Herbal Diuretics

Edema or water retention is one of the serious health problems that are continually evolving. Many people were not able to exert much excess fluid which then leads to the onset of edema. Due to this fact, many companies have developed some herbal diuretics to help in the removal of excess fluid in the body. So today, herbal diuretics are among the many herbal items on the market that are commonly purchased.

Herbal diuretics are actually herbs that aid in the treatment of urinary and kidney problems. As they regulate water balance in the body, herbal diuretics are greatly considered as one of the best alternatives for losing excess fluid in the body in order to prevent the onset of some serious disorders such as heart and kidney disease.

However, herbal diuretics are not at all beneficial. Just like some of the over-the-counter prescriptions, herbal diuretics are also responsible for flushing out some of the essential minerals from the body. But still, herbal diuretics for many years still persist as a great choice for many people.

Numerous studies have been conducted for herbal diuretics. One of the findings has shown that among the best herbal diuretics that stimulate the kidneys, Goldenrod (Solidago cnadensis) is one of the strongest. Aside from that, the dandelion leaves are also found out to possess diuretic effects which can be compared to the prescription diuretic known as furosemide. Many clinical trials done in human subjects, however, have not been completed to confirm this claim. But still it is greatly noted that the dandelion leaves as well as its roots have a long history of use, and that for hundred of years, this form of herbal diuretics is used to treat liver, gall bladder, kidney, joint problems, and water retention.

Corn silk (Zea mays) is also considered as one of the powerful herbal diuretics. In fact, it has long been applied as a form of herbal diuretics, even though the human clinical trials did not find that this herb enhanced the urine output.

Aside from that, the horse chestnut seed which contains aescin has also been shown as one of the effective herbal diuretics. The studies performed had demonstrated that it reduces the post-surgical edema. And for that, a form of aescin that is injected into the bloodstream is often applied but still under the supervision of a professional.

With the rapid increase in the number of people who have water retention problem, many herbal diuretics are now offered in the market. And outside from those mentioned herbal diuretics, the horsetail, juniper oils, and cleavers, are also found out to be among the most powerful and effective herbal diuretics.

Artichoke Leaf

Artichoke leaf is such a grand perennial plant that has a variety of important functions. With its purplish flower head, the artichoke leaf is indigenous to southern part of Europe, northern part of Africa, and the Canary Islands. Artichoke leaf also made its way to popularity in parts of Rome and Greece, when most of the people there began to cultivate the plant. And it is now grown commercially in North Africa.

It is the flesh of the spike-tipped petals of the artichoke leaf, which is called “bracts”, as well as the heart of its flower head that are particularly eaten by most Europeans as a delicacy. But outside from such fact, it is greatly artichoke leaf’s large and lobed leaves and their extracts that are widely applied medicinally.

Since the early days, most of the traditional healers used and approved the artichoke leaf as a major treatment for digestive upset, poor liver functioning, and a array of other disorders. The artichoke leaf is then primarily used as a choleretic, which is a substance that fortifies the liver function by means of enhancing the bile production. It is as well known as diuretic, and this centuries-old reputation largely remains for the reason that artichoke leaf really increases urination.

The artichoke leaf is widely applied as a form of sweetener as well as favoring agent in some alcoholic drinks. Its stems, leaves, and roots produce an aromatic and bitter substance which inspires the artichoke leaf’s potential in alcoholic liquors that are intended to enhance a good digestion. Such extremely bitter properties or taste is thought to rouse the production of digestive juices, which is primarily the foundation to which the traditional aperitif is taken before meals in many countries.

Other resources and researches about this perennial plant mentioned that the artichoke leaf indeed has great potentials for medicine. One of the beneficial uses of its supplement appears to have a great impact on the liver. Particularly, in animals, it is noted that the liquid extracts and the leaves of this plant have shown an ability to protect the liver, and there is a great possibility that it will aid the liver cells to regenerate.

The artichoke leaf also acquires a certain reputation for being the best solution for digestive and bowel problems, although research for such area is not yet conclusive. And it also plays a vital role in the process of lowering cholesterol so to help in preventing any disorder.

Although it is only the flower head of such perennial plant is widely made available, there are still some grocery stores that offer the whole artichoke plant for those who wanted to use it for treatment. You may also find artichoke leaf in multi-ingredient liver remedies which are also composed of another liver supporting herb known as milk thistle. And due to its widely known uses, a primary active compound of the artichoke leak which is called “cynarin” is now provided by some stores in standardized extracts. And until now there is still no other known drug or nutrient interactions that are greatly related to artichoke leaf.

Agrimony

What on earth is agrimony? Agrimony is specifically hemp or herb that has different functions. It is know by the names like Sticklewort, Cocklebur, Church Steeples, and Odermenning.

It is believed that the agrimony’s first use dates back to the ancient Egyptians, and the term “agrimony” comes from the Greek word Argemone which means “plants healing to eyes”. In the tradition of the ancient times of agrimony, it is believed that the ancient Greeks usually used agrimony to soothe their eye problems; and the Anglo-Saxons treated their wounds with it.

Agrimony generally involves a certain volatile oil, which maybe taken from the plant itself by means of the process of distillation. It also contains bitter principle, flavonoids, and it yields in addition for about five percent of tannin in order for its function in cottage medicines for the gargles and also for the astringent applicant to lethargic ulcers and wounds. And since it contains tannin for about five percent, many people used agrimony in dressing leather.

For further information, the agrimony is used with its whole herbs for different purposes and it is recommended by some medical experts for the reason that the whole herb produces and agent that ease inflammation and it also produces an agent that contracts organic tissue which then lessen the secretions or the discharges. In line with that claim, the agrimony acts as deobstruant which is an agent that wipes away the obstructions by opening the natural ways or passages of the human body. It is also diuretic, which is an agent that enhances the expulsion of the urine; tonic, which is an agent that revitalizes the organs or the entire organism; and it is vulnerary, that it is applied to heal wounds.

Also included in the major uses of the agrimony are some claims that the herb is a very useful agent for conditioning the blood, especially to those who have anemia, and it is also used for cardiovascular conditions such as enlargement of the heart, stomach and the lungs. It is as well interesting to know that agrimony is also very useful for gastrointestinal conditions such as diarrhea, digestive trouble, indigestion, mucous colitis, overactive irritable bowel, relaxed bowel, sluggish stomach conditions, ulcers, and it promotes assimilation of food.

Aside from those mentioned conditions, agrimony is used generally for genitourinary conditions, inflammatory conditions, liver conditions, respiratory tract conditions, gargles, skin conditions, and other conditions such as appendicitis, fevers, and much more. However, outside from those multiple benefits that anyone can get from the agrimony, it is still necessary to note that agrimony must not be applied in cases of constipation. And the herb must only be used with the recommendation of the healthcare provider.

Lastly, in taking the agrimony, many experts have mostly recommended that every patient who disorders as mentioned above must take the dried herb at 3g per day and for fluid extract, it should taken 2 to 5 ml every day. And today, agrimony is available in any herbal supplies in the form of agrimony extract, dried herb, and agrimony Bach flower remedy.