Water retention: Are there any natural diuretics?

Is there a natural diuretic I could use for water retention without calling my doctor for a prescription?

- Monica / Delaware

Answer

Some herbs and dietary supplements have a diuretic effect, meaning they could relieve water retention by making you urinate more. Water retention may have several causes — some serious. So you should talk to your doctor about the cause of your water retention before trying to self-treat it.

Some of the better known natural diuretics include:

• Dandelion
• Ginger
• Juniper

However, natural diuretics have only a modest diuretic effect, and it's still best to treat water retention with conventional medical treatments under the advice of your doctor.

Keep in mind that dietary supplements may also cause other reactions in your body, including allergies. As with any herbal or dietary supplement, always let your doctor know what you are taking to avoid dangerous interactions with other medications or supplements you take.

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