The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Lemon
Posted by Rita (Cleveland, Ohio) on 06/16/2011
★★★★★
Hello to everyone with the problem of swelling in the leg, ankel, and feet. I drink hot lemon aid (no sugar) twice a week. Squeeze the juice from a real lemon half cup of water heat and drink 2/3 time a week (real lemon juice is a natural diaretic) I learned this a a weight clinic and it really works!!!
Vitamin B Complex
Posted by Susan (Townsville, Queensland) on 04/08/2009
★★★★★
Vitamin B Complex: Recently went on an overseas air flight. The 1st leg of the journey was 7 hours, my feet and ankles were extremely swollen on landing. But during the 2nd leg, 12 hours, I was lucky to find spare seats and lay down to sleep, so I had minimal problems on landing. 4 weeks later, on the return 12 hour flight, I had to sit the whole time, but I made sure to get up and walk every half hour or so. On landing, I had swelling again, but this time with an ugly red rash up the inside of both shins. 3 days of extensive walking and sight seeing only made the rash darker, although the swelling did subside. But of course it returned after the 7 hour flight home. I read at home that night that Vitamin B might help with Edema - fluid retention. I took 2 "Mega B" capsules, and the next morning, the swelling was gone, and the rash had completely disappeared, there not a trace of it, yet it had been an extremely dark, solid, red mass with slight itchy bumps, running 2/3rd's up the length of each shin. I only wish that I had known this before the trip, I would have taken a bottle of Vitamin B with me. I now take Vitamin B each day, and have noticed that my feet are no longer puffy in the mornings .. a problem that has occurred every now and then since my last pregnancy 11 years ago. Thanks for a truly informative site.
Distilled Water
Posted by Arlene Marie (Jekyll Island, Ga) on 06/13/2014
Distilled water removes only the inorganic minerals from your body which can cause all sorts of problems especially joint pain. DW will not remove any organic minerals. Do the research.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Oil Pulling
Posted by Gloria (Weslaco, Tx) on 12/19/2007
★★★★★
I am a 53 yr. woman that has been using ACV and oil pulling for about two months now. One of my problems had been swelling of my ankles wrists, & lymph nodes. Since I have been oil pulling, and using ACV the swelling has decreased alot even when I sit long periods of time. One thing that happened while I was taking blkstrap molasses 1 tbs. a.m. and one before bedtime. I gained weight because of the rich vitamins so I cut down to just 1 tbs. before bed. Oh! and the spider veins are fading around my ankles and legs.
Serrapeptase
Posted by Red (Neck) (Goodlettsville, Tn.) on 03/23/2018
★★★★★
For Edema, I have done many things but Serrapeptase seems to work the best as Edema's cause would be an enlarging heart caused by the interior wall of the heart thickening and stiffening due to "critter" infestations causing scar tissue to form in that part of the heart.
Also inositol and D-Ribose helps lots. Also, if the O2 levels in the blood are low the heart will attempt to compensate by pumping harder and frequently the lungs are the source of the problem as the crud we breathe plugs up and scars the lungs thus reducing the O2 uptake by the blood.
For toxic moments in life, Burdock Root or Milk Thistle helps the liver clean out the "remains of the dead critters" and clean water is very helpful too.
Cream of Tartar
Posted by Bo (Pdx) on 08/17/2013 10 posts
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Update:
One night when the leg cramps & electrical nerves were very bad & we were out of bananas, I did actually get brave/despearate enough to just sample- with the tip of my pinky finger- a taste of Cream of Tartar. My sample was Less than 1/16th tsp...
Within minutes I began suffering the classic effects of Extreme Hypotension, bordering on medical Shock. it was a terrifying experience & I believe I came close to dying that night. I thank the Creator that just before I came to the point of passing out, a sudden small thought entered my swimming conciousness- "take Sea Salt NOW", and immediately I did, and sat on the floor, and in short time began to feel my pounding heart slow a bit and become more steady, and my veins stopped throbbing and I became less dizzy and faint, and was able to go back to bed (still wondering if I would wake in the morning)
This is a Very Extreme Reaction- and I believe Uncommon Side Effect- BUT I want to state that I believe this occured because I am allready a Clinical Hypotensive with chronically dilated veins. Cream of Tartar is a powerful VASODILATOR which is why it is so effective to reduce blood pressure, but as such is extremely dangerous to people who allready live with Chronic LOW Blood Pressure due to naturally dilated veins. We who have Low BP from large veins should stay far away from all Vasodilators, whether chemical OR Food-Sourced, it doesn't matter- we have no margin for error. Vasodilators in an allready dilated cardiovascular system can trigger medical shock and potentially kill.
