Diuretics are drugs that increase the amount of urine produced in order to expel excess amounts of water in the body. Also sometimes referred to as water pills, diuretics are commonly given to deal with hypertension (high blood pressure) and edema. Some people also take diuretics to shed off water weight. Aside from pills sold at pharmacies, certain herbal teas are scientifically-proven to work as diuretics, too.
Provided that they are taken according to the recommendations of a doctor, diuretics are usually tolerated very well. But this does not mean that they do not come without side effects. Dizziness, headaches, thirst, muscle cramps, increased blood sugar, decreased sodium levels, and excessive or too little potassium in the blood are some of them. In rare cases, the intake of diuretics may also cause irregular heartbeats and kidney failure.
So whether your goal is to keep high blood pressure, edema or excess pounds in check, it’s of utmost importance for you to take diuretics with caution. This is especially true if your doctor did not actually recommend their intake. But if you want to get rid of excess amounts of water in the body through increased urination, then consider taking certain herbal teas that are known to have diuretic properties, but are virtually harmless.
Dandelion Tea
Because of its diuretic properties, dandelion tea is commonly recommended by traditional healers for lowering the blood pressure as well as accelerating the removal of toxins in the bloodstream. Actually, dandelion tea is also usually employed for dealing with heartburn, indigestion and a weakened immune system.
Horsetail Tea
According to scientific investigations, horsetail tea is just as effective as diuretics that a doctor prescribes. However, what’s so nice about this herbal drink is it causes lesser side effects. Since it may still cause some side effects, though milder, it’s a good idea to use horsetail tea under the direct supervision of a doctor or certified herbalist.
Parsley Tea
Numerous people swear by the effectiveness of drinking parsley tea in increasing the amount of pee. It doesn’t come as a surprise because parsley tea actually has excellent diuretic properties. So whether you want to ward off high blood pressure or unwanted water weight, consider having a cup of parsley tea.
Stinging Nettle Tea
Another tea that is well-known to help drive excess amounts of water out of the body is stinging nettle tea. The truth is it is a very common traditional remedy for a urinary tract infection or UTI. However, it’s not a good idea to take stinging nettle tea in high amounts because it is known to cause stomach upset, so take it in moderation only.
Chamomile Tea
It’s no secret that chamomile tea is a mild and an effective remedy for anxiety and insomnia. Did you know that it’s something that also helps keep you from being bloated? It’s for the fact that chamomile tea possesses mild diuretic properties. Because it is so gentle, you don’t have to worry much about side effects.
Hibiscus Tea
Another very mild diuretic herbal beverage is hibiscus tea, and it comes with a lovely color and refreshing taste, too! If you are having a hard time fitting in a pair of tight pants, you may give a cup of hibiscus tea a try. By the way, hibiscus tea is also known to help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
CAUTION: Especially if your doctor has prescribed you with diuretics, it’s not a good idea to discontinue taking them and opt instead for the above mentioned herbal teas with diuretic properties. Just like when considering taking any herbal tea for therapeutic purposes, always let your doctor know about it beforehand. This is most especially true if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or diagnosed with a medical condition.
Feel free to share this article on social media to let everyone know that certain herbal teas work just like diuretics in flushing excess amounts of water out of the body through the kidneys.
