Content
All types of tea are slightly diuretic, as they increase water intake and, consequently, urine production. However, there are some plants that seem to have a stronger diuretic action, which is able to stimulate the body to eliminate fluid retention, helping to deflate.
Diuretic teas are also a great natural option to complete the treatment of urinary infections, as they promote the elimination of urine, helping to clean the urinary tract. However, the ideal is to always make use of teas under the supervision of the doctor who is guiding the treatment, to ensure that no plant affects the effect of prescription drugs, such as antibiotics.
1. Parsley tea
Parsley tea is one of the most popular home remedies to help with fluid retention and, in fact, studies done with this plant in animals have shown that it is able to increase the amount of urine produced [1].
In addition, parsley contains flavonoids which, according to another study [2], are compounds capable of binding adenosine A1 receptors, decreasing the action of this substance and increasing urine production.
Ingredients
- 1 branch or 15 g of fresh parsley with stems;
- 1/4 lemon;
- 250 ml of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Wash and chop the parsley. Then add the parsley in the water and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Finally, strain, let warm and drink several times a day.
Ideally, parsley tea should not be used by pregnant women, or by people undergoing treatment with anticoagulants or other diuretics.
2. Dandelion tea
Dandelion is another popular plant for increasing urine production and eliminating fluid retention. This plant works as a natural diuretic because it is rich in potassium, a type of mineral that acts on the kidneys by increasing urine production.
Ingredients
- 15 g of dandelion leaves and roots;
- 250 ml of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Add the water in a cup and then place the roots and let stand for 10 minutes. Strain and drink 2 to 3 times a day.
The use of this plant should not be made during pregnancy, nor by people with problems in the bile ducts or intestinal occlusion.
3. Horsetail tea
Horsetail tea is another natural diuretic widely used in traditional medicine and, although there are few recent studies done with this plant, a review made in 2017 [3], states that the diuretic effect of horsetail can be compared with that of the hydrochlorothiazide medicine, which is a diuretic produced in the laboratory.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of horsetail;
- 250 ml of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Put the mackerel in the cup with boiling water and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain, let it warm and drink 3 times a day.
Although there are doubts about the possibility of the horsetail increasing the elimination of minerals in the urine, it is recommended to use this plant only for 7 days in a row, to avoid the imbalance of minerals. In addition, this tea should not be used by pregnant women or breastfeeding women.
4. Hibiscus tea
The consumption of hibiscus tea seems to significantly increase the amount of urine produced and, according to a study carried out on rats [4], it has an effect similar to some synthetic diuretics produced in the laboratory, such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide.
In addition, another investigation [5], also carried out on rats, concluded that the composition of anthocyanins, flavonoids and chlorogenic acid in hibiscus seems to regulate the activity of aldosterone, a hormone that controls urine production.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons full of dried hibiscus flowers;
- 1 liter of water at the beginning of boiling.
Preparation mode
Add the hibiscus in the hot water and let it stand for 10 minutes, properly covered. Strain and drink throughout the day.
Although very safe, this plant should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
5. Fennel tea
Fennel is a plant traditionally used to treat bladder problems and even high blood pressure, due to its diuretic effect, which increases urine production and eliminates excess fluids in the body.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds;
- 1 cup of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Add the seeds to the boiling water in a cup and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain and drink up to 3 times a day.
This is a very safe plant that can be used on adults and children. In the case of pregnant and lactating women, due to the lack of studies, it is recommended to use tea only under the guidance of the obstetrician.
6. Green tea
Green tea is rich in caffeine, which is a substance with a natural diuretic power. Although a cup of tea may not contain the required amount of caffeine, drinking up to 3 cups a day can increase urine production and help to eliminate excess fluid accumulated in the body.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of green tea leaves;
- 1 cup of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Place the green tea leaves in a cup and then add the water, allowing to stand for 3 to 5 minutes. Then strain, allow to warm and drink up to 3 times a day. Depending on how long the tea has been resting, the greater the amount of caffeine, however, the greater the bitter taste. Thus, it is recommended to let it stand for 3 minutes and then try it every 30 seconds, until you find the point with the best flavor.
Because it contains caffeine, this tea should be avoided in children, pregnant women and breastfeeding women. In addition, it should also be avoided by people with difficulty falling asleep, especially at the end of the day or at night.
Care when using diuretic teas
The use of any type of tea should always be guided by a herbalist or a health professional with knowledge in the field of medicinal plants.
Ideally, diuretic tea should not be used by people who are already using synthetic diuretics, such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide or spironolactone. In addition, they should also be avoided by patients with kidney problems, heart disease or low blood pressure.
In the case of diuretic teas it is also very important to avoid its use for more than 7 days, especially without the guidance of a professional, since some can increase the elimination of important minerals in the urine, which can cause imbalances in the body.