Limiting Carbohydrates
Posted by Albularyo (Chatham, Ontario Canada) on 05/13/2013
★★★★★
Ankle swelling can be sign of glucose intolerance. Replacing carbohydrates with proteines and fat can reduce the edema dramatically. To find out whether you are Glucose intolerant, avoid eating anything requiring Insulin to digest for a couple of days. I.E., instead have a nice meat dish accompanied by a Greek style salad of various raw greens, mixed with tomatoes, topped with crumbled Feta cheese and sliced hard boiled egg, and plenty of Balsamic Vinegar and an equal amount of olive oil for energy. If the edema does not go down dramatically within those 2 days, discount Glucose intolerance as a cause.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 04/27/2013 2042 posts
Also, there is another dietary problem at work here, the severe lack of the micro-mineral Chromium. Chromium deficiency causes an Insulin insensitivity. The cells are trying to incorporate the Insulin so they can burn glucose, BUT the absence of Chromium won't allow this otherwise simple function. I don't know how, but the spice Cinnamon also very much helps the body burn sugars.
The amino acid Taurine helps cells utilize minerals (opens the ion gates).
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by J.j. (Private, California Usa) on 11/16/2009
★★★★★
It worked to heal me of my swollen and sore feet. One especially stayed swollen, and I had this problem for two years. After trying apple cider vinegar it was gone within 3 days. I have to stay on the acv,which is fine with me. With it I have not needed anti-inflammatories, and get better relief. I take 3-4 tbs every 3-4 hours when awake, for best results. Eventually I expect less will suffice. Everything is better, I have a great deal more energy, and I just feel better.
Cream of Tartar
Posted by Hh ( Dc) on 10/24/2015
★★★★★
Thank you for sharing.
I have been taking Lasix (furosimide?) and daily potassium supplements for many years for my valve leakage, and gradually I started retaining more and more fluid. Cloth still fit, just that the scale shows numbers that pop my eyes wide. Tried so many things...none worked.
So I tried 1/4 tsp of cream of tartar with glass of water and was amazed by how fast it worked.
Then went and read more , and learned that's it may not be good if taking potassium sparing drugs. (my meds were non-potassum sparing) Optimistic by the result started taking 1/2 tsp with glass of water daily.
I must say, I feel good, I've lost 10+ lbs of fluid over a couple of months. Plan to adjust/reduce to 1/4 tsp once I reach my optimum weight and see how it goes.
Calcium and Magnesium
Posted by Cam (Edmond, Ok) on 06/11/2017
Just a heads up, the calcium to magnesium ratio should be as close to 1:1, as possible.
Raw Food Diet
Posted by Rawjulie (Pine Mountain Club, Ca, Usa) on 06/13/2010
★★★★★
Raw Foods cured my pregnancy-induced edema
I ate mostly oranges, fresh-squeezed orange juice, watermelon, and green juice (kale, carrots, dandelion greens, beets).
My ankles and feet were extremely swollen, propping my legs up helped temporarily, but it didn't last. After being 100% raw for 3-4 days the swelling had gone away completely. I eat a healthy diet normally, but eating all fresh foods and mainly fruit was what made the difference.
Asparagus or Vtamin B6
Posted by Jgmurphy (Skokie, Il) on 12/15/2009
★★★★★
Edema: A wonderful natural diuretic is asparagus. Some have also had good results with vitamin B-6.
Distilled Water
Posted by Stephanie (Los Angeles, Ca) on 11/27/2013
★★★★★
Distilled water has been very helpful for me. I started using it June 1 2013 see a huge difference in my health, joint pain and well being.
Distilled Water
Posted by Robert Henry (St George Isl., Fl.) on 09/12/2014
HI U NO DRUGS, , , , , , , , , , , , because you don't understand, does not mean it is not so. Pure water is a very strong solvent and because of what is known as hydrogen bonding it has an affinity for minerals to satisfy this ionic charge.
Like in paper mills, most industry uses steam in the process. A small amount of steam condenses in these pipelines and the water is called condensate and it is pure or distilled water. To remove, the steam line will have a line going down to a trap which removes this hot distilled water which then falls on concrete. After awhile, this distilled water will absorb the calcium ( or mineral) and a hole in the concrete will occur.
This phenomena also takes place in your body when you drink distilled water. Folks also don't appreciate that a double osmosis filter in your home will do the same thing.
