Facts on Herbal Diuretics

Herbal diuretics help you produce more urine. Herbs are natural substances, such as plants and other botanicals, that are used for treating many diseases. Herbs are available as supplements or in teas.

Types

• The most well-known herbal diuretics are uva-ursi, kelp, parsley, juniper berries and watermelon seeds.

Benefits

• Diuretic herbs remove excess fluids from the body. This is important for various ailments, such as high blood pressure. Herbal diuretics also help clean out the kidneys and bladder.

Function

• Diuretic herbs stimulate the kidneys, helping them remove more fluids (and wastes) from the body. These materials accumulate in the bladder and are released as urine.

Warning

• All herbs are chemicals. Consult an herbalist or naturopath for advice before taking herbal diuretics, especially if you have kidney or bladder disorders.

History

• Herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years to treat and cure many diseases. Using herbal diuretics is a less expensive and, in most cases, safer alternative to prescription diuretics.