Herbal Diuretics: Edema, Water Weight



Fluid retention, bloating, swollen feet, dropsy, or edema all are caused by the retention of excess water - often in the feet and ankles. Herbs that are diuretic in action stimulate the elimination of fluid, without the depletion of minerals that is a common side effect of prescription drugs. Diuretics are often included in weight loss and cellulite treatment formulas, however excess water weight is easily regained and does not represent real weight loss. If edema is a chronic problem, look for those herbs that are tonic to the kidneys and liver and well as diuretic. Cleavers and Horsetail are good examples.

See Also: * Depurative


  • Herb Properties
  • Herbs Alphabetical by Common Name


    • See List Herbs by Botanical Name
  • Agrimony Agrimony, Agrimonia eupatoria L. : Liverwort, cockleburr, sticklewort
    Herbaceous Perennial : This most famous of the medieval wound herbs is a member of the rose family and like all it's more glamorous relatives is highly astringent. Agrimony is mild enough to use for children and strong enough stop bleeding from cuts and heavy menstruation. Agri...
  • Alfalfa Alfalfa, Medicago sativa L. :
    Perennial Plant : Alfalfa is not recommended as primary treatment for any condition, alfalfa is a tonic herb, one that supports health by nourishing the body. Alfalfa is of special interest to women because of its estrogenic activity....
  • Anise Seed Anise Seed, Pimpinella anisum : Aniseed
    Annual : Sweet and very aromatic, anise is commonly used to break up congestion, ease coughing and relieve gas and indigestion....
  • Artichoke, Globe Artichoke, Globe, Cynara scolymus :
    Perennial thistle : The artichoke is a common vegetable that also had traditional uses in herbal medicine. A tea made from the leaves of the artichoke plant is a traditional tonic for the liver and gallbladder. The diuretic properties of the artichoke are useful in ki...
  • Ashwagandha root Ashwagandha root, Withania somnifera : Ashwaganda, Ajagandha, Indian ginseng, Winter cherry
    Hardy annual/Tender perennial : It is often touted as the Indian version of ginseng because, like ginseng, ashwaganda is revered as a non-specific tonic, an adaptogen that is used alone or as an ingredient in compounds designed to target a variety of conditions....
  • Asparagus Asparagus, Asparagus spp : Satavari
    Flowering Perennial : There are over 300 species in the asparagus family, many are used medicinally, grown as ornaments or eaten as vegetables, the most well-known species, Asparagus officinalis, commonly referred to as just asparagus....
  • Benzoin Resin Benzoin Resin, Styrax benzoin : Friar's balsam
    tree : The dark, vanilla-like resin acts as an anchoring base note in aromatherapy blends, and is soothing and warming to the skin....
  • Black Cohosh root Black Cohosh root, Cimicifuga racemosa : Black snake root, Squaw Root, Bugbane
    Perennial Herb : Black cohosh contains numerous chemical constituents; among them isoflavones which mimic hormonal activity. Black cohosh cools hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause...
  • Black Pepper Black Pepper, Piper nigrum :
    Perennial Woody Vine : Freshly ground pepper is a healthy spice, but the uses of black pepper go far beyond the kitchen in herbalism....
  • Blessed Thistle Blessed Thistle, Cnicus benedictus : Holy thistle, St. Benedict's thistle
    Annual Herb : Blessed thistle is a bitter tonic, and as such is an excellent herb to use for both the liver and digestion...
  • Bogbean Bogbean, Menyanthes trifoliata : Buckbean, March Clover
    : Bogbean is a traditional herb for the treatment of rheumatism, osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis....
  • Borage Seed Oil Borage Seed Oil, Borago officinalis :
    Annual herb : Borage seed oil is used both as skin treatment and a dietary supplement. Known for its naturally high GLA content, borage is recommended for use in autoimmune conditions....
  • Boswellia (Frankincense) Boswellia (Frankincense), Boswellia thurifera : Olibanum, Indian Frankincense, Arabic Frankincense, and Salai guggal
    Resinous tree : Boswellic acids are often combined with glucosamine to relieve the joint pain and inflammation of arthritis...
