Effective Home Remedies for Edema
Water is essential to our health and life, but when there is too much water in the body, this could be an indicator of something else. It could cause swellings, pain, puffiness to some parts of the body such as feet and ankle. And when this happens, this condition could be termed to as Home Remedies Edema.
Edema is the abnormal swelling of some part of the body due to fluid retention in the body tissues. Most often, when physicians refer to Edema, they are talking about swelling of the ankles or lower legs.
Edema in itself is not a disease. Instead, it is an indication that it is related to injuries or illness, or it may be due to inappropriate lifestyles. When it comes to treating Edema, the underlying cause should always be identified for there to be appropriate treatments administered.
While some of the causes of Edema are minor, others could be life-threatening. Therefore, whenever you experience any unusual swelling, you must visit the doctor for investigations. This will prevent difficulties that could cause you to lack confidence in your daily activities.
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What Causes Edema?
Common causes of edema include:
1. Gravity and Fluid Redistribution:
Edema often occurs in lower extremities due to the effects of gravity. Prolonged standing or sitting can impede proper circulation, causing fluid to accumulate in the legs and ankles.
2. Injury or Trauma:
Damage to blood vessels or lymphatic system through injury or trauma can lead to localized edema. Swelling is the body’s response to inflammation and increased blood flow to the affected area.
3. Inflammation:
Inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis or infections, can trigger the release of inflammatory substances, leading to increased permeability of blood vessels and fluid leakage into surrounding tissues.
4. Venous Insufficiency:
Inadequate functioning of venous valves, often associated with conditions like chronic venous insufficiency, can result in fluid pooling in the legs and feet.
5. Heart Failure:
In heart failure, the heart’s inability to pump blood efficiently can cause fluid retention, leading to edema. This is often observed in the lower extremities and abdominal region.
6. Kidney Disorders:
Conditions affecting the kidneys, such as nephrotic syndrome or chronic kidney disease, can disrupt the balance of fluids and electrolytes, contributing to generalized edema.
7. Liver Diseases:
Liver disorders, including cirrhosis, can lead to a decrease in protein production. Proteins like albumin play a role in maintaining fluid balance, and their deficiency can result in edema.
8. Medications:
– Certain medications, such as calcium channel blockers, corticosteroids, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause fluid retention and edema as a side effect.
9. Hormonal Changes:
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy or the menstrual cycle, can contribute to fluid retention and edema.
10. Lymphatic System Disorders:
Conditions affecting the lymphatic system, such as lymphedema, can impede the drainage of fluid from tissues, leading to persistent swelling.
Understanding the underlying causes of edema is crucial for effective management and treatment. Identifying and addressing the specific factors contributing to fluid retention allow healthcare professionals to develop targeted interventions to alleviate symptoms and improve overall health. Individuals experiencing persistent or severe edema should seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate course of action. Following list provides the home remedies that can help you resolve edema.
Below are thus some of the most effective home remedies for Edema:
1. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil will always provide a complete solution for Edema. The tree oil has the inflammatory and analgesic properties that make it the best remedy for Edema. Therefore, this is beneficial in the reduction of swelling and relieving of discomforts related to Edema. Mostly, this remedy is right for edema cases that are caused by insect bites.
How to use:
- Mix tea tree oil in any carrier oil and gently massage the affected area.
- For you to get the best-desired results, ensure that you are repeating this twice a day till you start seeing the results.
2. Dandelion
Dandelion is mostly used in native America and the Asian system. It is because of its improved effectiveness in strengthening the health and functionality of the liver and the treatment of kidney infections. Therefore, it is also a time tested remedy in the treatment of Edema.
Dandelion is also useful in flushing out of the fluids and the releasement of pain and swelling associated with Edema.
3. Parsley
One of the most talked natural remedies for Edema is the parsley. It is well known for being a potent diuretic. Makes parsley effective enhancement of the kidney functions and also the improvement of the body’s ability in the removal of excess water and toxins out of the bodies.
Parsley is also a good source of potassium that is a critical player in the treatment of Edema.
