Herbal Remedies by Symptom

Swelling / fluid retention — Medicinal Plants & Herbal Remedies

The Omnia Sana plant database documents 26 medicinal plants traditionally used for swelling / fluid retention. Each is rated by strength of evidence and linked to its full monograph and cited scientific sources.

Also known as: oedema, edema, fluid retention, water retention.

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ArnicaArnica montana
Traditional use

Topical anti-inflammatory for bruising, swelling and sprains

BilberryVaccinium myrtillus
Traditional use

inferred from venotonic action

BirchBetula pendula
Traditional use

inferred from diuretic action

BlackcurrantRibes nigrum
Traditional use

inferred from diuretic action

Butcher's BroomRuscus aculeatus
Traditional use

Anti-oedematous (reduces leg swelling)

CleaversGalium aparine
Traditional use

inferred from diuretic action

Common JuniperJuniperus communis
Traditional use

inferred from diuretic action

Common SorrelRumex acetosa
Traditional use

inferred from diuretic action

Corn SilkZea mays
Traditional use

Diuretic - increases urine output to support the urinary tract and mild fluid retention/swelling; in conscious rats the aqueous extract is diuretic and kaliuretic and modifies glomerular filtration and potassium excretion

Couch GrassElymus repens
Traditional use

Supports mild fluid retention / swelling

DandelionTaraxacum officinale
Traditional use

inferred from diuretic action

DillAnethum graveolens
Traditional use

inferred from diuretic action

Field HorsetailEquisetum arvense
Traditional use

inferred from diuretic action

FigwortScrophularia nodosa
Traditional use

inferred from diuretic action

GoldenrodSolidago virgaurea
Traditional use

inferred from diuretic action

Gotu KolaCentella asiatica
Traditional use

Improves venous tone and microcirculation - supports chronic venous insufficiency / varicose veins and reduces leg swelling

Ground ElderAegopodium podagraria
Traditional use

inferred from diuretic action

Horse ChestnutAesculus hippocastanum
Traditional use

Chronic venous insufficiency - reduces leg pain, swelling (oedema), heaviness and itching; supports varicose veins

Labrador-teaRhododendron tomentosum
Traditional use

inferred from diuretic action

Lesser BurdockArctium minus
Traditional use

inferred from diuretic action

MeadowsweetFilipendula ulmaria
Traditional use

inferred from diuretic action

ParsleyPetroselinum crispum
Traditional use

Diuretic - reduces fluid retention/swelling and supports urinary and kidney function (traditionally used for urinary stones); animal studies attribute the effect to inhibition of the renal Na+/K+ pump, raising urine flow

Scots PinePinus sylvestris
Traditional use

inferred from diuretic action

Stinging NettleUrtica dioica
Traditional use

inferred from diuretic action

YarrowAchillea millefolium
Traditional use

inferred from diuretic action

Educational information compiled from the Omnia Sana plant database. Not medical advice — always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.