  • Buchu Buchu, Agathosma betulina :
    Woody perennial : The leaves of the buchu are an effective diuretic, are antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. These medicinal properties make Buchu effective in the treatment of bladder infections, kidney infections, urinary tract infections (UTI). Buchu is also often us...
  • Bugleweed Bugleweed, Lycopus spp. : Water Horehound, Gypsywort
    Perennial herb : Bugleweed is useful in many heart and vascular system disorders ,hyperthyroid conditions and breast pain. ...
  • Butcher's Broom Butcher's Broom, Ruscus aculeatus : Jew's Myrtle, Sweet Broom, Scotch Broom
    Evergreen Shrub : Butchers Broom has a long history of use in herbal medicine traditions as a diuretic and blood vessel toner. Broom herbal extracts from the roots of this plant seem to have the ability to strengthen and tone blood vessels...
  • Butterbur Butterbur, Petasites vulgaris : Langwort, Umbrella Plan
    : Butterbur is thought to work by reducing spasms in muscle tissues, including blood vessels. However, there are concerns about possible liver damage....
  • Cacao Cacao, Theobroma cacao L. : Chocolate, cocoa
    herb : Theobromine, the alkaloid contained in cacao beans, resembles caffeine in its action, but its effect on the central nervous system is less powerful and does not have the sleep disturbing effects of caffeine....
  • Calamus root Calamus root, Acorus calamus : Sweet Sledge. Sweet Myrtle, Sweet Flag
    perennial wetland monocot : Sweet flag, or calamus has been in use worldwide in Asian European and Native American herbal traditions since the times of ancient Greece...
  • Camphor Camphor, Cinnamomum camphora :
    Evergreen Tree : When first applied camphor oil numbs and cools the peripheral nerve endings, then warms the painful area as it stimulates circulation to cold, stiff muscles and limbs....
  • Cardamom Cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum :
    : Cardamom is an incredibly rich yet light aromatic spice and essential oil. Like its close relative ginger, cardamom is well known for relief of nausea, especially morning sickness in pregnancy. ...
  • Cedarwood, Atlas Cedarwood, Atlas, Cedrus atlantica : Atlas cedar
    Evergreen Tree : Cedarwood is known for use in problem skin, as an insect repellent and as an inhalant in respiratory complaints....
  • Celandine Celandine, Chelidonium majus : Greater or common celandine
    Biennial Herb : Celandine was used more extensively in the past than it is now, due to concerns about toxicity. Celandine is most often used by modern herbalists for treating gallbladder problems....
  • Celery Seed Celery Seed, Apium graveolens :
    herb : Celery seed helps rid the body of uric acid that often causes pain and inflammation in gout and arthritis. It acts as a natural diuretic and helps to increase circulation....
  • Chamomile Chamomile, Matricaria recutita : Camomile, Chamomilla, German chamomile
    Annual herb : Chamomile is an excellent remedy for any emotional disorders that involve stress, anxiety, and tension. The apple-like aroma relaxes and calms and the tea is used home remedies....
  • Chanca Piedra Chanca Piedra, Phyllanthus niruri : phyllanthus, quebra pedra, kidney stone tree
    Tropical Herbaceous Shrub : This traditional native medicine is used to treat kidney stones in both human and veterinary herbal medicine....
  • Chicory root Chicory root, Cichorium intybus : Succory, Blue Sailors
    perennial herb : Know best as a caffeine-free substitute for coffee, chicory also has been used in traditional medicine as a bitter digestive tonic and a specific treatment for gallstones....
  • Cleavers Cleavers, Galium aparine : Clivers, Goose Grass, Catchweed, Sweet Woodruff
    Annual Herb : Herbalists have long regarded cleavers as a valuable lymphatic tonic and diuretic. In essence the lymph system is the body's mechanism to wash tissues of toxins...
  • Coriander Coriander, Coriandrum sativum : Chinese parsley, Cilantro
    herb : Coriander (seeds) and Cilantro (leaves) are names for different parts of the same plant, Corlandrum sativum, a naturally healing food in both forms....
  • Corn Silk Corn Silk, Zea mays : Indian Corn
    : Corn silks are the silky tassels running the length of an ear of corn. Those same strings you work so hard to get out of an ear of corn soothe and relax the urinary tubes, and are believed to have a beneficial effect on the kidneys....
