To make more sense of it all, mbg consulted experts to create this go-to guide for diuretics. Here’s all you need to know: A few of the most common types of diuretics: Diuretics are often prescribed to people with cardiovascular issues, like hypertension (high blood pressure) or heart failure, as well as those with kidney disease or swollen tissues. 5 Diuretics (mainly loop diuretics) are also beneficial at treating edema and lymphedema. Edema, or swelling, is an abnormal accumulation of fluids in certain tissues of the body, and lymphedema is a swelling specifically in the arms and legs, due to blockage in a lymphatic vessel. Another common use of diuretics is to relieve certain symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Some menstruating people experience swelling and soreness in the breasts during PMS7, which may be managed with diuretics, one study states. Certain diuretics may also be prescribed to help manage hormonal acne8. Lastly, diuretics are often used to manage cardiovascular conditions. Crataegus,9 also known as hawthorn,9 is a Chinese herb that acts as a natural diuretic, and has been used to promote heart health. One study showed that patients who ingested hawthorn by taking it as a supplement or herb experienced an overall protective effect in the treatment of cardiovascular disease10. The patients taking hawthorn were also less likely to be prescribed prescription diuretics. According to naturopathic doctor and women’s health expert, Jolene Brighten, N.D., “Dandelion leaf is an excellent diuretic if water retention is one of your main PMS symptoms.” Along with teas and supplements, she suggests adding dandelion root to a salad or stir fry. If your PMS symptoms are concerning, continue working with an OB/GYN to figure out the root cause. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanism of action, but E. arvense 13extract (aka horsetail) produced a diuretic effect13 that was stronger than the placebo group, and equivalent to that of hydrochlorothiazide. These effects occurred without causing significant changes in the elimination of electrolytes. Green tea is another good example of a caffeine-containing natural diuretic. One study tested the effects of either a 16low-dose or high-dose green tea extract in rats16 and found that both groups experienced diuretic effects. Other natural diuretic foods and drinks include: One study specifically showed that diuretics can cause nausea and headaches in women who use them for bloating. They can also lead to low sodium levels or a decreased volume of blood circulating in the body. Hawthorn can interact with some heart medications and has been known to cause symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and digestive upset. Horsetail can also interact with some medications, and taking large amounts of it could potentially decrease potassium levels in the body too much. If you have a chronic health concern or are taking any medications, it’s always recommended to talk to your doctor before taking diuretics—natural or otherwise. While these natural diuretics can be used to relieve occasional symptoms of fluid retention and bloating, maintaining an appropriate water balance in the body is a very important part of the puzzle.
