It mainly happens in the feet, ankles and legs because it is the most affected part due to gravity which is also known as
peripheral edema which affects your face and hands too.
There are two kinds of enema pitting edema and non-pitting edema. Pitting edema causes an indentation when you press your
fingers on the swollen areas; non- pitting edema leaves no indentation. Women are more susceptible to this kind of condition
in comparison to men.
It can be caused if you are sitting in one place for a long time and pressuring your legs. Consuming too much sodium further
increases the problem. The water is retained due to diseases like congestive heart failure and hypertension. This overloading
of the fluid makes the heart work more than its usual share.
Foot edema is a condition in which the body collects an abnormal amount of fluid in the tissues, which causes swelling
and puffiness of the organ.
The edema usually appears in the ankles, feet, and legs.
The excess water retention is caused by standing for too long, menstruation, pregnancy, hormone levels, obesity, older
age, injury, and more.
How to Cure Foot Edema with Natural Treatments
* Put cabbage leafs on the feet (very good for pregnant women).
* Foot edema home remedy: Boil corncob hairs in 2 cups of water, drink during the day.
* Eat cooked rice daily.
* Put cucumbers strips on the foot, put potato slices on the cucumbers and bandage.
Elevation. Hold the swollen part of your body above the level of your heart for at least 30 minutes, three or four times
a day. In some cases, elevating the affected body part while you sleep may be helpful.
Massage. Stroking the affected area toward your heart using firm, but not painful, pressure may help move the excess fluid
out of that area.
Compression. If one of your limbs is affected by edema, your doctor may recommend you wear compression stockings, sleeves
or gloves. These garments keep pressure on your limbs to prevent fluid from collecting in the tissue.
Reduce salt. Follow your doctor's suggestions about limiting how much salt you consume.
Avoid temperature extremes. Sudden temperature changes, very hot and very cold temperatures can make edema worse. Avoid
hot baths, showers, hot tubs and saunas. Protect yourself from sunburn. Dress warmly when going out in cold temperatures and
take precautions to protect yourself from frostbite.
Use mustard oil
Mustard oil is an effective home remedy for edema. Take some warm mustard oil and rub it on the affected areas. Soak 2
teaspoons of mustard seeds in water and apply the solution to the affected areas. Apple cider vinegar helps to remove excess
fluid in the body cells and cavities.
Eat low carbohydrate diet
Salt causes body to retain water, so avoid salty food. Eat food that has low carbohydrate in it, because carbohydrate
has more water content. Eat protein and fat rich food. Avoid fruits and vegetables because they increase the fluid level in
the body. Eat low-sodium diet because medicines will be ineffective if you eat high-sodium diet.
* This home remedy is very good for pregnant ladies. You can introduce flax seeds in your daily diet. Grind and store
these seeds and use it daily with any of your meals.
* A good diet combined with equal amount of exercise can make things very easy for you. Include cucumber and watermelon
in your daily diet for good dose of potassium.
* Swimming is the best thing to do during such times.
* Drink good amount of water as water helps in diluting the excess salt, which makes the removal of the salt much
easier which leads to prevention of edema.
* Keep sipping herbal tea at least three times a day, this too acts in the similar fashion like water - dilution.
* Whenever you get time keep your feet elevated as one of the common reasons for water retention is gravity.
Diuretic herbs can also help relieve edema. One of the best herbs for this purpose is dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum),
since, in addition to its diuretic action, it is a rich source of potassium. (Diuretics flush potassium from the body, and
it must be replaced to avoid potassium deficiency.)
Apple cider vinegar is also said to be good for edema. It removes excess fluid in the body cells and cavities. It is also
one of the good home remedies for edema.
One can have protein and fat rich food.
Eat food which has low carbohydrate. Carbohydrate has more water contents and also has tendency to retain the fluid in
the body.
Roughage or fiber diet may cause more retention of the fluid. Vegetables and fruits also increase the fluid level in the
body.
Try to include physical activities. This helps you getting rid of excessive fluid in the body cavities and cells.
Some Ayurvedic drug like ‘Punarnava’ which has good diuretic property that also helps reducing the
edema.
Barely water is good for edema especially for edema associated with pregnancy. It is an effective home remedy for edema.
You can also boil few tbsp of coriander seeds in two cups of water medium heat. Continue this on fire till it becomes
half in quantity. This is very good for edema. Consume the whole at a time. This is one of the best home remedies for edema.
Some stimulant drinks such as coffee and alcohol is to be avoided. This worsens the case of edema.
Well balanced diet with food including all the nutrition is beneficial for edema.
In pregnancy related edema, you can keep your feet under the running cold water for 15 minutes before resting. This will
provide relief from edema.
Excess water intake is also one of the possible trigger factors for edema. Restrict your water intake for couple of days
till the edema subsides.
Edema could be dangerous. It is not the disease itself, but it is a symptom which shows that your body is not functioning
well. Try to look out for underlying causative factor. Failure of kidney or failure of heart may also produce edema on the
body. Take edema seriously and if it is not subsiding within couple of days, kindly consult doctor.
Homeopathic Remedies for Edema:
Apis mellifica: 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 carbonica: A person who develops swelling in the lower extremities, especially around the knees, may need this
remedy. Symptoms can be worse from sitting, unless the legs are supported. A person needing this remedy may tend 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).
Bovista: Puffiness can be seen in various parts of the body when this remedy is needed. The person may feel awkward and
even drop things because the hands feel weak or numb. Bovista is often helpful to women with water-retention around the time
of the menstrual period, especially if diarrhea also occurs.
Ferrum metallicum: This remedy may be indicated if swelling in the extremities comes on after fluid loss (heavy sweating,
loss of blood, etc.). 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 build, 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 (cracks behind the ears, on the fingertips, etc.). Pain in the lower back and trouble becoming
alert after waking in the morning are other indications for Graphites.
Kali carbonicum: A “baglike” 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 brings
some improvement.
Ledum palustre: 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 muriaticum: 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.
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise
directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use
are usually printed on the label.
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