  • Couch grass Couch grass, Agropyron repens : Twitch grass, witchgrass, dog's grass, scutch, quackgrass
    Perennial Grass : Couch grass it valued by herbalists for its mucilage rich rhizome....
  • Cranberry Cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon : cranberry, American cranberry, bog cranberry
    berry : Cranberry may help reduce both urinary tract infections and the amount of dental plaque-causing bacteria in the mouth....
  • Cumin Cumin, Cuminum cyminum : cummin
    herbaceous annual : Cumin is aromatic, containing up to 4 percent essential oil, warm, spicy and slightly sweet. ...
  • Cypress Oil Cypress Oil, Cupressus sempervirens :
    tree : Cypress is best known for it's use in oily and over hydrated skin and is one of the essential oils often recommended for cellulite massage blends, treatment of varicose veins and wounds...
  • Dandelion Root Dandelion Root, Taraxacum officinale : Priest's crown, Swine's Snout
    Perennial Herb : Dandelion root is high in many micro-nutrients including potassium. Dandelion supports the liver and improves digestion and helps to flush toxins from the body. ...
  • Elecampane Elecampane, Inula helenium : Wild sunflower, Horseheal, Yellow Starwort
    Perennial composite plant : Elecampane has been used since the days of ancient Greece and Rome. Elecampane is known primarily as a respiratory tonic and is used to ease breathing....
  • Elm, Slippery Elm, Slippery, Ulmus fulva : Red Elm, Moose Elm, Indian Elm
    Deciduous Tree : In herbal medicine a slippery elm bark powder is considered one of the best possible poultices for wounds, boils, ulcers, burns and reducing pain and inflammation....
  • Epazote Epazote , Chenopodium ambrosioides : Wormseed, Jesuit's Tea, Mexican Tea, Herba Sancti Mariæ
    Annual or short-lived perennial : The use of epazote can be traced back to the Aztecs. Epazote contains up to 70% ascaridole, which gives it a similar character to boldo, another pungent herb ...
  • Epimedium Epimedium, Epimedium grandiflorum : horny goat weed, xian ling pi, and yin yang huo
    : Epimedium, also known as Yin Yang Huo or Horny Goat Weed, is a powerful remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been used for thousands of years to promote male potency and as an aphrodisiac....
  • Eucalyptus Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus : Eucalyptus
    tree : Eucalyptus is one of the best known cold and congestion remedies. Eucalyptus oil is also a good pain reliever for sore muscles and arthritis pain....
  • Fennel Seed Fennel Seed, Foeniculum vulgare : Sweet Fennel, Fenkel
    : Fennel seed is a good herbal remedy for coughs, helps in weight loss, and even tempers the effects of hormonal changes in menopause...
  • Figwort Figwort, Scrophularia nodosa : Carpenter's square
    Herbaceous perennial : Figwort is used in salves and poultices to soothe inflamed skin in cases of psoriasis and eczema, and to heal burns...
  • Forsythia Fruit Forsythia Fruit, Forsythia suspensa : Lian Qiao, yellow bell
    : Forsythia fruit is used to treat colds and viral infections and fevers in traditional Chinese medicine. ...
  • Fumitory Fumitory, Fumaria officinalis : Earth smoke
    herbaceous annual : Fumitory has traditionally been used as a vermifuge, to treat the skin, as a digestive tonic, and in sclerosis of the liver...
  • Geranium Geranium , Pelargonium graveolens :
    herb : Rose-scented pelargonium oil is commonly know as geranium oil in aromatherapy. Pelargoniums were used in South Africa as a traditional medicine for healing cold sores, sore throats and infections...
  • Hibiscus Hibiscus, Hibiscus sabdariffa : Roselle, rosemallow, Jamaica Sorrel, red sorrel, agua de Jamaica
    Perennial Tropical : The calyx of the hibiscus flowers is used to make a wine red tea that is naturally high in Vitamin C...
  • Holy Basil Holy Basil, Ocimum sanctum : Tulsi, Tulasi, Indian Basil
    Herb : Holy Basil has been used for thousands of years in the traditional medicinal of India, Ayurveda. Known to Hindus as Tulsi ...
