Edema

Edema is caused by having an excess of body water that tends to gravitate in dependent parts of the body especially the feet and legs.

The main causes of edema include kidney function impairment, congestive heart failure, and below normal protein content of the blood.

Poor venous return is also a culprit because the veins together with the lymphatic system are the ones that drain tissue fluid and blood from a particular body part or organ.

If a person has varicose veins and is always in a standing position for long periods of time, then edema can form.

Conversely, there are some filariform infections in certain parts of the world that invade the lymphatic system and eventually block the drainage of lymphatic fluid from the lower extremities.

This leads to severe edema and what we commonly call elephantiasis where one or both legs become severely deformed due to prolonged edema caused by poor lymphatic drainage.

Edema is mainly a sign of a prevailing condition and will go away when that prevailing condition is cured.

Nonetheless, there are several home remedies you can do to get rid of edema.

Natural Cures for Edema:

Elevate both Feet:

This is a simple but effective home remedy for getting rid of edema.

When you are lying down in bed, put a pillow or two underneath your feet.

This will facilitate drainage of the edema fluid from your feet and back into the circulation. For this to be completely effective, make sure that your feet are higher than your heart.

Blumea Camphora Tea:

The leaves of blumea camphora or blumea balsamifera are used as a very effective diuretic and a natural cure for edema.

Boil the leaves in a glass or earthen pot just like tea and drink 1-2 cups 3-4 times daily.

Diuretics increase the amount of urine formed by the body so you urinate frequently and in increasing volumes.

The excess water and sodium is expelled from the body by way of the kidneys and facilitates resolution of the edema.

Anti-Edema Stockings:

These are available in most pharmacies and come in different forms and sizes ranging from short leggings to trouser-like the concept remains the same, though.

Anti-edema stockings are tight-fitting garments that prevent and minimize edema formation for those with a high risk of edema formation.

Aside from preventing edema it is also used to prevent deep-vein thrombosis in bed-ridden or post-operative patients.

Exercise:

Aside from being good for your over-all health and well-being, exercise is a natural cure for heart problems and the regular muscle contractions, especially of your lower extremities, helps move venous blood and lymphatic fluid back into circulation.