Painful and uncomfortable, edema can be the result of pregnancy, medications, or standing on your feet for long periods. In this article, we discuss the symptoms and causes of edema along with a few remedies one can try to alleviate the symptoms.
How To Treat Edema Naturally
1. Green Tea
Green tea has stimulating and diuretic properties (1). This may help in metabolizing extra fluids in the body. This, in turn, may also help in treating edema.
1 teaspoon green tea extract 1 cup of water Honey (optional)
Do this 2-3 times a day.
2. Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract possesses antioxidant properties (2). This may be used in the treatment of edema. You Will Need Grape seed extract supplement (100 mg) Include grape seed extract supplements in your diet. Consume this supplement 2 times a day.
3. Juniper Oil
Juniper oil exhibits antioxidant properties (3). It is also believed to possess diuretic and detoxifying properties. Hence, use of juniper oil may help in reducing the swelling and water retention caused by edema.
5-6 drops of juniper oil 30 ml of a carrier oil (olive or coconut oil)
Do this 2 times a day.
4. Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf extract contains bioactive compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (4). These properties may help in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress caused by brain edema. Olive leaf extract capsules (500 mg) Include olive leaf extract capsules in your daily diet. Consume this once a day.
5. Cranberry Juice
Cranberries are rich in many minerals, such as calcium and potassium. They also exhibit diuretic properties (5). These properties may make cranberries an excellent natural remedy for the treatment of edema. Cranberry juice (unsweetened) Drink a cup of cranberry juice. Do this once a day.
6. Celery Seed Extract
Celery seed extract, scientifically referred to as Apium graveolens, is a diuretic with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (6). Thus, it may be used to treat edema. 250-500 mg celery seed extract supplement Include celery seed extract supplements in your diet after consulting your doctor. Consume this supplement daily or as directed by your physician.
7. Horse Chestnut Seed Extract
Horse chestnut is a diuretic. It also contains escin that exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous properties (7). Together, these properties of horse chestnut extract may help combat edema and its symptoms. Horse chestnut seed extract (200 mg) Consume 200 mg of horse chestnut seed extract daily. Consume this supplement daily after consulting a doctor.
8. Pineapple Juice
Pineapples are rich in a compound called bromelain that has anti-inflammatory properties (8). This may help in the treatment of edema and its symptoms.
1/4 pineapple 1 cup of water
Do this once a day.
9. Massage Therapy
Massaging improves blood circulation (9). This may help in the treatment of edema.
5-6 drops of any essential oil like grapefruit or juniper oil 30 ml of a carrier oil like coconut oil
Do this 2 times a day. Note: Keep your leg elevated for 15 minutes before the massage. Doing this ensures that the fluid pooled in the swollen area of your body may flow back. As a result, the water retention in the affected area reduces.
10. Turmeric
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties (10). These properties may help in treating the swelling and pain associated with edema.
1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 glass of milk or water
Follow this remedy every morning and night until you see the edema disappear.
11. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory properties and also contains potassium (11). Potassium may help in reducing fluid retention, while the anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar may help treat inflamed skin.
2 cups of apple cider vinegar (ACV) 2 cups of warm water A clean towel
Do this 2 times a day until the swelling disappears.
12. Vitamins
It is believed that vitamins reduce water retention and are anti-inflammatory. Thus, they may be used in treating edema and its symptoms. However, there is no scientific research to prove these effects.
A multivitamin supplement that consists of Vitamins A, C, E B-complex vitamins Trace minerals like magnesium, calcium, selenium, and zinc
Consume a multivitamin consisting of the above vitamins and minerals after consulting your doctor. Consume this once a day.
13. Hot Or Cold Compress
Applying a hot compress increases blood flow to the affected area. This reduces the pain and inflammation associated with edema. Similarly, applying a cold compress numbs the affected area and reduces swelling and inflammation (12).
Cold water Warm water A clean towel
Do this 2 times a day until the swelling disappears.
14. Crushed Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fats can help in eliminating toxins from the body and ensuring that the organs are functioning properly (13). Hence, flax seeds may help in treating edema by addressing its root cause. 1 teaspoon of crushed flax seeds Do this 2 times a day.
