Natural Treatment of Edema Caused By Hormonal Therapies Or Any Other Reason

General Information

Edema, has also long been known as dropsy. Is the accumulation of fluid in spaces between the cells within the body. It may affect all parts of the body although it commonly occurs as swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs. The bloating and swelling causes muscle aches and pains. In the case of edema caused by starting on hormone therapy, this type of edema is rarely if ever dangerous, mostly annoying and is generally self limiting. That is, while it may be annoying, it rarely causes any harm and generally goes away by itself, even if you do nothing at all and continue on your hormones.

There are of course in some situations where edema occurs concurrent with hormone use but is not caused by the hormones themself but rather by other problems such as by allergies or potentially serious disorders involving the kidney, bladder, heart, or liver, totally unrelated to hormone therapy. If edema persists it may need a work up to find what might be causing it.

Hormone Related Edema Is Often Also Associated with Certain Lifestyle Issues

For example, a diet which contains a great deal of salty foods, alcohol, animal protein (especially beef), caffeine, chocolate, dairy products (except low-fat cottage cheeses), gravies, olives, pickles, salt, soy sauce, white flower, and white sugar. Use tobacco smoking, or chewing can also lead to edema.

Treatment Strategies

Treatment will depend upon underlying disorder. The main goal of all treatment programs either medical or non-medical treatment is the reduction of all swelling:

• Reducing salt (sodium) intake in the diet
• Daily exercise
• Periodic elevation of legs above the level of the heart.
• Diuretics (This includes both natural diuretics in the foods we eat and medications-listed below).
• Support hose
• Massage
• Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT): compression physical therapy (including sleeves, pumps) to move fluid through alternate lymph channels for reabsorption by the body, compression bandaging, skin care/manipulation.

Medication Therapies

• Diuretics effectively reduce fluid levels, however they do have potential side effects which can include: depletion of sodium and potassium (electrolyte depletion), as well as loss of magnesium, B vitamins, and calcium which can ultimately result in loss of bone mass.
• Loop/thiazide diuretics (heart failure, cirrhosis, nephrosis, renal failure, hypertension)
• Potassium-sparing diuretics (which do not lower blood potassium levels also used for the treatment of high blood pressure.)
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (glaucoma, respiratory and heart failure)
• Osmotic diuretic (Mannitol)
• Morphine (used where there is pulmonary edema to reduce congestion and anxiety)
• Corticosteroid/immunosuppressives
• Medications appropriate for underlying disorder

Surgical Procedures

• Surgical removal of fat and fluid deposits in lipedema
• Attempt to reestablish lymph/blood flow

Complementary-Non-Traditional and Alternative Therapies for Edema

While following nutritional and herbal support guidelines may help alleviate edema, it is essential that the underlying cause be addressed. Nutritional treatment may not work in all cases of edema as edema is can be caused by many different reasons some which are not nutritionally related or require stronger or more powerful diuretics. The diuretic must be chosen to be appropriate according to the underlying cause.

Nutrition

• Eliminating food allergens from the diet decreases inflammation edema secondary to inflammatory processes.
• A low-salt, high-protein diet may help resolve edema. A high protein diet however is contraindicated when renal disease exists. Dietary intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates should also be reduced. This is especially true when the diet contains not only excessive amounts of refined sugar but also calcium in foods or supplements.
• Increase dietary potassium with diuretic use (e.g., bananas, apricots, and green leafy vegetables).
• Some foods are natural diuretics, see the list below. These foods also support kidney and liver function.
• Vitamin B6 (50 to 100 mg/day) induces diuresis. Thiamine may be depleted with Lasix and should be supplemented (200 mg/day).
• Vitamins C (1,000 to 1,500 mg tid), E (400-800 IU/day), and coenzyme Q10 (50 to 100 mg bid) protect and strengthen blood vessels.
• Potassium aspartate (20 mg/day) may need to be supplemented if using diuretics.
• Magnesium (200 mg bid to t.i.d.) and calcium (1,000 mg/day), especially when refined sugars are reduced or eliminated, supplementation can influence intra- and inter-cellular fluid exchange and may be depleted with diuretic use.

Herbs

Herbs can be a safe way to strengthen and tone the body’s systems. As with any therapy, it is important to ascertain a diagnosis before pursuing treatment. Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups/day. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted.

A general diuretic should contain herbs that support circulation and lymphatic drainage. They are best administered in a cooled tea (four to six cups/day), although a tincture may also be used (30-60 drops q.i.d.).

Drinking the tea cool will support circulation and lymphatic drainage without increasing vasodilation. Combine three of these herbs with equal parts of two to three additional herbs from the following categories, as indicated: cleavers (Gallium aparine), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), oatstraw (Avena sativa), elder (Sambucus canadensis), red clover (Trifolium pratense), and red root (Ceonothus americanus). See additional lists below.

