{"id":1573,"date":"2020-07-11T13:55:00","date_gmt":"2020-07-11T19:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/askannie.wondermentgardens.com\/?p=1573"},"modified":"2021-01-09T13:10:29","modified_gmt":"2021-01-09T13:10:29","slug":"natural-solutions-peripheral-edema","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wondermentgardens.com\/natural-solutions-peripheral-edema\/","title":{"rendered":"Natural Solutions for Peripheral Edema"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Dear Annie, do you have any ideas about using natural solutions for peripheral edema or swelling in the legs? I have edema in my left leg, with my ankle blowing up after sitting with my leg dangling. It also happens when I walk a lot. Although not painful, the ankle aches strongly when it’s swollen. Also, it is hard to stand or walk when its swollen. Nothing seems to help. Can you make any suggestions?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thank you for reaching out. When water accumulates under the skin and swelling occurs, it is called edema. If the fluid retention or swelling happens in one or more of your legs, feet, or hands, it is termed peripheral edema. Interestingly, it is not uncommon for only one leg to be affected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, its important to understand that peripheral edema is a symptom. Whenever a part of your body swells on a regular basis, there is more going on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<\/a>\n\n\n\n Lets start by taking a closer look at edema and what causes swelling in the legs and ankles. Then we’ll go into some natural and herbal solutions that might help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Edema occurs when something disrupts the balance of fluid in the cells. As a result, an abnormal amount of fluid accumulates in the interstitial tissues or the space between the cells and structures in the body. A lot of things can cause edema. However, it is most often associated with venous circulation, lymphatic system or kidney problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The most common cause of peripheral edema is venous insufficiency. The venous circulatory system is the network of veins that returns de-oxygenated blood back to the heart. When the valves inside the veins are weak or not working properly, blood backs up and collects in pools around your feet and ankles. Other symptoms of venous insufficiency include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Lymph system is part of both your circulatory and immune system. It is made up of a vast network of vessels that pass through almost every tissue in the body. Important functions of the lymph system include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the lymphatic network is not working well or is \u201cleaking,\u201d fluids can build up. Lymph vessels can become damaged because of an accident, surgery, or cancer treatment. Lymph notes (the filters of the lymph system,) can also become damaged or “blogged down, not working properly. As a result, fluid builds up in the limbs, usually the arms and legs. This is called Lymphedema. A roundworm infection called filariasis can also cause Lymphedema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<\/a>\n\n\n\n The Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs about the size of large fists (4 to 5 inches long). They are located on either side of the spine, behind your stomach. The kidneys primary function is to maintain a constant and healthy internal environment. Similar to the filter in a fish tank, the kidneys control the body’s fluid balance, acidity, and the movement of fluid. Additionally, the kidneys remove waste products from the blood in the form of urine and keep your electrolyte balances at the right levels. All blood passes through your kidneys several times a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As discussed, there are a lot of conditions and\/or issues that can cause, or contribute to, swelling in the legs. If you identify with a specific cause or set of symptoms, it gives you a good place to start. Remember when working with holistic healing, we work with the whole person and seek to find the root cause of any issue. A resolution is much more likely when the cause is addressed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some drugs have side effects that support fluid buildup in the system. If you are taking over the counter or prescription medication and having trouble with edema, read up on the possible side effects. Common medications known to cause or add to symptoms of edema in the legs and feet include.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inflammation is a complicated process of the immune system. In fact, the inflammatory process is one of the ways your body deals with injury, infection, and disease. When there is an injury, the inflammatory response signals the immune system to heal and repair damaged tissue. Inflammation can be caused by several things including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When using herbal remedies as solutions for health concerns, a thorough history is always taken first. Why? Because if the cause is not readily apparent, your history will give clues as to where to start. For example, if you have a history of urinary tract infections (UTI), drink a lot of water and bruise easily, you may want to begin by trying more herbs to tone the kidneys. If you have always had hormonal difficulties, difficult or painful periods or unmentionable menopause, you may want to add herbs that stabilize hormonal function. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<\/a>\n\n\n\n Take a moment to reflect on the possible causes for your peripheral edema. Do you identify with anything? Write down your health history. Include everything you can think of, even if it doesn’t seem relevant for this issue. Feel free to contact me here for an example of the one I use<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Look at your whole person. Symptoms that may not seem related, like frequent headaches or backaches, can be clues to what is causing the problem. Next, make a list of the main symptoms you want to address. Then decide which herbs or holistic therapies are the best match for your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this situation, without having a full history, we will address the lymph system, the venous circulatory system, and gently support kidney function. Because swelling in your left foot happens when sitting and walking, we may want to consider herbs that increase the circulation to the feet and remove stagnation below the waist. We\u2019ll use astringent herbs to help tighten or tone tissues and prevent fluid leakage or overflow. Finally, we\u2019ll look at herbal diuretics, as they help remove excess water built up in the system by stimulating the kidneys to produce urine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You will notice that many of the herbs appear in more than 1 category. That is good, those are the herbs we are most likely to add to our formula, depending of course what is going on for you individually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<\/a>\n\n\n\n Herbs that tone, promote movement and support lymph function will assist with the removal of interstitial fluid from the tissues. These herbs may help increase peripheral circulation, assist in the removal of stagnant fluids, increase lymph mobility, and hopefully help reduce swelling. Lymphatic restorative herbs have a good history of success with edema that is caused by lymphatic insufficiency. Herbs in this category include: Red Root (Ceonothus spp), Cleavers (Galium aparine), Calendula flowers (Calendula officinalis), Burdock root (Arctium lappa), Dandelion root and leaf (Taraxacum officinale) and Chaparral (Larrea tridentata.