Back in the ridges of Tennessee we use an alkaline water ionizer which doubles the amount of minerals that are normally in the water. We want the added minerals and the ionized structured water.
I hope this has shed some light as to why distilled water removes minerals from your body.
=====OLE ROBERT HENRY=======
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kelly (Seattle) on 04/24/2021
The actual reason ACV works is because it constricts blood vessels, so it helps with venous insufficiency and varicose veins, which are major causes of edema.
Onion-Milk Remedy
Posted by Cindy (Illinois, USA) on 10/24/2024 533 posts
This is very interesting - I wonder if it's the basis of my grandmother's old Irish Cure-all - potato soup - which actually uses equal parts potato and onion and lots of them. She used the potato mashed up in its cooking water as the base, rather than milk, but, of course, it also contains a lot of butter and was topped off with a lot of black pepper, when they had it - brilliant!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by RB (Somewhere in Europe) on 01/23/2024 85 posts
★☆☆☆☆
In my experience, ACV is not an edema remedy, but one of the many reasons why edemas occur in the first place. I keep noticing that, every time I add ACV to my drinking water, I subsequently develop an edema in my ankles and lower legs.
The ACV I use is "Dennree Apfelessig Naturtrüb, aus Deutschen Bio-Äpfeln, 5% saure". Translation: "Dennree Apple cider vinegar, naturally cloudy, from German organic apples, 5% acidity". And yes, this ACV is organic AND unfiltered.
I hope this will help somebody!
Butcher's Broom
Posted by brian (New South Wales) on 07/29/2023
★★★★★
I've had a bout of odema of the right foot for the last month or so. I did some online research and found Butchers Broom was recommended on this site and others. I bought a bottle online and it arrived last week. I've been trying it for several days: two capsules 940 mg each per day. In this time, I've noticed the inflammation and swelling have receded. And I've not noticed any of the pain I've had when the foot was swollen. I will keep using it for a month or more to see how long the effect lasts. But it looks like an effective treatment for odema.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Rob (Toronto) on 07/03/2020
★★★★★
I believe for any chronic repetitive condition a food diary and elimination diet is probably the best thing one can do for edema. Rather than applying anti-inflammatory compounds you may get to the root cause of what is causing the inflammation. In my case I just kept note of when I would have the condition and what I ate the prior day. If I eat very cleanly, just some specific greens, teas, and little to no meat all is good. It seems the suspects for my edema/inflammation are milk products, soy milk with the added fillers, I only drink a Soy product which contains soy and water, which doesn't not cause issue. One should have their kidney's checked to rule out that they are functioning properly. Low salt of course.
Rife Machine
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile, Tn.) on 08/14/2015
★★★★★
HI U OLE PATOOTS DOIN, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
This is the latest in my leg edema that occurred following a fall that crushed my T 12 vertebrae. All have follow this saga since Feb '14. Well, I have some interesting news to report. Have done it all including a monthly lymph massage, etc. The therapist suggested that I elevate my legs at night and that helped.
Recently I learned that my Rife Machine had a program to get your lymph system to circulate. I have only done this for the past weeks and my ankles and legs are now normal so something is working. They don't stay normal throughout the day, but I am attributing my improvement to my GB 4000 Plasma Rife Machine.
The treatment is for only 15 minutes. I am also using this device in my cancer blood treatment. There is almost no ailment that this machine can't be used for. My wife is now using it to address her thyroid deficiency as she has been on meds all her adult life.
Also learned that this device can be used to address normalizing most all body functions. That seems the way to go.
How a Rife Machine works is to bombard your body with wave frequencies that will address your problem. These same frequencies types can also cause you harm, and that includes microwave, cell phones, wi-fi, power lines, etc. Even a rheostat on a ceiling fan or light can cause you grief. Don't believe me.. then take an AM radio and see if all you get is static next to this device. That static is zapping you with cancer causing EMF's.
Have taken you around the watermelon, but some EMF's heal and some EMF's cause you sickness. I am not an expert in either. Just trying to get you to read. You know my line.
========ORH==============
Avoid Nitrates
Posted by Gord235 (Vancouver, British Columbia) on 09/07/2017
★★★★★
Thanks so much for your post Janet! OMG, what was I thinking? Bacon and pepperoni sticks have now been banished. It will give me a good excuse to order waffles with strawberries and whipped cream next time I'm out for breakfast. he, he.
Avoid Nitrates
Posted by Kelly (Seattle) on 06/15/2021
With all due respect to Janet, nitrates don't cause edema or swelling. In fact, they're used to TREAT those conditions.