Cyclic Edema and Idiopathic Orthostatic Edema:

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) strengthens the integrity of the blood vessels and its use has improved cyclical edema associated with hormonal changes.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a gentle diuretic as well as a tonic for the blood vessels.
Topical applications of creams containing one or more of the following may be helpful in increasing vascular integrity in orthostatic edema: horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), butcher’s broom (Ruscus asuleatus), sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis), and rue(Ruta graveolens).

Renal insufficiency:

Use caution in administering diuretics with renal failure. Herbal options include parsley (Petrosilinum crispum), dandelion leaves (Taraxacum officinalis), buchu (Barosma betulina), couchgrass (Agropyron repens), horsetail (Euquisetum arvense), and goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea)

Cardiac and/or pulmonary involvement:

Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha), motherwort (Leonorus cardiaca), rosemary (Rosemariana officinalis), and linden (Tilia cordata) Lily of the valley (Convalleria majalus), night blooming cereus
(Cactus grandiflorus), and broom (Sarothamnus scoparius) have toxic side effects but may be added to the cardiopulmonary formula under physician supervision

Hepatic involvement (may be used in conjunction with treatment for:

cyclic edema) may respond to milk thistle (Silybum marianum), dandelion root (Taraxacum officinalis), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and artichoke leaves (Cynara scolymus)

Homeopathy

Because of the many presentations of edema, remedies are best chosen by an experienced homeopath.

Physical Methods that can Support and Improve the Results of Herb, Nutritionals and Medications:

• Dry skin brushing. Before bathing, briskly brush the entire skin surface with a rough wash loth, loofa, or soft brush. Begin at the feet and work up. Always stroke in the direction of the heart.
• This helps facilitate lymphatic circulation. There is no need to press deeply as the lymph are superficial vessels.
• Cold compresses to the face or backs of the legs with yarrow tea may give temporary relief of edema.
• Contrast hydrotherapy involves alternating hot and cold application to bring nutrients to the site and to diffuse metabolic waste from inflammation. The overall effect is decreased inflammation, pain relief, and enhanced healing. Using this technique with hand and/or foot baths may help to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage. Alternate three minutes hot with one minute cold and repeat three times. This is one set. Do two to three sets/day. Use caution in areas of decreased sensation by ensuring that the hot application does not burn.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may improve fluid balance and provide support in the treatment of underlying cause and improve circulation.

Massage

Therapeutic massage can assist with lymph drainage and improve circulation.

Patient Monitoring

Monitor for:

• Fluid input/outflow may on rare occas ion be necessary.
• Potassium levels, electrolyte balance, blood pressure, allergic reactions, GI bleeding, CNS effects, muscle cramps, and other side effects of diuretic use.

Special Considerations

Excessive fluid retention during pregnancy (toxemia) is potentially dangerous to both you and your baby.

Natural Treatment of Edema

Whole Foods Medicinal Benefits for Edema:

• Adzuki bean or mung bean
• Alfalfa
• Artichokes
• Asparagus
• Beets
• Citrus fruits
• Cranberry
• Cucumbers
• Eggplant
• Garlic
• Grapefruit
• Grapes
• Green beans
• Leafy greens
• Leeks
• Lemon
• Onion
• Parsley
• Peas
• Pineapple
• Pineapple
• Pumpkin
• Watermelon

Spices-Seasonings:

• Celery seed
• Fennel
• Fenugreek
• Ginger
• Licorice

Misc. Foods

• Caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, cola, Mountain Dew)
• Tea (including black, oolong and green tea, not herbal teas)
• Potassium (Oranges and bananas are well-known as potassium-rich foods; less well known, but high in potassium are milk, yogurt, bran cereal, potatoes, cooked dry beans, peaches, apricots, rhubarb, pumpkin seeds, salmon, flounder, cod, banana, beets, bok choy, bran, pineapple.)

Herbs (see below):

• Buchu
• Corn silk
• Dandelion (the French name for the dandelion is pissenlit, or “urinate in bed”
• Golden Seal
• Goldenrod
• Honeysuckle
• Juniper
• Nettle
• Uva ursi also known as barberry (bearberry)

Vitamin-Mineral Support:

• Bromelain – enzyme for better digestion and metabolism.
• Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc complex – to replace minerals lost when counteracting edema.
• Kelp – improves thyroid function and supplies needed minerals.
• Vitamin c with bioflavonoids – improved adrenal function vital to fluid balance.
• Vitamin e – aids circulation.
• Vitamin b complex – reduces water retention.
• Potassium citrate
  • Potassium is an important mineral required for your body to function normally. Because the usual effect of any diuretic can be to diminish your body’s potassium reserves, this formula includes potassium to counter this effect.