15. Mustard Oil
Mustard oil contains allyl isothiocyanate, which was found to reduce inflammation in animal studies (14). Hence, it may relieve the pain associated with edema. 1/2 cup of mustard oil Do this 2 times a day.
16. Coriander Seeds
Coriander seeds possess diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties (15). These properties may help in treating edema.
3 teaspoons coriander seeds 1 cup of water
Do this 2 times a day.
17. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil exhibits strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties (16). This may help in treating the swelling and pain associated with edema.
Tea tree essential oil Cotton pads
Do this 2 times a day.
18. Dandelion Tea
Dandelion is known for its natural antioxidant and diuretic properties (17). Hence, this may be used to reduce fluid retention associated with edema.
1 teaspoon dandelion tea extract 1 cup of water Honey (optional)
Do this 2 times a day.
19. Parsley Leaves
Parsley is a natural diuretic and may help in flushing toxins and extra fluid from the body (18). It is one of the best herbs that may be used to treat edema.
1/2 -1 cup of parsley leaves 1 L boiled water
Consume parsley tea daily at regular intervals.
20. Ginger Tea
Ginger contains a compound called zingerone that can help treat edema (19).
1 or 2 inches of ginger 1 cup of water Warm milk (optional)
Do this once a day.
21. Nettle Tea
Stinging nettle is highly nutritious and has anti-inflammatory properties (20). It can eliminate toxins and extra fluids from the body by stimulating the functioning of the kidneys. These properties of stinging nettle may help in the treatment and subsequent elimination of edema and its symptoms.
1 teaspoon of dried nettle leaves 1 cup of water
Drink this tea 3 times daily.
22. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic (21). This may help in reducing the swelling and pain associated with edema.
5-6 drops of oregano oil 30 ml of any carrier oil (almond oil or olive oil)
Do this 2 times a day.
23. Castor Oil
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid that exhibits anti-inflammatory properties (22). This may be of great use in treating the swelling and inflammation that come with edema. Castor oil Massage some castor oil on the swollen areas of your body. Do this 2 times a day.
24. Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt is also referred to as magnesium sulfate, which has anti-inflammatory properties (23). This may reduce swelling and inflammation.
1 cup of Epsom salt Water
Do this at least once a day.
25. Tart Cherry Juice
Tart cherries are rich in antioxidants. The antioxidant nature of tart cherries is known to be effective in treating swelling and pain associated with edema (24). 1 glass of unsweetened tart cherry juice Drink a glass of unsweetened tart cherry juice. Do this 2 times a day. In addition to these home remedies, there are other methods to treat edema. They are discussed below.
Other Ways
a) Gloves
These gloves are specially designed for treating edema. They may provide gentle compression and warmth to the affected area and treat edema. Therapeutic edema gloves Wear therapeutic edema gloves if you notice swelling in your hands. Wear the gloves throughout the day and remove them only when you want to bathe or wash.
b) Kinesio Tape
This tape creates a negative pressure on the area where it is applied and may help to drain any extra fluid and swelling. Kinesio tape Apply strips of this tape directly over the swollen area. Continue wearing this tape for 3 to 5 days at a time.
c) Wear Compression Socks
Compression socks may help in treating edema by promoting blood flow in swollen legs. Compression socks Wear compression socks daily. Do this daily until you see an improvement in your condition.
d) Leg Pumps
Compression pumps are designed to treat edema and lymphedema. These pumps may promote the circulation of fluid in the affected area and reduce swelling. Compression leg pumps Wear the compression leg pumps on the affected leg. Do this daily until you notice a positive change in your condition. These are some of the best remedies that may help in the treatment of edema. Certain lifestyle changes may enhance the effect of these remedies as well as prevent the recurrence of edema.
Tips To Prevent Edema
Do not indulge in activities that require you to sit or stand for long periods. Elevate your legs every now and then. Limit your salt intake. Exercise every day. Keep yourself well hydrated in hot weather. Avoid rigorous workouts and take breaks in between. Avoid smoking. Do not sit continuously for more than 3 hours.
Let us now understand the causes of edema.
What Causes Edema?
