Edema is the medical condition of accumulation of fluid in our body tissues. This accumulation results in swelling. Edema is also called oedema, dropsy and hydropsy.
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Edema can occur in any part of our body. However, the most prone parts are hands, ankles, feet and legs. In the U.S., almost 5 million people suffer from edema. Here are some home remedies for edema that can help you get rid of the swelling and other symptoms associated with edema.
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Symptoms of edema
The most common indicators of edema are,
- Swelling
- Puffiness
- Stretched skin
- Dimpling of the skin once you press it for a few seconds
Causes of edema
Acute edema is caused by a number of factors, the most common being,
- Sitting in a particular position for several hours
- High intake of salt
- Malnutrition
- Insect bites
- Pregnancy
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Surgery
Edema, at times, is also a side effect of certain medications, such as,
- Medications related to high blood pressure
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Estrogens
- Medications associated with diabetes
- Steroid drugs
Again, in a few cases, it was seen that edema can also be a symptom for a more serious illness, like,
- Congestive heart failure
- Kidney diseases
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Cirrhosis
- Cancer
- Thyroid diseases
- Venous insufficiency
- Allergic reactions
- Heart failure
- Arthritis
Factors increasing the risk of edema
Factors that can increase your chances of developing edema are,
- Hypertension
- Kidney ailments
- Excessive smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- A desk-bound lifestyle
- Surgeries that involve elimination of lymph nodes
Edema, on its own, is not that harmful, but since it can be an indicator of a serious medical condition, you must consult a doctor. No matter the cause, these simple yet effective natural remedies for edema can give you some relief.
Home remedies for edema
Here are the top 10 natural remedies that will help you get rid of edema.
1. Apple cider vinegar
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Apple cider vinegar can reduce the symptoms of edema, owing to its richness in potassium, which helps reverse the body’s fluid retention. Also, it has anti-inflammatory qualities that help reduce swelling and pain.
Remedies
- Add a tablespoon of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a glass of lukewarm water. Drink the diluted vinegar twice every day.
- Alternatively, you can immerse your towel in a combination of warm water and apple cider vinegar, mixed in the ratio of 1:1. Wrap this towel around the affected area for 15 minutes. This should be repeated thrice every day, for best results.
2. Epsom salt bath
To get some relief from the symptoms of edema, try having an Epsom salt bath. This will help get rid of the excess fluids and toxins from your body.
Remedies
- Draw yourself a bath.
- Add two cups of Epsom salt to the bath water, and stir well.
- Now, soak yourself in this water for 20 minutes.
- This treatment should be repeated thrice a week, for positive results.
3. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is used to not only treat edema, but also inflammation caused by stings or insect bites. A study published by the official journal of European Histamine Research Society in 2002, says that tree tea oil contains components like terpinen-4-ol and alpha-terpineol that help control edema.
Remedies
- If your edema is caused by bee stings or insect bites, take a few drops of tea tree essential oil in a clean cotton swab, and apply it lightly on the affected area. Let the oil sit for a couple of minutes, after which you can wash it off with lukewarm water. This treatment should be repeated in accordance to the severity of the sting.
- In case of mild edema, add a couple of drops of tea tree oil, and massage it on the area affected, using outward strokes. This treatment should be followed twice every day for best results.
4. Massage
Another very effective remedy for edema is massage. Massage the skin and muscle that is affected with gentle strokes. This will help activate your lymphatic system and drain away the accumulated excess fluid naturally.
Remedies
- Heat a small amount of mustard or olive or coconut oil.
- Using the oil of your choice, massage the affected skin.
- This must be done at least thrice a day for respite from edema.
A word of caution: If the edema you have is caused by pregnancy, you should get the massage done from a masseuse.
Suggested read: All you need to know about treating bee stings with home remedies
5. Parsley
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Parsley reduces swelling by removing the excess fluid from the body tissues. This, in turn, reduces the edema. According to a study published in the official journal of ethno-pharmacology, in 2002, the diuretic effects of parsley helps block the re-absorption of minerals like sodium and potassium.
