-IBIS-1.7.6-
tx
cardiovascular system
Edema
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
A person with edema, or fluid retention and swelling of various parts of the body, should see a physician to find out the cause. If the cause is from anemia or kidney, liver, or heart disease, this must be treated. Some other less serious causes of edema are birth control pills, premenstrual syndrome, or a diet extremely low in protein. An imbalance of sodium and potassium in the body also causes fluid retention. This can be from too much salt in the diet or a lack of potassium from fruit and vegetable sources.
The treatment of edema varies with the different causes. Many people include far too much salt in their diet, especially elderly people who begin to lose their salt taste sensitivity. These people may also be eating less vegetables because of dentures, and they may exercise less and sit for long periods of time. All of this contributes to water retention.
Before the menstrual period there is a rise in estrogen, which causes water retention. Birth control pills also do this. For more information, refer to the article on premenstrual syndrome ("PMS").
You may now want to take notes.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR EDEMA AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
1. Magnesium 600 milligrams per day. May be taken with an equal amount of calcium.
2. A multivitamin tablet Take daily, according to the manufacturer's directions.
3. Vitamin B6 100 milligrams per day. In cases of premenstrual edema, this dose is doubled for the 10 days preceding the period.
For water retention due to birth control pills, also consider using another form of contraception.
CONSIDERING THE DIET
Pregnant women have a tendency to get edema if they are not getting enough protein in the diet for themselves and their babies. Pregnant women need to eat about 100 grams of protein per day for example, 2 boiled eggs for breakfast, 4 ounces of meat or chicken for lunch, and 8 ounces of fish for dinner. They also need to eat lots of vegetables, salads, and fruits. For more information, refer to the article on pregnancy.
If you suffer from edema which is NOT caused by anemia, pregnancy, or protein defi-ciency, you may benefit from 2 or 3 days of a diet limited to vegetable and fruit juices. Carrot and beet juices are particularly good as well as watermelon juice. Follow this with a low salt diet, high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
HERBS FOR EDEMA:
Make a tea of 1 part Licorice Root and 2 parts Dandelion root and leaf Use 1 tablespoon of the herbal mixture per cup of water. Simmer 5 minutes. Steep 20 minutes. Take 3 cups per day.
If you use the herbs in a tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract, use 50 drops of the mixture 3 times a day.
YOU CAN ALSO USE THE FOLLOWING, WHICH HAVE DIURETIC ACTIVITY:
Potassium 100 milligrams per day.
A tea can be made from equal parts of Buchu, Juniper Berries, ground up Parsley, and Cleavers. Use a heaping tablespoon of the herbs per cup of boiling water. Steep for 20 minutes. Drink 4 to 5 cups per day. The herbs may also be used in capsule form 2 capsules, 4 times a day with a glass of water.
Caution: Juniper Berries are contraindicated in pregnancy.
HOMEOPATHY
From the following homeopathic medicines, choose the one that best matches your symptoms. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue twice a day until symptoms are relieved.
Apis 6C: For swelling when the skin is pinkish, tender to touch, and feels better with cold compresses.
Lac caninum 12C: For breast swelling before periods.
Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with edema. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.
IF SWELLING FOLLOWS A TRAUMA TO AN AREA OF THE BODY
Use the RICE treatment, which is rest, ice, a compression wrap, and elevation. You can also refer to the article on "Sprains", which explains other useful measures.
Clinic
Footnotes
BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.