  • Honeysuckle Honeysuckle, Lonicera periclymenum : jin yin hua, lonicera
    Vine : The sweet smelling backyard shrub has surprising medicinal qualities. Honeysuckle is very soothing to the skin and the infused flower water was once used for nervous headache....
  • Hops Hops, Humulus Lupulus : Hops
    Perennial vine : Aged hops are sedatives, fresh hops provide bitters that stimulate digestion; these bitters are also found in the aged herb....
  • Horseradish root Horseradish root, Armoracia rusticana :
    perennial plant : Grated, fresh horseradish is pungent source of mustard oil, and is used in herbal kitchen medicine in much the same way as mustard. Horseradish may be one of the fastest ways to clear congested sinuses, and its antibiotic properties helps to h...
  • Horsetail Horsetail, Equisetum arvense : Shavegrass
    Grass : Gently stimulating increased urinary flow, horsetail helps flush infectious bacteria out of the bladder without altering the body's balance of electrolytes...
  • Hyssop Hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis :
    Woody perennial : An aromatic and medicinal herb, Hyssop is a good expectorant and antiviral commonly used to treat respiratory conditions such as influenza, sinus infections, colds and bronchitis ...
  • Joe-pye weed Joe-pye weed, Eupatorium purpureum : Gravel or kidney root, Trumpet weed, purple or tall boneset
    Perennial : Joe Pye weed is named after a legendary Indian healer who used a decoction of the plant to cure typhus fever in colonial America. ...
  • Juniper Berries Juniper Berries, Juniperus communis :
    tree : Juniper is used as a mild diuretic to treat to treat urinary problems. Juniper detoxifies the system and helps prevent the buildup of uric acid in cases of gout and rheumatoid arthritis....
  • Kava-Kava Kava-Kava, Piper methysticum : Ava. Intoxicating Peper
    shrub : Kava kava can be used as a mild sedative for nervous tension and stress. The active constituents in the roots, kava lactones, have relaxing and intoxicating properties....
  • Lavender Lavender, Lavandula spp :
    Woody Perennial Herb : Lavender can lift your spirits, help you sleep, relieve pain, kill germs, heal burns and rashes, and help keep annoying insects at bay. Lavender oil is also antibacterial and healing to the skin...
  • Lovage Lovage, Levisticum officinale :
    Herb perennial : Lovage is an old English garden herb whose use dates from the fourteenth century. ...
  • Meadowsweet Meadowsweet, Filipendula ulmaria : Queen of the Meadow, Bridewort, Quaker Lady
    Perennial herb : Meadowsweet is a mild, but effective anti-inflammatory herb used to treat arthritis and other aches and pains. Meadowsweet leaves and flowers contain salicylates, compounds that are converted by the body to aspirin....
  • Motherwort Motherwort, Leonurus caridica L. : Lion's tail, lion's ear
    Perennial herb : The use of motherwort is an old one, the ancient Greeks and Romans honored it for a remedy for both physical and emotional heart troubles, especially when associated with anxiety...
  • Mugwort Mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris : St. John's Plant
    herbaceous perennial : Mugwort is a favorite herb of wise women, most widely known for its affinity for the female reproductive system. It is used widely both in western and eastern herbal traditions ...
  • Oolong Tea Oolong Tea, Camellia sinensis : Wu Long, Wu Yi Tea
    Shrub : It is true that Oolong/Wu Long tea not only boosts metabolism and suppresses sugar cravings, but it may also burn fat....
  • Papaya Papaya, Carica papaya : Papaw, Melon Tree, Papaya Vulgaris
    Tropical tree-like plant : Papaya fruit offers not only the luscious taste but is a rich source of antioxidants. Papaya leaf is used as a dewormer....
  • Parsley Parsley, Petroselinum crispum :
    : Parsley leaves and root are high in iron content and rich in vitamins A, B, C and trace minerals. Parsley adds color and aids digestion of the foods we eat and acts to prevent gas and bloating...
  • Periwinkle Periwinkle, Vinca minor : lesser periwinkle, myrtle
    Shrub : The leaves, and seeds of the periwinkle contain vincamine, a precursor to the chemical vinpocetine, which is used as a medicinally to enhance memory naturally while the mind ages....
