Home Remedies for Edema
Edema (or oedema) means fluid accumulation due to the leakage of fluid by small blood capillaries. Increase in capillary pressure or damage results in edema. This in turn results in fluid retention and the swelling of tissues.
Edema Causes
Certain medications such as vasodilators, estrogens, diabetic medications, non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and calcium channel blockers result in edema. Edema is seen as a part of premenstrual syndrome, excessive dietary salt and sedentary activity. Edema is also a part of certain underlying conditions, such as renal failure, pulmonary problems, inadequate lymphatic system, congestive heart failure, renal damage, cirrhosis and damage of the veins in the legs. Often times, blood pressure medications taken for longer durations can give rise to edema of the feet and ankles. Notify your doctor if this happens. It is not usually something to be alarmed of.
Edema Symptoms
Edema commonly affects the ankles, hands, legs, feet and arm. Typical symptoms of edema include increase in abdominal size, puffiness or swelling of the tissue, dimple on the skin on application of pressure and shining or stretched skin.
Edema Treatment
Treatment of the underlying condition provides relief from edema. Diuretics prove beneficial in the elimination of excess liquid. It increases the sodium and water output by the renal system. Reduce the salt in the diet, so as to decrease the fluid accumulation. Diuretics fail to help in pregnant women and individuals with chronic venous insufficiency.
Home Remedies for Edema
Certain simple remedies help to reduce fluid accumulation, provided, the individual suffers from no other complication.
- Oedema Treatment with Mustard Oil: Massage the affected area with warm mustard oil. It acts as a lubricant, which forces the fluid back to the heart.
- Oedema Treatment with Barley Water: Drink adequate amounts of barley water. It is especially of great use in pregnant women.
- Oedema Treatment with Diet: Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. Decrease the intake of water in the diet. Increase the physical activity and eat a balanced diet. Restrict the intake of processed and canned foods, as they provide a good supply of sodium. Limit salt intake. Do not use salt at the table, other than the regular salt used in cooking.
- Oedema Treatment with Cabbage: Cabbage leaves are highly effective against edema. Use them as poultice, over the affected area. This is good for edema in pregnancy.
- Oedema Treatment with Vegetable Poultice: Cut some strips of cucumber and place over the area of edema. Follow it up with a layer of potato slices. Bandage the area to get some relief.
Tips for Edema
Move the affected part which aids in the movement of the fluid, back to the heart. A gentle massage towards the heart region is helpful. Elevate the affected area, about four times a day, for half an hour. Avoid sunburn, sauna or hot showers. Do not smoke. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Regular exercise is beneficial.
