Edema
and fluid retention
While
this can occur for a variety of reasons (hormonal, kidney-related,
high sodium intake, stress to name a few), the most concerning cause
for edema (the buildup of fluid in the feet and legs, peritoneal
cavity, lungs, or other areas) is a failure of the heart to adequately
pump fluids out of the body. Congestive heart failure can therefore
be implicated, and an enlarged heart suspected.
Treatment Goal(s):
· Increase cardiovascular efficiency and stimulate diuresis.
.
Primary Treatment:.
· Crategus oxyacanths (Hawthorn) at doses of 1 tsp. 2-3 times
daily should be the cornerstone of treatment.
· Administer a tea of Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) leaf
as a diuretic.
Supportive Treatment:
· Exercise and movement will help both the cardiovascular
and lymphatic systems circulate and eliminate more fluid.
· Administer and extract of Melilotus officinalis (Sweet
Yellow clover) to help remove excess fluid (Trifolium pretense,
Red clover, can also help).
Differential
diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· A medical doctor should be consulted if the edema persists
or worsens over time, or if respiratory symptoms develop.
· If heart failure is suspected or diagnosed, treatment can
begin with tincture of Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)
before stronger alternatives such as Digitalis. Administer the tincture
in 10-drop doses twice daily and monitor results.
