Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHawthornDandelionHorsetailMoringaStinging NettleJuniperCelery SeedNasturtiumBlack TeaFennelParsleyAsparagus
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Hawthorn
Dandelion
Horsetail
Moringa
Stinging Nettle
Juniper
Celery Seed
Nasturtium
Black Tea
Fennel
Parsley
Asparagus
There are claims that certain changes in diet may deliver modest diuretic benefits. These include caffeine drinks, foods like asparagus, and herbs likehawthorn.Keep in mind that research doesn’t always support these claims, and the use of natural diuretics should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
1. Hawthorn
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a flowering shrub of the rose family often used in treating heart failure, high blood pressure, andhigh cholesterol.It’s been reported to have diuretic effects.However, better studies done in humans are needed to confirm the results.
Researchers have proposed that hawthorn has specific heart-protective qualities, like blocking anangiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). This decreases blood pressure.While ACE plays a role in fluid retention downstream, it is unclear how hawthorn causes a diuretic effect.
Possible side effects and drug interactions with hawthorn include:
Since hawthorn has blood-thinning properties and thus increases the risk of bleeding, caution should be taken if you are takingblood thinnersor undergoing major heart surgery.Caution also is needed if you take other medications to lower blood pressure or treaterectile dysfunction.
A Word From VerywellLimiting sodium intake is an effective way to prevent water retention. In fact, lowering sodium intake can also positively impact overall health, especially heart health. By making mindful choices and being aware of the amount of sodium in your diet, you can keep bloating at bay and improve your overall health. Next time you’re at the grocery store, take a closer look at food labels and opt for lower-sodium options whenever possible.—MELISSA NIEVES, LND, RD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Limiting sodium intake is an effective way to prevent water retention. In fact, lowering sodium intake can also positively impact overall health, especially heart health. By making mindful choices and being aware of the amount of sodium in your diet, you can keep bloating at bay and improve your overall health. Next time you’re at the grocery store, take a closer look at food labels and opt for lower-sodium options whenever possible.—MELISSA NIEVES, LND, RD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Limiting sodium intake is an effective way to prevent water retention. In fact, lowering sodium intake can also positively impact overall health, especially heart health. By making mindful choices and being aware of the amount of sodium in your diet, you can keep bloating at bay and improve your overall health. Next time you’re at the grocery store, take a closer look at food labels and opt for lower-sodium options whenever possible.
—MELISSA NIEVES, LND, RD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
2. Dandelion
Dandelion(Taraxacum officinale), a garden weed, has been used as a medicinal herb for various conditions, including infections and digestive symptoms.
Along with antioxidant and other properties, dandelion is a diuretic and increases urine production.Dandelion’s diuretic activity may be due to its high potassium content.
Dandelion extracts are available as a dietary supplement. The roots (used as substitutes for coffee or tea), leaves (used as a salad ingredient), and flowers (used to make wine and syrup) may be eaten raw or cooked.
Some researchers suggest 10 to 15 grams (g) per day as a safe amount, but there is no recommended dosage and it may vary based on whether you use roots, leaves, or flowers.Dandelion may interact with drugs that include blood thinners like Coumadin (warfarin) or blood sugar control, but more study is needed.
Dandelion and AllergiesThe FDA has placed dandelions on the list of safe products for people with rare allergies.However, if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies, it is best to avoid dandelion as you may be more likely to have allergic reactions.
Dandelion and Allergies
The FDA has placed dandelions on the list of safe products for people with rare allergies.However, if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies, it is best to avoid dandelion as you may be more likely to have allergic reactions.
The FDA has placed dandelions on the list of safe products for people with rare allergies.
However, if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies, it is best to avoid dandelion as you may be more likely to have allergic reactions.
3. Horsetail
Horsetail(Equisetum arvense) is a medicinal plant used for wound healing. Its benefits are under study for treating cancer, diabetes, and more. It is known to have diuretic properties.
If you are considering horsetail, keep the following in mind:
4. Moringa
Moringa(Moringa oleifera), known as the miracle tree or drumstick tree, is a small, nutrient-dense plant with anti-inflammatory and other properties that may include diuretic benefits.A study done in rats found that moringa had a dose-dependent diuretic effect greater than the control (normal saline) but lower than hydrochlorothiazide, a water pill.
