The term dropsy is not really much used these days, it is more commonly addressed as over load of fluids or even oedema. In the earlier half of the century, it had been used for defining the condition or set of symptoms where an individual’s leg, ankles, feet, hands, etc. would get swollen along with congestion of the lungs. It is basically derived from a Greek term, which includes a group of symptoms that result in heart failure.
It has been seen that though medication does help in treating the problem, natural remedies too provide instant respite. These are home remedies that one can easily do at home, without worries of any side effects. Here are some of the most effective ones-
10 Various Home Remedies For Dropsy
Natural Diuretics
There are various kinds of natural diuretics available in the house and these are very useful in treating dropsy. One of the best solutions here would be lime or coconut water. Both of these are rich in nutrients and have natural diuretics that help in reducing water retention.
Apart from this, you should also consume alfalfa, which is rich in the same. Simply take about one tea spoon of the fresh version and add it to a cup of boiling water. Then let it boil for a couple of minutes to make a tea. Strain and let it cool for a while before drinking the same.
Herbal Teas
Various herbs are helpful in reducing water retention or fluid retention in the body. Two of these include dandelion and goldenrod. Both of these can be taken in the form of tea, which can be prepared at home. All that you have to do here is take about one tea spoon of each and add it to a couple of cups of boiling water.
The dried version is suggested here for precise measurements and also access to the fresh herbs is difficult. Then let the herbs sit in the tea for a few minutes. Then cool and strain. Drink at least 2 cups of this every day. Another herb that you can have here is Terminalia Arjuna, which has been used in ancient India for ages.
Basically it is a dark thick bar, which should be prepared with milk and consumed each morning on an empty stomach. This will help in alleviating the symptoms of dropsy.
Fruits
An assortment of fruits is available for getting rid of the problem of dropsy. There are various fruits that can be consumed here, but it should be remembered that these should be fresh and not canned or processed. If you consume processed fruits, you will only be increasing your risk of making the symptoms worse.
Some of the suggested fruits here are papaya, pineapple, pears, apples, grapes and peaches. These fruits should be taken at all meals for at least a week. Keep eating them in greater number because they ease bowel movements, which in turn flushes out the excess water retained in the body.
Warm Water Enema
Warm water enema is suggested to get rid of the extra fluids retained in the body. For this you can take the leaf of the beetle plant and rub or wipe the rectum area with the same.
If not you can also use a hot compress on the rectum area to help in smoother bowel movements that flushes out water. This will help in getting rid of morbid elements from the body too.
Garlic
Garlic is a proven treatment for dropsy and helps in flushing out excessive water from the body. You should have about a couple of cloves of garlic early in the morning for best results.
You can also increase the content of garlic in your diet, especially raw garlic. But it works best on an empty stomach.
Yoga
Another quick and effective treatment for dropsy would be yoga, which helps in increasing the functions of the circulatory system and helps you prevent and treat dropsy.
For those who are very new to yoga, practice postures that are safe. Some of the most effective ones are sarvanganasana, halasana, bridge pose, trikonasana or the triangle pose and naukasana series. All of these can be done at home.
Essential Oils
Essential oils like the grapefruit essential oil should be added to your bath to boost the excretion of fluids. It has been seen that oils like carrier oil, along with almond and even olive helps in reducing swelling from certain areas with a good massage.
Simply rub these on affected areas and follow up with a good massage. Make sure that the pressure is upwards and in circular motions.
Salt Water Soak
A good bath too helps in reducing the symptoms of dropsy. It has been seen that Epsom Salts work the best here. You can add essential oils to the bath too.
Remember that when using this technique, make sure that you are well supported in the bath tub. Raise the level of your feet so that the swelling from the entire legs goes. Do the same with your hands, but in a comfortable and balanced position.
Swimming
Another exercise that really helps in reducing swelling or dropsy symptoms is making a splash. Yes, being in water reduces the symptoms of dropsy. Swimming basically boosts circulation and helps you go against gravity.
This helps in reducing swelling and helps you stay in shape too. If you do not have a pool in your backyard, then you can consider getting a small inflated pool and practice some aqua aerobics there.
Cutting Down On Sodium
Diets that are rich in sodium are the most common causes of dropsy. It has been seen that salt levels can lead to intensification of this problem and foods that are rich in high sodium should be avoided too.Some of the most common ones here include packaged or processed foods that may be low on salt, but high on sodium. So make sure that you read the labels well and avoid all of these if possible. Again, reduce salt intake and if possible opt for low sodium versions of salt.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
