parsley is a natural herb that is rich in Vitamins A, B and K. It is also rich in iron and folate. This natural remedy contains other compounds like myristicin, eugenol, alpha-thujene, and limonene. It is also rich in flavonoids like apiin, apigenin, luteolin and crisoeriol. It has been used successfully for curing kidney stones and for treating urinary tract infections. Parsley is one of the best home remedies for Edema.
Parsley has been known to be safe when added to food, however consuming large quantities of Parsley is not recommended as it can cause anemia. It may also cause kidney and liver related problems.
5. Comfrey and Coltsfoot
- Take two teaspoons of Comfrey
- Take two teaspoons of Coltsfoot
- Boil two glasses of water in a wide mouthed vessel
- Add both Comfrey and Coltsfoot
- Allow it to steep for 10 minutes
- Strain the mixture and set aside
- Use a washcloth and dip in this mixture
- Apply the warm fomentation on the affected parts
- Continue the process three to four times daily
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a natural demulcent that has a soothing effect on the painful areas. It is also an astringent, a cell proliferant and has high nutritive value. Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is also known as coughwort and horsehoof and is an antitussive that has been used effectively for controlling severe cough. It is also an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. Together Comfrey and Coltsfoot make one of the best home remedies for Edema.
While Coltsfoot is safe when used as topically, when consumed internally it can cause liver damage. Comfrey also is safe when applied topically but can cause liver damage, nausea, vomiting and a stomach upset when ingested.
4. Epsom Salt Soak
- Take one cup of Epsom Salt
- Tie it up in a soft muslin cloth
- Fill a bucket (half) with warm water
- Drop the bundled Epsom Salt in the water
- After a few minutes both feet in the mixture
- Repeat the process twice daily for a week
Epsom salt is a natural mineral and is found abundantly in the natural springs located in Epsom (to which it owes its name) in Surrey County, the UK. Epsom salt is rich in magnesium sulphate, which has a soothing effect on the swollen feet and helps reduce the inflammation. Epsom salt helps in recovering from the pain caused by Edema as it hastens the healing process by acting on the swelling. Epsom salt is one of the best home remedies for Edema.
Epsom salt does not cause any known side effects, however people with sensitive skin or open wounds may find it irritating and it could cause a burning sensation.
3. Ginkgo Biloba
- Take a few dried Ginkgo Biloba leaves
- Boil a glass of water in a small bowl
- Set aside the water and add the Ginkgo Biloba leaves
- Allow it to steep for 10 minutes
- Strain and drink this decoction
Ginkgo Biloba (Salisburia adiantifolia) also known as maidenhair is an amazing medicinal herb. It has been used to treat serious conditions like Alzheimer’s. It has been used in the Chinese system of medicine, and is believed to be the oldest tree species on earth. It is an amazing antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties as well that helps reduce the swelling and give relief from the pain caused by Edema. Ginkgo Biloba is one of the most effective natural home remedies for Edema.
While Ginkgo Biloba does not cause any adverse side effects, it may cause allergic skin reactions and is also harmful to the liver.
2. Juniper Berries
- Take a handful of fresh Juniper Berries
- Crush them and set aside
- Boil a glass of water and add the crushed Juniper Berries
- Allow it to steep for 5 minutes
- Strain and drink this mixture
- Continue the process for a week or so
Juniper also known as Common Juniper Berry is an amazing tree that is native to North America and is found in parts of Asia and Europe. The berries of this tree have been used in folk medicine for treating stomach problems, flatulence and heartburn. It is also a natural diuretic that has been successfully used to treat urinary tract infections. It is a natural antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties as well that helps cure Edema. Juniper berries make one of the best home remedies for Edema.
While Juniper berries do not cause any adverse side effects when consumed orally, they can cause skin irritation when applied topically on the skin.
1. Cabbage Leaves
- Take two to three fresh Cabbage leaves
- Place them on the affected portions
- Bind them with a bandage
- Let it sit for a few hours
- Repeat the process daily for a week
Cabbage leaves have the power to remove the excess fluid that accumulates in the body causing swelling and pain. It acts as a natural antitoxic agent and helps reduce the swelling caused by Edema and helps get relief from the pain as well. This remedy is part of folk medicine that has been in use for ages. Cabbage leaves make one of the easiest home remedies for Edema.
Cabbage leaves do not cause any adverse side effects. Make sure that you use clean cabbage leaves.
See a doctor immediately if:
- There is persistent chest pain
- Breathlessness and difficulty in breathing
- Dizziness or fainting spells
