Fluid retention / oedema

Fluid retention (oedema) happens when fluid gathers in the tissue (legs, ankles, hands). It can be caused by long periods of sitting or standing, salt or hormonal swings, but persistent or one-sided swelling should always be checked.

Plants and herbs that help

Dandelion, Very high in potassium; supports the kidneys' excretion of fluid.
Parsley, A study showed significantly increased urine production.
Celery, Traditionally diuretic, especially as fresh juice.
Nettle, Traditionally used to support fluid balance.

Recipes

Tea

Parsley tea

Parsley is not decoration on the edge of the plate. It is one of the strongest diuretic herbs we have in the kitchen, and has been used for swollen legs as long as anyone can remember. A large handful of fresh parsley, boiling water, ten minutes. That is the whole recipe. But read the safety section before you begin. Parsley is the herb on this list where the difference between seasoning and medicine matters most.

12 minutesEasy

Tea

Dandelion tea

The dandelion is the plant everyone spends a fortune removing from the lawn, and that old women once paid money for. The leaves are bitter and diuretic, and among the best things there are for swollen ankles and a body that feels puffed up. What is special about dandelion is that it moves water without emptying you of potassium, the way water tablets do. The leaves hold so much potassium themselves that they replace what they flush out. Pick young leaves in spring, they are mildest. Late-summer leaves are coarser and more bitter.

12 minutesEasy

Drink

Celery-cucumber juice

Two of the most water-heavy things in the vegetable aisle, pressed into a glass. It tastes green and faintly salty, and is one of the few juices that is not sweet. Celery is diuretic, and it does the job without emptying you of potassium the way water tablets do. Cucumber is almost pure water with potassium in it, and the two do exactly the same thing from different directions. It works best if you drink it mid-morning and move a little afterwards. Fluid that needs to leave your legs needs muscles to pump it upwards. A walk does more for swollen ankles than any glass.

8 minutesEasy

Warning

Persistent or sudden swelling in the legs, abdomen or face may be caused by heart, kidney or liver problems and should always be examined by a doctor.

The content here is general knowledge and folk herbal lore, not medical treatment. In illness, pregnancy, breastfeeding or alongside medication: always talk to your doctor first.