Many medical conditions can cause edema (swelling). The following forms of edema are discussed in their own articles. Follow the links for detailed information.
Many of the treatments used for these conditions fall into one of two categories: bioflavonoids and diuretics.
Bioflavonoids have shown promise for conditions in which edema is caused by leaky blood vessels, including the first three items in the above list. The following relevant bioflavonoids or bioflavonoid sources have full articles in this database:
Many herbs are thought to have a diuretic effect, causing the body to increase its water excretion. This could reduce edema in the remaining items on the above list. Herbs with apparent diuretic effects include:
References
1. Bratman S, Girman A. Mosby’s Handbook of Herbs and Supplements and their Therapeutic Uses. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, Inc.; 2003.
2. Christie S, Walker AF, Lewith GT et al. Flavonoids—a new direction for the treatment of fluid retention? Phytother Res . 2001;15:467–475.
Last reviewed April 2009 by EBSCO CAM Review Board
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