Edema (Dropsy)
Edema, or dropsy as it is sometimes known, is
swelling due to an infiltration of fluid into the
tissues. If it occurs in one specific area, it can cause
the nearby skin to become taut and shiny, and
the muscles become achy. A noticeable weight
gain of several pounds can occur. Edema is most
common around the feet and ankles, however
bloating from fluid retention usually affects the
whole body.
There are hundreds of predisposing factors that
can cause edema. It is quite normal for edema to
develop after an injury, inflammation or
allergies. The ankle-swelling, bloating and weight
gain symptoms of edema during PMS are the
result of hormonal imbalances, which can also
occur when taking the birth control pill. During
late pregnancy, fluid retention and high blood
pressure are dangerous signs of pre-eclampsia, a
serious condition that eventually results in
convulsions if left untreated.
Certain high blood pressure medications
(beta-adrenergic blockers) can cause edema, as can
protein deficiency or imbalance, varicose veins,
obesity, liver disease,
thyroid disease, adrenal
problems, various forms of heart disease, pancreatitis and kidney disorders.
Feet and ankle swelling are often caused by a
weak venous system that has been overburdened
from standing or even sitting for too long. Tissues
are more likely to swell in the heat.
Water logging which develops in the legs and
ankles at the end of the day and disappears by
morning could be a sign of heart disease.
Persistent edema, which begins with puffiness in
the eyelids and face, can be the result of water
retention due to kidney disease. Although puffy
lids are often linked to kidney problems, many
persons have a tendency for swollen lids,
especially in the morning upon waking, without any
signs of illness. In cases of malnutrition or liver
cirrhosis, a severe lack of protein causes edema in
the abdomen. Protein is necessary to hold water in the bloodstream, among its
many other functions.
A significant number of people suffering from edema of unknown origin have
hidden or delayed food allergies. Many women
are put on diuretics for years to control their tendency for fluid retention.
Weight fluctuations are very often associated with fluid retention problems and
are usually indicators of unsuspected food allergies. Changing the diet to avoid
or rotate the allergic foods causes the elimination of the fluid excess and may
significantly help those with chronic weight control problems. Dairy products,
wheat and other grains are the most common offenders, but any food can produce
fluid retention in susceptible individuals.
Supplements and herbs
Edema due to heart or kidney problems
should be examined. Water retention
is often caused by retaining too much sodium, which can be compensated
by increasing calcium and
magnesium intake.
Vitamin B6 is effective in ridding
the tissues of water, especially if caused by PMS. Take a B6 supplement with a
vitamin B complex for ten
days to two weeks before the period to prevent imbalances.
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids helps stabilize
the cell walls if sluggish lymphatic vessels or
veins are at fault. Vitamin C also assists the
adrenals in controlling body fluids.
To promote urination and circulation and to
alleviate water retention, take herbal remedies.
- Common melilot stimulates lymph
circulation. Apply as salve or use in herbal pillow on
swollen areas.
- Juniper berries stimulate kidney activity,
increasing water elimination. Chew 5 dried
juniper berries the first day, 6 on the second
day and so on to the eleventh day totaling 15
berries, then take one berry less every day until
the twenty-second day, when you are down to
5 berries again. Do not take juniper berries
with kidney inflammation.
- Drink teas and juices of diuretic herbs to
promote urination, such as horsetail,
parsley,
yarrow, stinging nettle, birch leaves and
watercress. For tea, add 1 tsp. of herbs to 1 cup of
boiling water or take 1 tbsp. of juice daily.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies may be used when the
cause is obviously minor, but any extreme or
long-lasting edema should have a physician's attention and
diagnosis.
- Apis
This remedy may be indicated when puffy swelling
develops below the eyes or in the extremities. The area
can feel tight and numb, or tender with stinging
sensations. Cold soaks and cold applications help, while
warmth and touch can make things worse. A person
who needs this remedy typically has low thirst,
dislikes interference, and feels irritable.
- Calcarea carb.
A person who develops swelling in the lower
extremities, especially around the knees, may be helped with
this remedy. Symptoms can be worse from sitting,
unless the legs are supported. The person may have a
tendency toward weight problems, get tired easily,
and feel worse from exertion. Hands and feet are
often cold and clammy (although the feet may heat up
at night).
- Ferrum met.
This remedy may be indicated if swelling in the
extremities comes on after fluid loss (such as heavy
sweating or loss of blood). Things may improve with
walking slowly or other gentle motion. People
needing this remedy tend to feel tired and be anemic,
although they may look robust to others-being
sturdily built, with a face that flushes easily.
- Graphites
This remedy may be indicated if swelling of the lower
extremities develops in a person who is stout and has
a tendency toward skin problems (such as cracks
behind the ears or on the fingertips). Pain in the lower
back and trouble becoming alert after waking in the
morning are other indications for Graphites.
- Kali carb.
A "bag-like" swelling above the eyes is a strong
indication for this remedy. Sensitive soles of the feet and
swelling in the lower extremities (only one foot, at
times} may also be seen. Gently moving around may
bring improvement.
- Ledum
This remedy may be indicated if the ankles and soles
of the feet are swollen and tender. The problems are
worse from being warm, and cold soaks and cold
applications bring relief. Ledum is most often used for
injuries (sprains, black eyes, or puncture
wounds) and
insect bites, when swelling is relieved by cold.
- Lycopodium
If swelling is seen in a person inclined toward
abdominal bloating and digestive problems, this remedy may
be helpful. Numbness or heaviness in the extremities,
and a feeling of one foot being warm and the other
cold are other indications. Problems may be worse in
the late afternoon and evening. Cravings for sweets
and warm drinks, and an inner lack of confidence, are
often seen in people needing Lycopodium.
- Natrum mur.
If swelling occurs around the eyes because of allergy,
or if a person develops swollen extremities after sun
exposure, this remedy may be needed. An emotional
nature with an outer appearance of reserve, a craving
for salt, marked thirst, and a tendency to feel tired or
ill from being in the sun are other indications for Natrum muriaticum.
- Pulsatilla
Swelling that involves the knees, ankles, feet, or hands
and is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness or weariness suggests the use of this remedy-especially if it
occurs premenstrually or after overindulging in rich
foods. Problems are worse when the extremities are
hanging down, worse from warmth, and improved by
gentle motion. A person needing this remedy will
often be changeable, emotional, and moody-with
low thirst and a tendency to feel better in fresh air.
What else you can do
- Daily exercise, diaphragmatic breathing,
stretching and walking in fresh air are
beneficial for stimulating the flow of lymph and
eliminating toxins.
- Massages and lymph drainage are
recommended.
- Hot and cold hydrotherapy increases
circulation. Salt packs, dry or moist, applied to
swollen ankles or other affected areas, will
draw out water from the tissues.
- For badly swollen ankles, elevate legs every
hour for a few minutes or twice daily for half an
hour.
How much to take
- Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 3,000 mg
- Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate, 50 mg,
with a vitamin B complex, 50 mg of each
- Calcium, 1,200 mg
- Magnesium, 500 mg
- Vitamin A, 10,000 IU
(avoid during pregnancy)
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