Asian Home Remedies for Water Retention

For centuries, Asian medicine has treated many ailments and has served as a natural alternative to westernized modern medicine. Water retention is the build up of excess fluid in the body's tissues that overwhelms the lymphatic system. Water retention causes uncomfortable swelling and it can be painful, but fortunately, there are several Asian home remedies that can help to alleviate the symptoms of water retention and expel the excess fluid from the body.

Dandelion

• Dandelions are a significant source of potassium, which helps to balance water in the body.

  Dandelions have been used for thousands of years in traditional Asian medicine to treat a variety of illnesses. The Chinese used both common dandelion and T. mongolicum. Dandelions are a significant source of potassium, which is an electrolyte that maintains the balance of water in the body and its distribution. An Asian home remedy for water retention is to drink a dandelion tea, which is made from the leaves of dandelions. Using this Asian home remedy can alleviate water retention and improve one's overall health.

Alfalfa

• Drinking alfalfa tea can relieve swelling and expel excess water from the body.

  The leaves of the alfalfa plant can be used to create a healthy tea that can reduce water retention in the body. Since the sixth century, the Chinese have used the alfalfa plant to treat kidney stones and to relieve the swelling associated with fluid retention. It is also rich in minerals and nutrients such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and carotene. The alfalfa plant is effective at cleansing the body, as well as nourishing and supporting the digestive system.

Buckwheat Plaster

• Cover buckwheat plaster with cotton linen and allow buckwheat to draw out excess fluid from swollen areas of the body.

  Traditional medicine in China and Japan incorporated the use of buckwheat to alleviate the symptoms of many illnesses. The swelling and excess water associated with water retention can be reduced with the Asian home remedy of applying a buckwheat plaster. A buckwheat flour is mixed with hot water to form a consistency of a hard dough or buckwheat plaster. A half-inch layer of buckwheat plaster is then applied to area of the body that is swollen from water retention. Then place a piece of cotton linen over the plaster to keep it in place for about four hours. This Asian home remedy will help to draw out any excess fluid from the bloated areas of the body.