Known as edema in medical terms, water retention is a condition which manifests itself through an abnormal amount of water accumulated at the level of your tissues or joints. Some of the most common symptoms include puffy and swollen feet and a general feeling of bloating. Water retention isn’t necessarily dangerous, but it can be very unpleasant to deal with, especially since it can sometimes lead to weight gain. Needless to say, it’s better to try and deal with this condition as soon as possible. Together with the power of professional solutions, the following home remedies for water retention are going to push you toward the steady and certain road to recovery.
1. Parsley
Parsley contains anti-oxidants and plenty of minerals and nutrients, such as calcium and iron. Their combined power helps your body avoid re-absorption of potassium and sodium, which is one of the main factors that boost water retention. You can include parsley in your daily or regular diet in order to reap the benefits of one of the most efficient home remedies for water retention around.
Instructions:
- Drop a handful of fresh parsley to a cup of boiling water.
- Then, remove from heat and let the mixture steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain and then drink while it’s still warm.
- Consume this mixture 5-7 times a day until you’re noticing improvements in your condition.
2. Garlic
Garlic is one of the most powerful natural diuretics, able to help you flush out excess fluids and toxins while you’re at it as well. After all, the quickest and most straightforward method of dealing with water retention is by making use of your liver’s functions. Furthermore, garlic is also useful for dealing with the extra pounds gained because of edema. This is because it helps melt down excess fat in your body.
Instructions:
- Get a whole garlic and then blend or grind the cloves until you get a spreadable paste.
- Add in about 2 teaspoons of melted butter and mix everything together well.
- Spread this paste on a slice of whole wheat bread and eat it several times throughout the day.
- Repeat as many times as necessary until you notice clear improvements.
3. Barley
Barley is one of the most popular home remedies for water retention in plenty of European countries. It’s an excellent natural diuretic that can help you get rid of excess fluid in a healthy and safe way. You can easily make use of barley and its wonderful effects by introducing it into your daily diet. One of the best ways to consume barley is by preparing some barley juice as seen in the instructions below.
Instructions:
- Wash 1/4 cup of barley and then boil for 15-20 minutes.
- Next strain, and add 2-4 tablespoons of orange or lemon juice to the drink.
- Stir everything thoroughly and then consume.
- Repeat this every day until the problem fades away.
4. Dandelion
Dandelion is yet another excellent natural diuretic and one of the most potent and popular home remedies for water retention. It’s a natural way to give a boost to your kidneys to flush out the unwanted fluids and all the toxins that might contribute to this accumulation. Be wary, though, that dandelion might cause possible allergic reactions and that it could interfere with certain types of medication. Consult your doctor before using this remedy.
Instructions:
- Boil some water and then pour it into a cup.
- In that cup, add 1 teaspoon of dried or fresh dandelion leaves.
- Cover with a lid and let the mixture steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain and then drink 2-3 times a day to gradually get rid of water retention.
5. Fennel
Fennel, the famous aroma herb many people own in their kitchens, contains a compound called anethole, which is useful for a number of things, including boosting your body’s diuretic processes. Moreover, it also helps reduce systolic blood pressure, which in turn is going to reduce your body’s absorption of excess fluids in the future.
Instructions:
- Start by boiling some water.
- Next, pour it over a cup which contains 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds.
- Cover and let it all steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy the drink 2-3 times a day to start seeing positive results.
6. Coriander Seeds
Coriander seeds are also excellent home remedies for water retention. They’re fantastic natural diuretics and they will help you get rid of this issue in a safe and healthy manner. You can consume coriander seeds in all kinds of forms and shapes, including adding them to your everyday meals. Coriander has a very specific flavor, though, so you better make sure that you like it before adding it to your cooking!
Instructions:
- To a pan, add 1 glass of water and 3 tablespoons of coriander seeds.
- Boil enough for half of the water in the pan to evaporate.
- Next, remove from heat and let the drink cool down.
- Consume it twice every day to start seeing the results you’re looking for.
7. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is one of the ways through which you can treat water retention via external use. This particular kind of salt has the property to absorb excess water from your body when it comes in contact with your skin. Therefore, a simple Epsom salt bath soak can go a long way when you’re seeking some quick and easy home remedies for water retention.
Instructions:
- Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a tub filled with hot water.
- When the temperature is bearable enough, soak in this mixture for around 15 minutes.
- Have this kind of bath three times a week for the effects to kick in.
8. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice makes an excellent treatment for water retention thanks to its ability to improve your body’s diuretic properties. This way, lemon juice can contribute to the elimination of excess fluids and toxins that might be building up because of the water retention. Lemons are very easy to acquire and it’s truly simple to fix up a remedy that will be of great help with this issue.
Instructions:
- Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to 1 cup of warm water.
- Stir everything thoroughly and sweeten with 1 teaspoon of honey if you desire so.
- Drink this mixture in the morning before having breakfast.
- Repeat daily until you’re noticing improvements.
9. Nettle
When you’re in need for an herbal remedy to deal with water retention, you can definitely rely on nettle. It’s another powerful natural diuretic that does more than just eliminate the excess water from your organism. Nettle can also reduce the absorption of excess liquids of your body, thus preventing similar episodes in the future.
Instructions:
- Add 1 teaspoon of powdered nettle root to 1 cup of water and then move to heat.
- Bring this mixture to a boil and then cover.
- Let it steep for 10 minutes.
- Sip on this tea 3 times a day until the symptoms fade away completely.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, the treatment to apparently everything, is also one of the home remedies for water retention you can rely on. It replenishes potassium in your body and reduces sodium levels, which both contribute to a faster and more effective elimination of excess liquids. Furthermore, apple cider vinegar also restores pH balance to your body, thus preventing water retention episodes in the future.
Instructions:
- Fill a small tub with apple cider vinegar and water in equal amounts.
- Soak your feet in it for 10-15 minutes to combat water retention in your legs.
- Alternatively, you can utilize apple cider vinegar internally by drinking a solution made of 1 teaspoon of ACV and a glass of water.
- Repeat either of these remedies daily to get the results you desire.
11. Onions
Onions have always been excellent for detox regimes because of how well they can cleanse your body and blood. They have diuretic properties, as well as beneficial compounds that help your liver and kidneys work harder to eliminate toxins and excess fluids.
Instructions:
- Chop an onion and then add it to 4 cups of water in a saucepan.
- Boil everything for 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add a pinch of salt and then let it all cool for 3-4 minutes.
- Afterwards, strain and transfer to a bowl.
- Drink 1 cup of this juice 3 times a day for efficiency and visible results.
12. Ice Packs
Ice packs are one of the home remedies for water retention that help you deal with the effect rather than the cause. That being said, if you want productive effects, you should utilize this method in parallel with one that will help you flush out the actual liquid. The ice packs will only help you treat with swellings that stem from this issue.
Instructions:
- First, add a fistful of ice cubes to a Ziploc bag and then wrap it in a towel.
- Apply this compress directly to the affected areas and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat this process regularly to get the effects that you desire.
Conclusion
Water retention is an issue that can affect pretty much anyone and it’s something that can cause a lot of discomfort and inconveniences. Luckily, there are plenty of home remedies that can provide help and relief, as seen below. All you have to do is choose the one that’s most immediately available to you and to religiously follow through with the treatment. After all, something will only work as long as you make sure to regularly go through with the remedy. Give the treatments we’ve recommended a shot and then let us know which one of them managed to do the trick and help you get rid of this pesky issue.
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