Diuretic Herbs

When it comes to therapeutic herbs for treating lymphatic issues it can sometimes be hard to locate the best herb with diuretic properties. Lymphatic issues can originate due to many causes, such as chronic conditions, inflammatory conditions or hormonal imbalances.

If you are suffering from any chronic conditions and are currently taking medications or you are undergoing cancer treatment, it is essential that you seek medical approval prior to introducing any new therapeutic applications to your system, as some herbs can disrupt or interfere with your treatment.

Dandelion is a common diuretic which is in most detoxifying herbal teas. Other herbs that can benefit your lymphatic flow are:
* Cleavers
* Rosemary
* Red clover
* Turmeric
* Echinacea
* Golden Seal
* Ginger
* Garlic &
* Parsley

Rumex crispus, commonly known as Curly dock or Yellow dock, is a root that has the following medicinal functions;
* Encourages lymphatic flow
* Tonic
* Increases bile production
* Is a mild laxative

The fresh leaves can also be used to counter the sing of stinging nettles. It is great for conditions such as arthritis and gastrointestinal tract disorders.
To obtain the therapeutic properties from Yellow dock, you would have to use a decoction process which is a method where you boil plant material (like, roots, bark, stems and rhizomes) to extract the therapeutic chemical for consumption.
Including herbs and specific foods into your diet will aid to encourage better lymphatic flow in your system and will certainly assist if you are obtaining lymphatic drainage treatments. Remember water will be key in the detox process, and the lack of it will simply have negative effects on flow.

Want to know the amount of water you need per day?
The formula is:
Your weight X 0.03 = Amount of litres per day
76 X 0.03 = 2.28 Litres per day
Directly pre and post treatment it would be encourage to slightly increase your daily amount.

Regarding herbs, it is always best to seek guidance from a naturopath, nutritionist, GP or you’re treating medical team prior to introducing therapeutic doses in your diet.

In health,
Carly
Myotherapist/Owner
Dip. Health Science Naturopathy

References:
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Idris OA, Wintola OA, Afolayan AJ. Evaluation of the Bioactivities of Rumex crispus L. Leaves and Root Extracts Using Toxicity, Antimicrobial, and Antiparasitic Assays. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 Oct 30;2019:6825297. doi: 10.1155/2019/6825297. PMID: 31827556; PMCID: PMC6885263.

Kaefer CM, Milner JA. Herbs and Spices in Cancer Prevention and Treatment. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 17. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92774/