What is Edema?
Edema is a condition in which the fluid volume increases abnormally in the circulatory system or in the interstitial spaces of the body cells.
What causes Edema?
To understand the factors causing edema, it is important to know the mechanism during normal days:
Generally, the body maintains balance of fluid. To maintain the required balance, the amount of water entering the body must be equal to the amount of water leaving the body. The fluids containing oxygen and nutrients pass into the blood tissues from the walls of the blood vessels. In the blood tissues, absorption of nutrients takes place. Later on, after the absorption of the nutrients, the fluid moves back to the blood vessels and then returns to the heart.
What are the symptoms of Edema?
The most common symptoms of edema include swelling of face, hands, legs, and feet and around eyes.
The edema that occurs in diseases of the heart, liver, and kidneys is mainly caused by salt retention, which holds the excess fluid in the body.
Alternative remedies
Ayurvedic remedies:- Arjuna terminalia, commonly known as ‘Arjuna’ proves to be beneficial in the treatment of edema.
- Phyllanthus fraternusi, commonly known as ‘Bhumi Amalakai’ is also used in the cure of edema.
Aromatherapy:
The following essential oils prove beneficial and give relief: - Birch
- Cypress
- Geranium
- Juniper
- Lemongrass
Diet therapy: - Salt should be taken in minimum amounts.
- Fiber rich food should be included.
- Reduce your intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates.
Nutritional supplements:- Vitamin B6 (50 to 100 mg per day) is a diuretic
- Vitamins C (250 to 500 mg two times per day), E (400 to 800 IU per day) and coenzyme Q10 (50 to 100 mg two times per day)
- Potassium aspartate (20 mg per day) if you are using diuretics.
- Magnesium (200 mg two to three times per day) and calcium (1,000 mg per day) help maintain fluid exchange in the body.
Homeopathic remedies:- Apis mellifica:When the swellings are clearly visible under the eyes, this remedy is recommended. The other symptoms include irritability, low thirst and dislikes.
- Calcarea carbonica: When a person develops swellings around the knees, this remedy is suggested. The other symptoms include tiredness and cold clammy hands and feet.
- When swelling is visible at various parts of the body, this remedy is suggested. The person feels weak and numb. This remedy is useful for women during their menstrual cycle, especially when diarrhea is also a problem.
Yoga and exercise:- Head over heals posture
- Swimming
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