Excessive accumulation of fluid in body tissues and cavities. Diuretics ease the water retention problems.

Such abnormal accumulation of fluid in spaces between cells of body tissues, may be associated with liver or kidney disturbance, pregnancy, pre-menstrual syndrome and heart failure. In congestive heart failure, for example, cardio-actives diuretics are often used. In this case, replacement of flushed out potassium is essential.

Never address water retention without treating its causal factors.

We are faced with one of the paradoxical problems associated with the current use herbs, that they work! Too often herbs are used to address symptoms, successfully, ignoring the more fundamental healing work that they can facilitate. The undoubted value of herbal diuretics in helping rid the body of excess water is a prime example of this. If the practitioner goes for Dandelion leaf whenever edema is part of the patients symptom picture, they are probably missing an opportunity. Actions indicated for this symptom ~ Diuretics are, of course, the group of herbs to be considered. The broader picture that the patient presents will suggest the appropriate treatment. Specific remedies ~

By far the most effective diuretic herb is Dandelion leaf, its effects being comparable to that of the drug Frusemide. In addition to its efficacy as a diuretic, Dandelion leaf has added benefits as a rich source of potassium. The usual effect of stimulating kidney function is a loss of vital potassium from the body. This will have an impact on a range of body functions but most crucial is electrolyte balance in the heart muscle. If the diuretic is being prescribed to treat edema associated with congestive heart failure, any reduction in potassium availability will aggravate the cardiac symptoms. With Dandelion, however, we have one of the best natural sources of potassium, replacing all that is flushed from the body via diuresis. It thus makes an ideally balanced diuretic that may be used safely wherever such an action is needed, including in cases of water retention due to heart problems.

One possible prescription of Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) as a diuretic: 2.5ml of tincture three times a day or 5ml of tincture when needed, but not at night

Dandelion Roots are widely distributed throughout most of the world as a "troublesome weed"

The roots are best collected between June and August when they are at their bitterest. Split longitudinally before drying. The leaves may be collected at any time. The parts used are the root or the leaf.

Actions of Dandelion are: Diuretic, hepatic, cholagogue, anti-rheumatic, laxative, tonic, bitter.

Dandelion leaf is a very powerful diuretic, its action comparable to that of the drug ‘Frusemide’. The usual effect of a drug stimulating the kidney function is a loss of vital potassium from the body, which aggravates any cardio-vascular problem present. With Dandelion, however, we have one of the best natural sources of potassium. It thus makes an ideally balanced diuretic that may be used safely wherever such an action is needed, including in cases of water retention due to heart problems. As a hepatic and cholagogue Dandelion root may be used in inflammation and congestion of liver and gall-bladder. It is specific in cases of congestive jaundice. As part of a wider treatment for muscular rheumatism it can be most effective. This herb is a most valuable general tonic and perhaps the best widely applicable diuretic and liver tonic. Ellingwood recommends the root for the following patholgies: chronic jaundice, auto-intoxication, rheumatism, blood disorders, chronic skin eruptions, chronic gastritis, aphthous ulcers.

Combinations: For liver and gall-bladder problems it may be used with Barberry or Balmony. For water retention it may be used with Couchgrass or Yarrow.

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: put 2-3 teaspoonfuls of the root into one cup of water, bring to a boil and gently simmer for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. The leaves may be eaten raw in salads. Tincture: take 5-l0 ml of the tincture three times a day.