Remedies
- To two cups of water, add a teaspoon of dried parsley.
- Boil this for 10 minutes.
- Stain the tea, and drink it once every day, preferably on an empty stomach.
- Alternatively, make a paste by crushing parsley leaves. Apply the paste on the edema affected area. Let it sit for half an hour and rinse it off using lukewarm water. This should be repeated two times a day, for best results.
- In addition to this, you can consume more parsley in the form of soup or in sandwiches and soups.
6. Dandelion
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Dandelion is a natural diuretic, which enhances the draining of excess fluids from the body. It contains potassium, which balances the sodium content of the body.
Remedies
- To a cup of hot water, add half a tablespoon of dried dandelion leaves.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Now strain it.
- You should drink at least 2 cups of this tea every single day.
A word of caution: If you have gallbladder problems, you should not take dandelion.
7. Coriander seeds
Coriander seeds work wonders on edema, owing to their anti-inflammatory properties. They also help get rid of the swelling faster. The seeds improve blood flow to the affected area.
Remedies
- In a cup of water, mix six teaspoons of coriander seeds.
- Bring this to boil.
- Simmer thee heat and let the water reduce by half.
- Strain the water and let it cool.
- Drink this at least twice a day to get some relief.
8. Flax seeds
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Flax seeds reduce swelling, and are also great for detox.
Remedies
- To a glass of lukewarm water, add half a teaspoon of freshly ground flax seeds.
- Drink this water twice a day.
- On the other hand, you can also massage the edema affected area with flax seed essential oil, two to three times a day.
9. Exercise and physical activities
Since edema can be caused by prolonged sitting or standing, or a sedentary lifestyle, you need to include some form of exercise or physical activities into your routine.
Remedies
- Perform the exercises that help move the muscles of the affected parts. This dissipates the excess fluid from the tissues in that area.
- You can enjoy a brisk walk or a jog every day.
- Yoga is also highly recommended for improved circulation of blood.
- Swimming five times a week also reduces edema.
A word of caution: To select a suitable exercise for yourself, consult a fitness trainer or a doctor.
10. Reduce salt intake
High salt intake increases the risk of edema as too much sodium can contribute to water retention in the body tissues.
Remedies
- Avoid salty food, like prepackaged snacks or junk foods.
- Cook food at home, rather than going out for meals. This way you can monitor your salt intake better.
- Enhance the taste of your food using herbs, and not salt.
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Additional tips for edema
In addition to the home remedies given above, you can try these extra tips,
- If your lower limbs are swelling up, heat a bucket of warm water, and soak your feet in it for five minutes. Then, soak them in cold water for not more than 30 seconds. Keep alternating for 5 times. This must be repeated twice every day for the desired results.
- To alleviate swelling caused by pregnancy, use cold compress.
- For edema affecting the legs, use two pillows to raise your legs at a level above that of your heart for 30 seconds, 5 times a day.
- Give up excessive smoking and drinking immediately.
- Compression stockings or gloves can help you keep pressure on the affected area. They also help avert accumulation of fluid in the body tissues.
- Take supplements of vitamin B6, two times every day, in case your edema is caused by magnesium deficiency. Consult your doc for the dosage.
- Consume fruits that are rich sources of potassium, such as, bananas, tomato, raisins etc. Also eat a diet that includes kidney beans, white beans and soybeans.
- Keep yourself hydrated always.
- Eat fruits and veggies which have a high water-content.
- Drink warm herbal tea, several times a day.
- Always keep the affected area moisturized, clean and free from infection or injury.
- Do not consume caffeinated drinks.
- Avoid carbonated drinks as well.
- Avoid prolonged sitting or standing.
That is all we have on home remedies for edema. Did we miss out on anything? If yes, let us know in the comments below.
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