Edema Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Edema is swelling or puffiness of tissues due to fluid retention. It is an obvious physical symptom of a number of disorders including kidney disease, heart failure, and cirrhosis of the liver. Edema may also occur as a result of injury (where the injured blood vessels are made more water-permeable) and changes in hormonal levels (before menstruation, during pregnancy, or through the use of oral contraceptives).

Symptoms
• edema may be accompanied by weight gain and breathing difficulties

TREATMENT 

Ayurveda 
Hollyhock is a diuretic, and may help ease the condition.

Chinese Herbalism 
The problem is thought to be due to excess water and Kidney Deficiency; useful herbs for treatment include ginseng, water plantain, poria, cinnamon twigs, and ephedra. Wu Ling San pills tonify the spleen to move water and resolve edema, particularly edema of the lower abdomen. Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan tonifies the Kidney Yang to resolve edema, particularly of the lower legs. In practice, the latter two may be applicable in any particular case.

Traditional Home and Folk Remedies 
Evening primrose oil, taken in capsule form daily, can help to prevent water retention. Swelling can be relieved by eating plenty of fresh apples. Celery is also a good diuretic, and acts on the kidneys to encourage their action. Eat fresh grapes to prevent bloating.

Herbalism 
Yarrow, dandelion, and uva ursi are natural diuretics, and they can be drunk three times daily, as required.

Aromatherapy 
Essential oils of rosemary, lavender, and geranium will help to reduce bloating and discourage depression. Rub a little cedarwood, fennel, rosemary, or sandalwood oils, blended in a light carrier oil, into the areas most affected, or in a whole body massage to have an overall diuretic effect. 

Homeopathy
Arsenicum, when the feet and ankles are swollen, and you feel restless and chilly. Apis, for swelling accompanying inf lammation, with stinging pains that become worse in heat. Nat. mur., for swelling in hot weather or in hot rooms.