However, further human research is needed to determine if moringa also has a diuretic effect in humans. No adverse effects were reported in human studies using whole moringa leaf powder at up to a single dose of 50 grams or in a study using 8 grams per day for 40 days.
Despite the high iron and calcium content in moringa leaves, moringa should be avoided in people who are pregnant due to its toxicity and antifertility properties.Moringa might interact with some medications, including diabetes and blood pressure drugs.
Female taking medication with water.Anderson Coelho / Getty Images
Anderson Coelho / Getty Images
5. Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle(Urtica dioicai) is a plant that has been medicinally used to treat arthritis, allergic rhinitis (runny nose), andbenign prostate hyperplasia(enlarged prostate).
More study is needed, but stinging nettle juice used in 32 people with heart and blood vessel problems increased urine output.As a diuretic, stinging nettle has been shown to help clear more toxins linked to urinary tract infections.
Some of the side effects of stinging nettle include the following:
Keep the following precautions in mind:
6. Juniper
The berries and extract of juniper (Juniperus), an evergreen aromatic shrub, have been used traditionally as a diuretic.
A study done in rats showed that juniper oil increased urine output.However, it is unclear if such a diuretic effect is observed in humans. Human studies are needed to confirm such a result.
7. Celery Seed
The diuretic effect ofcelery seed(Apium graveolens) is due to one of the active components of celery called NBP (3‐n‐butylphthalide), which decreases blood pressure.Besides the seed, celery root has been suggested to have a diuretic effect.
Side effects of NBP in celery seed can include:
Celery seeds should be avoided if you:
Celery seeds may interact with other medications. Consult your healthcare provider before adding celery seeds to your diet.
8. Nasturtium
Nasturtium, also known aswatercress, is a leafy vegetable belonging to theBrassicaceaefamily that grows in or around water. It is used as a diuretic in traditional medicine.Still, human studies are lacking despite the purported traditional use of watercress as a diuretic.
Use caution with nasturtium if you:
9. Black Tea
Black tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. Thecatechin(a type of antioxidant) and caffeine content in black tea are thought to contribute to its diuretic activity. Other teas, including green tea, hibiscus tea, lemongrass, and Japanese Tochu-cha, also may have potential as diuretics.
Because black tea contains caffeine, it is advised not to drink more than 4 cups of black tea daily due to side effects, such as headaches and irregular heartbeat.Keep the following precautions in mind:
Drug interactions can occur with some asthma medications, blood thinners, andmonoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)used to treat depression.Certain drugs, including birth control pills, also can increase the intensity of side effects.
Black Tea and TanninsBlack tea contains a chemical compound called tannins, which can reduce iron absorption from the gut. Therefore, it is best to drink black tea between meals rather than with meals.
Black Tea and Tannins
Black tea contains a chemical compound called tannins, which can reduce iron absorption from the gut. Therefore, it is best to drink black tea between meals rather than with meals.
10. Fennel
11. Parsley
Parsleyis frequently added to dishes to enhance recipes or as a decorative feature. However, it has also been used as a supplement for its diuretic effects.
A study performed in rats showed that parsley (Petroselinum crispum) increased urine volume without losing potassium and may help with kidney stones. The diuretic activity of parsley is attributed to the plant compounds called flavonoids, saponins, and organic acids.
The FDA recognizes parsley as generally safe to eat.Caution should be taken if you are allergic to carrot, celery, and fennel due to the risk of cross-reactivity.
Parsley in high medicinal doses should be avoided during pregnancy.It also has other properties, including anticoagulant effects, that may lead to drug interactions with certain medications.
12. Asparagus
Althoughasparagus(Asparagus officinalis), a spear-like vegetable, has been shown to have a diuretic effect and has been traditionally used for urinary problems, clinical evidence is lacking.Further clinical studies beyond the traditional medicinal use of asparagus are needed.
Because asparagus contains some vitamin K, caution should be taken if you take a blood thinner such as warfarin.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Summary
Some herbs and foods are touted for their benefits as diuretic agents. However, human clinical studies are lacking, with research being limited to animal studies and traditional medicinal uses.
Due to the risk of electrolyte imbalance, allergic reactions, drug-herb interactions (especially with blood thinners), and pregnancy complication, please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any natural diuretic herbal supplements or foods.
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