I suspect that the reason her swelling diminished was because the foods she mentions --deli meats, cold cuts, ham, bacon, hotdogs -- are all EXTREMELY high in sodium. Cutting out those salty foods, if you could call them 'foods', will definitely help reduce edema and swelling.
Butcher's Broom
Posted by Chrissy (Manahawkin, NJ) on 01/30/2013
★★★★★
I have been using Butchers Broom for months now. I ran out if it and the edema came back. So I started taking t again and I have reduced swelling again. It works very well for me. Good Luck...
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Gord235 (Vancouver, British Columbia) on 09/27/2017
Wow, ALA 600mg./day. I have been taking 200mg./day and will now double my dose. If I see improvement I will then consider going up to 600mg./day.
Thank you for your post!
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Gord235 (Vancouver, British Columbia) on 10/10/2017
Update: ALA (r+alpha lipoic acid) seems to be effective in controlling my Edema. I still have the occasional flareup but not nearly as severe as previously.
I have eliminated anything containing nitrates (bacon, processed meats) and diet soda from my diet. I have tried eating a few things like beets (high in potassium) and asparagus (diuretic) without any noticeable change.
Since my previous post I have increased the ALA to 8 capsules- 800mg/day and plan to continue on this course.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kennywally (Midwest) on 05/13/2016 46 posts
To Glo w-virginia, I don't think 2 t. of ACV is enough to do the trick, but since it did nothing to help, you just may be better off getting a medical doctor to at least get you a proper diagnosis for starters, then check your options for natural remedies. And the 2nd thing is the salt...I can't speak to your condition, but just generally, that salt is vital to good health. I have switched over from that white garbage to pink salt...tastes way better too. did you know that salt used to be traded like money? it was that valuable!!! You may also wish to get a consultation from a naturopathic physician [[ seek one out in your zipcode, look on yelp for comments, then look on doctrs grades, you'll see it, pick one and make appt for consultation, to go over your diet, and so between the 2 docs, you may be able to normalize your body. Best wishes
Pulmonary Edema Remedies
Posted by Tavora (Brooklyn, NY) on 07/29/2009
Hi - if your neighbor's edema is possibly related to her heart - capsicum/cayenne is always an effective means to strengthen the heart. I found this very interesting article about pulmonary edema from the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM). They recommend both conventional and alternative therapies. Granted - she should speak w/ her doctor but I would pay special attention to the natural remedies. I will keep her in my prayers....she is lucky to have a concerned neighbor like you.
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/pulmonary-edema-000137.htm
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Bobbi (Florida) on 07/19/2017
UNSULPHURED BLACK STRAP MOLASSES isn't good as a sweetener. When I was 19 I took 1 T. in hot water w/ milk for a month. My blood count went from 8 to 13 in a month!!! Lots of minerals
EDEMA: It may help edema since it helps your blood & perhaps circulation. GET OFF SALT & SUGAR, KIDNEYS DON'T LIKE THEM!
Distilled Water
Posted by Helen (Australia) on 01/04/2018
False. Distilled water removes inorganic minerals, which your body can't use anyway. Organic minerals are immediately utilised. Be aware of this when buying mineral supplements: if they're not organic, they're not beneficial.
Distilled Water
Posted by Kelly (Seattle) on 05/24/2023
Actually Ricardo, green veggies like spinach, etc., can make osteoporosis and other bone diseases worse, due to their high oxalate content.
A better solution is to do like our grandparents did -- make soup or broth from the bones, skins and tendons of the 'whole animal' -- chickens, cows, pigs, etc., -- and we'd have a lot less hip and knee replacement surgeries which have skyrocketed in the last 40 years. Even "kids" in their 30's and 40's are needing hip replacements...so sad.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cheryl (California) on 09/12/2017
If you are going to use straws, which I do, make sure they are made of stainless steel - which means you use them for life and clean them by dropping them in boiling water, or paper which are usable for a few times before they are disposed of. At least they are paper and break down. There are plant-based plastic straws but like the regular straws made of petroleum, the acid in the ACV may leech out of the straw into your body, which is not good.
Avoid Nitrates
Posted by Paul (Minnesota) on 09/19/2014
Thanks for the follow up!! Good job!!
