Natural Diuretics
The Alternative Water Pill
Are you alarmed by the side effects of pharmaceutical diuretics? Why not try natural diuretics, commonly known as natural water pills?
Here is a list of 5 of the most powerful and effective herbal diuretics: Dandelion Leaf, Parsley, Juniper Berries, Goldenrod, and Celery Seed.
An extensive list follows but some of the herbs should not be tried without consulting a herbalist. We will however, concentrate on the 5 most common and potent, because for some of us, we will need an effective natural diuretic that equals in strength to the pharmaceutical counterpart, some of which are classed as “aquaretic”, because they do not cause important electrolytes to be secreted while ridding the body of excess water.
Dandelion Leaf
Dandelion has long been used as a diuretic, although there are only animals studies to support it`s effectiveness. It is said to increase urine flow while it maintains potassium levels, so it`s an aquaretic. Some pharmaceutical diuretics cause you to loose this vital mineral which serves as an electrolyte stimulant for the heart.
Dandelion natural water pills work by removing excess salt and water from your kidneys. But be careful, as with all herbs they can be powerful and cause problems when taken with other herbs or medicines, and they have a long history of being effective. As children we used to know them as “wet the beds”. Now we know why! If you are taking any of the following treatments then see your doctor before taking dandelion leaf.- Antacids, Lithium, or some antibiotics.
Parsley
Parsley, also known as one of the powerful natural diuretics, is high in potassium so helps keep your body supplied while it stimulates the kidneys to eliminate excess water.
Parsley is better served as a tea to benefit from it`s powerful diuretic properties.
You need to be careful with parsley. Don`t use it if you are pregnant. 
Juniper berries
Although juniper berry is used for infections of the urinary tract, it is also thought to possibly speed up the kidneys filtration making it one of the most effective natural diuretics. A component in the oil, Terpinen-4-ol, is thought to be responsible for this.
If you use this berry over a long period of time it can deplete the potassium, so it is better used in conjunction with other diuretics that are either aquaretic or high in potassium.
Goldenrod
European Goldenrod (Solidago vigaurea), and Canadian Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) is an aquaretic also. It does not rid the body of important electrolytes like sodium, or chloride. Scientific studies have found goldenrod to lower blood pressure and inflammation.
I thought I had the European species in my garden but when I compared it I discovered I have the Canadian species.
It is a great kidney tonic and flush, helping to clear the kidney of stones and debris, and promoting good kidney health.
Celery Seed
Why so many people hate celery, I will never know. I just love the taste of it! What`s more, celery seed from a smaller variety is included as one of the most powerful natural diuretics known to man.
If you are among those who just can`t stand it, it will come as a great relief for you to know that you can buy it in tablet and capsule form.
Celery seed is high in 3-n-Butylphthalide, the diuretic compound unique to celery seed. This very compound is what gives celery it`s strong taste while it also acts as a diuretic and a vasodilator.
A gentle reminder: These herbs are powerful and one should consult a qualified health practitioner for guidance before embarking on any self treatment using natural water pills. If you have kidney problems even all the more so.
Other know natural diuretics are –
- Agave
- Alfalfa
- Alpine Cranberry
- Althea
- Angelica
- apple cider vinegar
- Artichoke
- Asparagus
- Bean
- Bearberry
- Bedstraw
- beets
- Betony
- Birch
- Bistort
- Black Cohosh
- Blessed thistle
- Bloodroot
- Blue Cohosh
- Blue Flag
- Buchu
- Buckthorn
- Burdock root
- Buttercup
- Celadine
- Celery
- Chervil
- Chicory
- Coffee
- Cowslip
- cranberry juice
- Cucumber
- Desert Tea
- Dill
- Elder
- Elecampagne
- Elm
- Fennel
- Fraxinella
- Fumitory
- Ginger
- Goats Rue
- Goldenseal
- green tea
- Ground Ivy
- Hawthorn
- Heather
- Hedge Hyssop
- Hellebore
- Hemp Agrimony
- Hemp Nettle
- Hepatica
- Holly
- Hollyhock
- Hops
- Horehound
- Horse Chestnut
- Horseradish
- Horsetail
- Knotweed
- Leek
- Licorice root
- Linden
- Lobelia
- Lovage
- Lungwort
- Marsh Tea
- Meadowsweet
- Milkweed
- Mint
- Mistletoe
- Mouse Ear
- Mullein
- Nettle
- oats
- Onion
- Orris Root
- Pansy
- Pimpernel
- Pipsissewa
- Pitcher Plant
- Plantain
- Pleurisy Root
- Poplar Buds
- Primrose
- Quackgrass
- Radish
- Restharrow
- Safflower
- Saffron
- Sage
- Sarsaparilla
- Savory
- Skullcap
- Shepherds Purse
- Sorrel
- Speedwell
- Squaw Vine
- tomatoes
- Tarragon
- Tea
- Vervain
- Wahoo
- Watercress
- watermelon
- Willow
- Woodruff
- Yarrow
Natural diuretics may help lower your HBP. Click here for more high blood pressure herbs and how they may help.