  • Plantain Plantain, Plantago major ,lanceolata L. : Broad-leaved Plantain, Ribwort, narrow leaved plantain, Slan-lus
    Perennial Herb : The macerated fresh plantain leaves are put on bee stings and used for skin irritations, malignant ulcers,and burns, and to stop bleeding in minor cuts....
  • Raspberry Leaf Raspberry Leaf, Rubus idaeus : Raspberry Leaf
    herb : Raspberry leaf is a mild medicinal herb commonly used to treat diarrhea, colds, and stomach complaints and is a safe remedy for children...
  • Red Clover Red Clover, Trifolium pratense :
    Perennial Herb : Red Clover of most interest in menopause and in the prevention of breast cancer because of its strong concentration of natural plant estrogen...
  • Rehmannia root Rehmannia root, Rehmannia glutinosa : Chinese Foxglove, Shu Di Huang
    : Rehmannia is a very commonly used herb in traditional Chinese medicine. Know as or Di-huang, (earth yellow), prepared rehmannia is used for loss of blood, yin deficiency....
  • Rosemary Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis :
    Woody perennial herb : Amazing, versatile rosemary is valued by cooks, herbalists, aromatherapists, and gardeners alike. Rosemary oil combats mental fatigue, increasing concentration and memory...
  • Sandalwood Oil Sandalwood Oil, Santalum album :
    tree : Sandalwood oil is one of the few fragrances equally popular among men and women. Its uplifting scent is often used to treat depression....
  • Saw Palmetto Saw Palmetto, Serenoa serrulata : Sabal Sabal serrulata
    Shrub : Saw palmetto berry tea is commonly recommended for benign enlargement of the prostate and to treat chronic urinary tract infections....
  • Sheep Sorrel Sheep Sorrel, Rumex acetosella var. vulgaris : Sheep or field sorrel, oseille
    Perennial : Sheep sorrel is used most famously as an ingredient in Essiac formulas, and the herb has a long history of use in folklore...
  • Shepherd's Purse Shepherd's Purse, Capsella bursa-pastoris : Pickpurse, Casewort
    Annual Herb : Shepherd's purse is one of the foremost herbs used to stop bleeding an effect due to the tyramine and other amines it contains...
  • Spearmint Spearmint, Mentha spicata : Spear mint
    : Spearmint has much the same properties as peppermint, but is milder and good for use with children's complaints. Spearmint tea will relieve hiccough, flatulence as well as indigestion. ...
  • Stinging Nettle Stinging Nettle, Urtica dioica : Nettle, Common Nettle
    herbaceous perennial : Nettles are a potent herb with a long history of use. Stinging nettle contains natural antihistamines that open up constricted bronchial and nasal passages...
  • Sunflower Sunflower, Helianthus annuus :
    Annual Plant : Sunflower seeds, and the oil that is pressed from them are the part of the plant used most often for food and medicine. ...
  • Tribulus terrestris L Tribulus terrestris L, Tribulus terrestris, : Burra Gookeroo, Burra Gokhru, puncture vine,
    : Native to India, the role of Tribulus Terrestris in Eastern European folk medicine for muscle strength and sexual potency....
  • Uva Ursi Uva Ursi, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi : Bearberry
    Woody Evergreen Shrub : Uva ursi contains a considerable amount of tannins ( up to 40 percent) making it one of natures most powerful astringents. Uva usi is a strong herb that should be reserved for those times when a quick intervention is needed....
  • Violet Leaf Violet Leaf, Viola spp :
    Perennial WildFlower : Violets and pansies have been used medicinally for ages, and are an important part of traditional folk medicine. ...
  • Watercress Watercress, Nasturtium officinale :
    Perennial herb : Watercress is a nutritional culinary food that can also be considered a medicinal plant. Watercress can help reduce the prevalence and duration of colds when included in the diet along with garlic, onions, and cayenne. It is one of the natural food ...
  • Wild Ginger Wild Ginger, Asarum canadense : Canadian snakeroot
    Herbaceous perennial : Wild ginger is a native American plant whose medicinal qualities were known to many Indian tribes....