Diuretics are used in order to reduce excess weight on the body. Collectively they remove both water and sodium which can provide relief from swelling and high blood pressure as well. The diuretic mechanism of action allows more urine to be exported by the kidneys, which in turn reduces the amount of excessive water in the blood. The entire process decreases built up fluid and when this occurs in the blood vessels, pressure can in turn be reduced.
There are many health benefits to diuretic use. Aside from uses in medical conditions, excessive fluid removal from the body may also help with weight loss, cleansing and detoxification and symptoms like bloating. There are many medications that are designed for this purpose. Some of them are prescriptions and some are available over the counter. However, there are also a great many herbal tea recipes that harness the power of naturally occurring diuretics to help remove water weight without the side effects associated with some medications. Most herbs for water retention make excellent diuretic teas, and can be enjoyed singularly or combined for both flavor and benefit variety. We compiled a list of the ten best herbs for diuretic tea making that can help you ditch water weight, maintain healthier blood pressure and also relieve symptoms like bloating and swelling.
1. Dandelion
Arguably one of the best known natural diuretics, dandelion is one of nature’s most effective solutions for excessive water retention. This common “lawn weed” is useful in many culinary applications, but reigns as one of the most popular diuretic teas. In addition to its known ability to naturally reduce fluid, it packs essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals including potassium. Because so many nutrients can be lost while using a diuretic, this is a huge benefit to using the natural herb.
2. Yarrow
Yarrow has been used medicinally for a very long time thanks to its potent punch of flavonoids which boast many health benefits. This herb is also a known natural diuretic as well and like dandelion, contains many essential vitamins and minerals. Yarrow is very popular in brewed form and is one of the best diuretic teas, with the concoction made from steeping the dried flowers in boiling water. While yarrow is a popular herbal remedy, it should not be used by persons who are taking certain medications like those for blood pressure, insomnia or anxiety. In addition, yarrow is not to be used by persons with a ragweed allergy or those allergic to aspirin.
3. Green Tea
Common, everyday green tea is actually a natural diuretic. Though mostly enjoyed both for its flavor and health benefits thanks to a boatload of antioxidants, green tea does a lot more than just promote good health. Its unfermented tea leaves carry their own potent medicinal properties. Although excellent on its own amongst diuretic teas, green tea can also be combined with other herbal remedies in many delicious and healthful herbal tea recipes.
4. Black Cohosh
Black cohosh contains powerful compounds like racemosin and cimcifugin that lend to its wide array of medicinal uses. Generally regarded as an excellent herb for problems with the female reproductive system including the symptoms of menopause and PMS, black cohosh is also a natural diuretic and the relationship between these two medicinal properties may be much more intertwined than is apparent. Water retention symptoms commonly accompany menstruation and other hormonal changes in women can be addressed by diuretic teas notable for both purposes.
5. Blessed Thistle
Poofy and delicate, the yellow flowers of the blessed thistle are a standout amongst other low lying foliage. In terms of medicinal properties, blessed thistle boasts many, including purported anticancer benefits alongside stimulant and tonic properties. It contains alkaloids, tannin, essential oils, mucilage and a beneficial bitter compound that contribute to these healthful benefits. Blessed thistle is a natural diuretic and is also excellent for use in digestive ailments. Poor digestion can be intimately linked to fluid retention, furthering blessed thistle’s inclusion amongst the best diuretic teas.
6. Butcher’s Broom
Both useful as a blood vessel toner and a natural diuretic, butcher’s broom has been used in the treatment of poor circulation, venal insufficiency and hemorrhoids, amongst other conditions. In addition to circulatory related benefits, the role of butcher’s broom in diuretic teas mean that it can be an effective herbal remedy for conditions like bladder infections. Regular use of the tea has even been associated with the long term reduction of under eye circles.
7. Holy Basil
Holy basil is full of incredibly beneficial compounds like beta-sisterol, beta-carotene, linoleic acid, eugenol, tannin and many others. The leaves of the plant are thought to have antibacterial, antifungal, and carminative properties. This herb is considered a natural diuretic and has endured as such from its roots in ancient Ayurvedic medicine.
8. Honeysuckle
The elegant flowers of the honeysuckle may be best known for an intoxicating and unique scent, but honeysuckle is praised highly for its medicinal benefits in addition to its sweet scent. Considered a best bet for a common cold cure, its expectorant, astringent and depurative properties are well known in the alternative healing community. Honeysuckle is also a natural diuretic and can be used in many forms including tincture, ointments and flower water. Its use in diuretic teas, however, provides a flavorful method of use and an opportunity to pair with other herbs as well.
9. Violet
A good source of both vitamin C and vitamin A, the leaves and flowers of the violet have been used in alternative and herbal medicine for a very long time. Notable constituents found in the leaves of violets include antioxidants like anthocyanin. Violet is most commonly used in tea form, a concoction which has been described as having a slimy consistency, perfect for use in diuretic teas and is also a great addition to many foods like soups and salads.
10. Mugwort
The leaves and roots of the mugwort plant have been used medicinally for many purposes thanks to their bitter, flavonoids and tannin properties. Mugwort is a natural diuretic and a well regarded herb amongst women who claim that it can help regulate menstruation. Its diuretic properties also help the female monthly visitor in terms of relieving bloat and other uncomfortable symptoms that can be associated with water retention.