Avoid Nitrates
Posted by Dale (Nc) on 07/13/2020
For what it's worth, nitrates also occur 'naturally' in many foods. I put 'naturally' in quotes because the source is often chemical fertilizer which causes the nitrate levels to be unnaturally high. Celery is a prime example. You'll notice that instead of sodium nitrite they are now often putting celery juice in processed 'uncured' meats. That is because celery juice is high in nitrates, and then bacteria in the mix converts the nitrate to nitrite, and there you have the preservative created naturally - but it is nitrate and nitrite nonetheless.
So, if you are avoiding nitrates (as my wife tries to do) you might want to research which foods are likely to contain high nitrate levels (celery, watermelon, and others). The difficult part is that it often depends on how they were fertilized, so the numbers usually cover a wide range.
Cream of Tartar
Posted by Arthur Hall (West Terre Haute Indiana) on 05/24/2015
I mix Epsom salts (potassium sulfate) cup for cup with water. Put it in a spray bottle. It absorbs through skin without the effects of taking it orally.
You will relax immediately; so will muscle cramps. Will put you to sleep easily. Spray some on and rub it in daily. Saves on using large amounts in bath or foot soaks
Swedish Bitters
Posted by Marsh (Denver, Co) on 02/20/2013
★★★★★
My ob-gyn recently put me on a few heavy drugs to stop major menopausal bleeding. The drug - I believe - did weird things to my body although the bleeding stopped. One of the symptoms was swollen ankles and urine that was colorless for a few days. Swedish Bitters was recommended and a massage that concentrated on the internal organs which was amazing in itself. This morning, no swollen ankles, my urine was back to normal and I have more energy than the past few days.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Lisa (Thomasville, Ga) on 05/25/2015
Should only use unsulphured blackstrap molasses which is the third boiling of cane sugar with magnesium, potassium and other minerals.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Gord235 (Vancouver, British Columbia) on 11/07/2017
According to Dr. Berg, a potassium deficiency can be the cause of edema for some. Blackstrap molasses is high in potassium so that could be the reason it worked for you. We are all a little different and what works for one may not work for all. For this reason it is wise to try different cures and hopefully we will find something that works.
Distilled Water
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 07/13/2023
Dear Sandy,
My children grew up with well water and will not drink "city water, " when we go to hotels or airbnb's etc. So I understand your dilemma.
Some options would include trying a Brita filter; we used one when we lived in Michigan. Store bought spring water would have minerals in it.
Ask around. There may be a spring somewhere that people like. Where I live there are a couple and we see people stopped and filling up bottles right on the side of the road. (Rural roads.)
If you know anyone who has good water they may be happy for you to fill up gallon bottles at their house. My son and daughter in law have bad water and fill up bottles whenever they go to her parents' house.
When we travel I usually just get bottled spring water.
I have used a Berkey Filter in the past, but they are pretty expensive.
For the issue of feeling poorly after drinking certain waters, charcoal tablets can be taken to help with that. I keep a bottle of them in my car; I never know when I will need them!
Love,
~Mama to Many~
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cindy (Az) on 10/04/2020
I know this is an old post, but for anyone reading now, the reason ACV works so well (on so many things) is because it is a detoxifier! As we pull toxins out, we drop weight, get rid of pesky and bothersome ailments.
The best type to get has the mother and it should say it is unfiltered as well. And if you can find ACV that is unpasteurized, that is the best.
A lot of the reason for all the sickness these days is pasteurization. Literally, almost all foods that used to be homemade and contained tons of probiotics naturally, are now heated to 165 or greater to kill all chance of any bacteria--good and bad--potentially making someone sick. Unfortunately, now everything we eat makes us sick! Think of this--wine and cheese used to be made without pasteurization. Almost everything we ate before pasteurization was "discovered", we had so many good bacteria in us, we weren't getting sick from being so toxic and having failing immune systems!
Pasteurization also gets rid of the digestive enzymes that naturally come with food. No wonder we have so many ailments. We have wiped out our good bacteria population and have eliminated most of the enzymes needed to digest our food.
ACV is good. And if you want to take back even more control of your health, look up cultured or fermented foods. (Kombucha, Kefir, Yogurt, sauerkraut, all homemade canned/bottled veggies that are made the same way as sauerkraut.) Kombucha is the easiest and cheapest to make. And is a great fizzy-drink replacement. It's an acquired taste, but so is coffee and wine! And then you love it and you can't stand the taste of all the soda, bc you can taste the chemicals and it's just way too sweet. Even converted my husband to a kombucha drinker. All women know if their husband has been converted to a new good food, it can't be too awful, and it actually must be good--given a couple of weeks to adjust! Plus it only has 60 calories in 16 ounces. Delicious!! It can be used as ACV too! (Tastes better! )