How to use:
- Take chopped fresh parsley and boil it with a cup of water for a few minutes, strain, and drink the mixture daily.
- Another alternative is making parsley tea from dry parsley. Or you can add more parsley in your diet daily. You will notice the differences within no time.
4. Apple cider vinegar
This ranks among the best remedies for Edema. It has the presence of the anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent further swelling and also relieving of pain. When you use this ingredient, it will also help in drawing out the excess fluids significantly. Thanks to its high concentration of potassium.
How to use:
- Mix 1 to 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water.
- Sip twice per day.
- You can also choose to soak a towel in the mixture of the apple cider vinegar and water and wrap it on the affected area.
5. Coriander seeds
When you go through the history of coriander concerning the treatment of Edema, it is the best natural home remedy. When you use these seeds, they can help in the improvement of blood circulation and thus reducing the swelling.
The seeds also have a high concentration of anti-inflammatory properties that aids in the drawing out of the excess water and thus promoting the healing process.
How to use
- Boil three tables spoons of the coriander seeds until the quantity reduces halfway.
- Filter the solution and then drink it. You will feel the enhancement in no time.
6. Massage
Massage is one of the most effective remedies you can practice when it comes to treating Edema. When you massage the affected areas, this will encourage the blood on the lymph flow. Also, it will aid in the draining of the excessive waters out from tissues back to the heart.
When you do the massage, remember stroking the affected areas towards your heart by using the firm but gentle pressure. You could choose to massage it with warm oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, or mustard oil.
7. Mustard oil
The mustard oil is usually extracted from the mustard seeds by the process of cold compression. This product is beneficial in the reduction of the pain and swells associated with the Edema.
How to use:
- You can massage this mustard oil gently on the affected area for you to get the benefits.
- The other alternative is making use of the raw form of mustard seed oil. Soak about two tablespoons of original mustard seeds in water. Using a clean piece of cloth, apply the solution on the infected area.
8. Banana
Due to the presence of potassium in bananas, this makes it be among the most noteworthy remedy for Edema. The potassium in the banana is a crucial mineral essential for treating swellings. Also, it helps in the controlling of the sodium levels in the bodies, the main reason why there is a fluid build-up.
More so, you could enjoy these similar benefits from other potassium-rich foods such as potatoes, spinach, avocados, and coconut water.
9. Epsom salt
In case you have Edema, taking in the Epsom salt could not be the best. But when you use it when taking a bath, this could work wonders, thus reducing the swelling. The presence of magnesium in the Epsom salt will help in the prevention of inflammation. Also, it helps in the detoxifications of toxins out of the body effectively.
How to use:
- Mix a spoonful of Epsom salt to a warm bath.
- Soak yourself in the solution for at least 15 minutes
To ensure you are getting effective results, consider repeating this procedure thrice a week.
Conclusion
Edema is a kind of disease that occurs on the body, particularly the ankles, feet, and legs. The main reason why these swellings happen is usually the retention of too much water in the body tissues.
The causes of Edema are many. It is usually a symptom of most inflammations and the insufficient heart action by the congestive failure of the heart. More so, Edema can be caused as well by the high intake of salt that could lead to the retention of water in the body.
Also, when you sit and stand for long in the same position, this could even trigger Edema in the lower limbs. Additionally, a siting and dormant life without exercise could cause Edema.
Deficiencies of kidneys or the liver can cause a reduction of fluid hence leading to Edema. Moreover, Edema may be a side effect of antihypertensive drugs, radiation therapy, and steroid surgery. Additional causes of various forms of Edema include cancer, varicose veins, hypothyroidism, constipation, blood clots, and physical injuries.
When it comes to treating Edema, you must deal with the underlying injury or disease. Edema could be a severe health condition. When you use the medical treatments, this could be essential in the treatment of the underlying cause.
However, when you choose using the natural home remedies such as the ones above, it is essential first you consult your doctor. When you use these herbal remedies to reduce Edema, they could be crucial in relieving the pain and discomfort caused by Edema.
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