Edema is usually a result of an injury to the body, such as a fracture or an infection. Bee stings may also result in edema. In the case of infections, edema is more of a help because the fluid released as a result of infection usually consists of white blood cells (WBCs), and these cells are involved in fighting against infections. Other than these, edema may also be a result of some other serious underlying complications, like:
Hypoalbuminemia: This is a condition that may result in edema. It is a term for deficiency of albumin and other proteins in your body (25). Allergy: Edema may also be an allergic reaction to an allergen. This is because, in case of an invasion by a foreign body, your vessels leak fluid in the affected area to fight any probable infection. Blood Clot: A blood clot in any of the body parts may also lead to edema. Similarly, any condition that obstructs the flow of fluids in the body may lead to the development of edema. Medical Conditions: Edema is usually a result of serious health issues like heart and liver diseases. Both these conditions may obstruct or slow down the flow of body fluids, and this may result in edema (26). Head Injury: Any injury to the head that results in a block in the drainage of cerebral fluid may also cause edema. Pregnancy: Edema is quite common among pregnant women. It usually occurs in the legs during pregnancy.
Edema often affects only certain parts of the body. There are different types of edema, and they are usually named according to the body parts they affect. Let’s take a look at them now.
What Are The Types Of Edema?
Peripheral Edema: When there is a swelling in the hands or legs, it is usually referred to as peripheral edema. It may be due to cellulitis, lymphadenitis, heart failure, liver failure, or the side effects of antihypertensive medicines. Pulmonary Edema: When there is fluid retention in the lungs, it is called pulmonary edema. This is a serious condition and is often a result of another medical problem, like heart failure or lung injury (27). Cerebral Edema: This usually happens when there is an obstruction in the flow of fluid in the brain. This is also a critical condition and requires an immediate check-up (28). It may be seen after a head injury or infections, like viral encephalitis, dengue, and malaria. Macular Edema: When there is a fluid obstruction in the macula of the eyes, it is referred to as macular edema. The macula is a part of the eyes that is responsible for enabling detailed vision (29). It may be associated with diabetes or hypertension.
Edema may affect other body parts as well, but the ones mentioned above are the most common areas affected by this condition. The onset of edema is usually followed by a series of symptoms that may be painful in some circumstances.
Signs And Symptoms Of Edema
The symptoms associated with edema usually vary depending on its type and location. However, pain, swelling, and a feeling of tightness in the affected area are usually common symptoms of edema. Some of its other symptoms include:
Stretched and swollen skin Skin that dimples on being pressed Puffiness of the affected area Pain in the affected body part Stiffness in the joints The veins in the hand and neck become fuller Higher blood pressure Pain in the abdomen A feeling of nausea Vomiting Weakness Abnormalities in your vision
Note: One may be sure that may have edema if the swollen part of the body dimples upon being pressed. How do you know if you have edema? To be able to properly detect edema, you should look out for its common symptoms. But these symptoms vary with the amount of edema and the body part it affects. Check out the infographic below to learn how edema appears in different body parts. You can be sure that you have edema if the swollen part of your body dimples upon being pressed. What is the best diet to follow for edema? Increase your intake of foods with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties such as berries, vegetables, fish, olive oil, and whole grains. What are the foods that should be avoided if you have edema? If you have edema, avoid alcohol and dairy products. You should also avoid any diet with high sodium content such as cheese and other processed foods. How long does it take for edema to go away? Depending on its cause, edema can last from 30 minutes to more than a month. However, if the swelling persists even after a month, it is best to see your physician. What will happen if edema is left untreated? If edema is left untreated, it can lead to painful swelling and scarring of tissues. Edema could also be a symptom of a more serious medical complication, and thus, you must get it checked if there is no improvement in your condition. Will drinking more water help with edema? Yes. If your body does not have enough water, it holds onto the water it has, leading to swelling. Therefore, it is essential to drink enough water to help treat edema. Is edema in the legs life-threatening? Edema in the legs is not a life-threatening condition. Most of the time, it is not a serious condition. However, it could be a symptom of serious issues like venous insufficiency. Therefore, it is best to consult your doctor if the home remedies do not show results. Is soaking your feet good for edema? Soaking your feet may not help treat edema, but it may ease the pain. Is lemon water good for edema? Since lemon water is a detox drink, it may help flush out the toxins. When the excess fluid is flushed out, the swelling also decreases. Therefore, lemon water may be a good option to treat edema.
