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Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.
Diuretics are herbs and foods that increase diuresis. Every herb introduces a phytochemical that your body wants to clear, so most herbs have some diuretic quality to them. This is important to remember - just because an herb is listed as a diuretic, doesn't mean it is a strong diuretic.
Diuretics have the following benefits:
Reduces water retention
By reducing blood volume, lowers blood pressure and decongests the circulatory system.
Eliminates toxins.
Cleans the urinary tract, preventing bacterial build-up in the urethra.
Generally, take diuretics with a glass of water unless you are trying to reduce water retention. Diuretics are contraindicated in fluid deficiency, common in Vata.
Herbal diuretics tend not to have the side effects of pharmaceutical diuretics. For example, Thiazide (a diuretic pharmaceutical) can cause cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and electrolyte imbalance. Herbs often supply, rather than deplete Potassium, magensium and other vital minerals.
Urine production (diuresis) is affected by:
Blood congestion - Thick, viscous blood that circulates poorly will lead to water retention.
Kidney perfusion - The amount of blood circulating through the kidneys. When perfusion is low, the sodium sensors are under-stimulated, causing the kidneys to retain water. This can be secondary to congestive heart failure, diabetes.
Ama - The amount of waste products that need to be cleared / eliminated from the body
Minerals - The concentration of various minerals, including salt, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Salt increases water retention while potassium decreases it.
Osmotic Pressure - High triglycerides, sugar or sodium lowers osmotic pressure, making it difficult to extract water and form urine.
Hydration - The amount of water your body can afford to release.
Kidney damage / failure - Diabetes, High Blood Pressure
Obstructions - Kidney stones, Inflammation of urinary tissues, Prostate enlargement.
Pharmaceuticals - Anticholinergics, some antibiotics
Emergency causes - Blood loss, severe infection, shock
There are several types of diuretics:
Pungent, Dry, Irritant diuretics - Herbs high in volatile oils stimulate kidney to eliminate offending substances. E.g. Juniper, celery seed, fennel seed, horseradish, garlic, onion. Saponin diuretics are irritant diuretics that also bind to endotoxins, helping removal of ama.
Stimulant diuretics - Methylxanthine herbs (coffee, tea, caffeine) decrease reabsorption of sodium and chloride, increasing urinary output. They are best for short term use only. Flavonoids more gently increase sodium excretion.
Perfusion diuretics - Poor circulation (perfusion) of blood to the kidneys reduces diuresis. Blood movers increase the amount of sodium reaching sensor cells in Kidney, and stimulate sodium excretion. Vata tends to have thin fluids with high perfusion, and may excrete more fluids and sodium. Kapha individuals have thick fluids and lower perfusion, resulting in water retention. Ex: Angelica, Ginkgo, Manjistha.
Osmotic diuretics - Large, gummy demulcent molecules that are too large for reabsorption in the kidney prevent reabsorption of water as well. Examples: Marshmallow root (althea officinalis). Mucilagenous diuretics are helpful when irritant or stimulant diuretics would increase discomfort and kidney pain. They also provide soothing relief to urinary tract epithelium.
Mineral tonic diuretics - These supply minerals to the Kidney, making it easier for the Kidney to excrete wastes while maintaining electrolyte balance. E.g. Horsetail (Equisetum), Nettles (Urtica dioica), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), and Parsley (Petroselinum spp). (Source: Stanbury)
Saluretics - These diuretics disturb the sodium/potassium pump increasing the elimination of sodium and water (Dandelion, Goldenrod).
Compare with diaphoretics, which release water via sweat. And, with laxatives, that release fluids via the bowels.
Contraindications
Dryness
Cardiac arrhythmia due to electrolyte imbalances
Herb Drug Interaction Risk
Diuretics may clear pharmaceutical drugs more quickly, lowering the effect.
Sattvic foods promote awareness and a refreshed mind by nourishing the body without taxing digestion. Sattvic foods do not stimulate desire or nervous energy. They create clarity instead of drowsiness or heaviness.
Ojas is the essence of healthy tissue, immunity, stable energy and happiness. Substances that improve ojas are recommended after long-term illness, debility, emotional and physical trauma, and even sadness.
Rajasic foods stimulate desire or nervous energy. Red meat, high protein food, garlic and onions stimulate desire. Rajasic foods include chili peppers, coffee, and anything that stimulates movement.
Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.
An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.
In Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.
Bland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.
Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.
Geriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.
Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.
An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.
Ojas is the essence of healthy tissue, immunity, stable energy and happiness. Substances that improve ojas are recommended after long-term illness, debility, emotional and physical trauma, and even sadness.
Sattvic foods promote awareness and a refreshed mind by nourishing the body without taxing digestion. Sattvic foods do not stimulate desire or nervous energy. They create clarity instead of drowsiness or heaviness.
Rajasic foods stimulate desire or nervous energy. Red meat, high protein food, garlic and onions stimulate desire. Rajasic foods include chili peppers, coffee, and anything that stimulates movement.
In Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.
Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.
Bland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.
Geriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.
John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a
healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics.
His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful.
John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda,
offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.
John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel,
as well as public service work in South Asia.
John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem.
His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion.
John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing.
In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.
John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots,
and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church.
Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick.
That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well.
Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any
disease.
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