Basic Information About Herbal Products As Diuretics

• Dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale) has been used for hundreds of years as a diuretic.
  • The flushing effect of powerful natural diuretics can heighten the loss of potassium from the body. This can aggravate a number of conditions, including cardiovascular problems. Because dandelion is an excellent natural source of potassium, it makes a well-balanced, safe diuretic that may be used even in cases where water is retained due to heart problems.
• Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva ursi)
  • Bearberry is one of the most often prescribed urinary tract herbs by professional herbalists in North America and Europe, and it is approved in Germany for use by medical doctors in the treatment of bladder infections. Recorded use dates back to the thirteenth century by the Welsh ‘Physicians of Myddfai’.
  • The chief constituent of bearberry leaves is a crystallizable glucoside named Arbutin.
  • Arbutin is broken down in the body and transformed into an antimicrobial substance that is excreted in the urine. This antibiotic-like substance passes with the urine directly to the site of the bladder infection – right where it is most useful.
  • The urinary health benefits of bearberry strengthen the synergy of this diuretic formula.
• Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
  • Horsetail is a traditional astringent herb for the genitourinary system (an astringent is an agent which contracts tissue, reducing secretions or discharges).
  • It is often used with conditions like urethritis or cystitis with hematuria (blood in the urine).
  • As a diuretic it is often used with metabolic or hormonal oedema during menopause.
• Cleavers (Galium aparine)
  • Cleavers is reliably used to treat urinary problems and stimulate the lymphatic system. It can be quite effective as a diuretic, an anti-inflammatory, a tonic, an astringent and a blood purifier/as an alterative (a herb that gradually restores proper body function and increases health and vitality).
  • The body relies on the lymphatic system to drain away toxins and wastes. So these cleansing and settling properties make Cleavers a great addition to these effective and well balanced diuretic water pills.

• Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
  • The ancient Greeks valued parsley seeds and roots for their soothing diuretic effect on those with kidney and bladder aliments. Today parsley is still used primarily as a diuretic, often to ease the bloating that some women experience before their periods.
  • Parsley is an excellent source of iron (as well as other vitamins and minerals), which is important for the proper formation of red blood cells, potassium and vitamin C. Because some potassium is often lost through diuresis, this iron content helps to balance these water retention pills.
• Cornsilk (Zea mays)
  • Cornsilk is commonly used for edema in Chinese medicine. It is considered part of a family of herbs which help soothe and heal the urinary system.
  • Herbalists often recommend cornsilk to help ease inflammation and painful symptoms caused by urinary tract infections, cystitis, bladder stones, premenstrual syndrome and fluid retention.
  • As a soothing diuretic, cornsilk is a useful remedy in any irritation of the urinary system. It is used for renal problems in children and is often combined with other herbs for relief from cystitis, urethritis and prostatitis.
• Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccus)
  • The use of cranberries as a diuretic has been recorded as far back as 1787 in a Latin work on American medicinal plants. A woman with dropsy was reported cured by eating large quantities of cranberries.
  • One more recent study involving cranberry reported that most subjects showed considerable improvement in the quantity of urinary bacteria after drinking a cranberry juice cocktail every day. The researchers thought the benefits of cranberry are due to a poorly understood chemical with the ability to prevent bacteria from sticking to the wall of the bladder.
  • Current research suggests that cranberries contain a nondialyzable polymeric compound of an unknown nature.
  • Researchers think this compound adheres to the tiny hairs on the surface of certain bacteria. This would prevent them from implanting in the walls of the gut or the bladder, and simply flush them out of the body via the urine, resulting in an antibacterial effect.
• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
  • Not only one of the most popular, but also one of the most studied and proven herbs. Echinacea purpurea is best known for its power to stimulate the immune system. And it is commonly used to help attack a variety of infections, including those of the urinary tract.
  • This powerful healing herb can help relieve the pain and burning sensations associated with cystitis.
  • Note that the inclusion of Cranberry and Echinacea can help maintain a healthy balance of micro organisms in the urinary system. The antimicrobial action, combined with urinary ‘flushing’ from the increased fluid output may be of assistance to those who suffer repeated cystitis infections.
• Juniper Berry Oil
  • Juniper berry oil is primarily used in the treatment of urinary tract infections such as cystitis and urethritis. It contains an antiseptic volatile oil which can help provide relief to the urinary tract as it passes through.
  • This action is enhanced by a diuretic effect which can help to dilute the urine. The volatile oil component, terpinen-4-ol, may also help to increase the glomerular filtration rate of the kidneys (the rate at which the drainage tubes in the kidney are working).
  • This makes juniper berry oil a valuable addition to this efficient and hard working formula.
• Buchu Leaf
  • Buchu Leaf is also known by the names Bucco and Diosma. Native to South Africa, the word Buchu is from the Hottentot word for the plant, bookoo. The two primary species of Buchu used commercially are Agathosma betulina (synonym for Barosma betulina) and Agathosma crenulata (synonym for Barosma crenultata).

 

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©Allen Lawrence, M.D., 2021