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Venous Insufficiency is the leading cause of peripheral edema, especially in women over 50. When tissues and valves in veins become weakened and lax, blood begins to stagnate causing fluid to buildup in the lower extremities. My favorite herbs to tone the walls and valves of the circulatory system include: Hawthorn berries (Cratagus spp.), Hibiscus Flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa), Red Root (Ceanothus spp), Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), Bilberry (Vaccinum myrillus), and Ginkgo Biloba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diuretic herbs remove excess fluid by stimulating the kidneys to produce urine. Herbal diuretics are usually not as strong as their pharmaceutical counterparts. However, unlike pharmaceutical diuretics, plant medicines tend to stabilize potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte, a mineral usually washed out by synthetic diuretics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trophorestorative herbs are tonic, nutritive herbs that have a healing and restorative function to a specific organ or tissue. They work with the body\u2019s innate intelligence to bring balance or harmonize the function of the tissues to which it has an affinity. Kidney trophorestoratives help restore homeostasis (healthy functioning) to the organ. As a result, we might see blood pressure stabilize (whether high or low), edema relieved and a correction of minerals and electrolytes in the system. Some of my favorite kidney trophorestoratives usually have some diuretic properties and include: Dandelion root and leaf (Taraxacum Officinale), Nettle seeds (Urtica dioica) (the leaves can also be used), Burdock (Arctium lappa), Cleavers (Galium aparine) and Hawthorn (Cratagus spp.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Red Root is recommended any time fluids build up in peripheral tissues (like the arms and legs). Its astringency helps tighten the thin fibrous tissue that separates our organs the and other tissues inside of us. Also, Red root helps reduce swellings caused by kidney insufficiency, lymphedema, and congestive heart failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The seeds of the Nettle plant are considered a kidney trophorestorative. Although the seeds are most recommended to restore kidney balance, the leaves can also be used. Nettle leaves are highly nutritive with astringent, anti-allergenic and anti-rheumatic properties. Both the leaves and the seeds are used to reduce edema and treat varicose veins. Nettles is a handy herb. This plant does all the above, while supporting your circulatory, digestive, respiratory, digestive, AND endocrine systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another mineral rich superstar, Hibiscus has a positive effect on the blood vessels and the circulatory system. Hibiscus flowers act as a mild hypertensive to normalize blood pressure, promote proper circulation and decrease water retention. While its astringency tones blood vessels and surrounding boggy tissue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The leaf and root of the Dandelion is a strong diuretic that works as well as most of its pharmaceutical counterparts. Plus Dandelion is a good source of potassium, where synthetic diuretics tend to decrease potassium levels. Low levels of potassium can aggravate cardiovascular problems. This, along with dandelion\u2019s supporting effect on the liver, lymph system, spleen, and sugar metabolism make it a safe choice when dealing with water retention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ashwagandha root is an Ayurvedic herb from India. Primarily an adaptogen, this root helps our body, mind, and spirit deal with the daily stress of life. Ashwagandha acts as a cardiovascular protective and diuretic to aid us in decreasing edema while also helping to relieve depression, anxiety and insomnia. Additionally, Ashwagandha helps regulate thyroid issues and strengthens the spleen (the largest organ of the lymph system). Good Stuff. The suggested dose is 3-6 grams of the dried root or 6-15 mg of the root extract daily. Too large a dose can cause gastrointestinal upset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<\/a>\n\n\n\n Also called Pot Marigold, this lovely little flower is a powerful, yet very gentle healing agent. Calendula acts as a diffuse circulatory stimulant to increase peripheral circulation. It is a gentle, effective lymph mover and has a mild astringency to tone and heal circulatory tissue and mucus membranes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes that come from the stem and core of pineapple fruit. It has a host of beneficial actions for our purposes. First, it acts to help disperse edema and encourage tissue draining. Bromelian may also be useful for preventing thrombus (or blood clot) formation, as well as helpful dissolving any blood clots that are already present. Bromelain has strong anti-inflammatory properties, helping to relieve the pain and inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, and trauma type injuries. As an alternative pineapple juice may be used for the same (or similar) benefit. Take Bromelain between meals for its anti-inflammatory actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<\/a>\n\n\n\nAbout Edema and Peripheral Edema:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Venous Insufficiency and Peripheral Edema<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Lymphatic System and Peripheral Edema<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Additional symptoms of lymphedema include:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Kidney Insufficiency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Additional symptoms associated with kidney insufficiency include:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Other factors that may cause peripheral edema<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Below is a listing of possible causes for peripheral edema:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Medications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Inflammation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Natural Solutions for Peripheral Edema<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Herbal Solutions for Edema in Legs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Herbs that tone and support the lymph system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Herbs that tone and support the veins of the circulatory system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Diuretic herbs that support kidney function<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Herbs specifically indicated for peripheral edema<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Red Root (Ceanothes spp.)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Nettles Seeds (Urtica dioica)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Hibiscus Flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Ashwagandha (Withania sumnifera)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Calendula (Calendula officinal)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Bromelain<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Recipes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1 Possible tincture formula to help relieve edema<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tincture Formula for Peripheral Edema:<\/strong>\nRed Root (Ceonothes spp.) 2 parts\nDandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) 1 part\nAshwagandha (Withania sumnifera) 1 part\nHawthorn berry (Cratagus spp.) 1 part\nMix individual plant extracts of tinctures. Suggested dose is 30 to 60 drops 2 times per day. <\/pre>\n\n\n\n