When the kidneys are low on vitality and can’t clear fluid on their own, the body finds another way. In herbal tradition the skin is sometimes called “the third kidney,” because sweat can carry off the water and waste the kidneys would normally handle.
I learned this from my own body. When my kidneys were struggling, I’d break into a sudden, heavy sweat while sitting still, until my hair and clothes were soaked through. It sounds alarming, but it was a good sign: the body finding a second way out for fluid it needed to release. Afterward the swelling in my feet and body would go down and I’d feel much better.
A good fluid formula supports the main route, the kidneys, so the body isn’t left leaning so hard on the backup.
What a Good Fluid Formula Contains
A good formula for clearing excess fluid might contain these five herbs:
- Parsley Root, 8 parts. The master diuretic herb, supporting the kidneys in clearing excess fluid.
- Juniper Berries, 4 parts. Gives the kidneys a boost in their work.
- Dandelion Leaf, 4 parts. Rich in potassium, added to replace the potassium the body loses along with the fluid.
- Corn Silk, 2 parts. Soothing to the urinary tract.
- Uva Ursi, 1 part. Supports a healthy urinary tract.
“Parts” can be any measure you like, as long as you use the same one for every herb. By weight, that’s 8 ounces of Parsley Root, 4 each of Juniper and Dandelion Leaf, 2 of Corn Silk and 1 of Uva Ursi.
Putting It Together
Put the dry herbs in a glass jar and pour in 80-proof vodka. Once the herbs have settled, you want about 60% herb sediment on the bottom and 40% liquid on top. Shake the jar every day. The traditional timing follows the moon, from the new moon to the full moon, about two weeks. I prefer to let my extracts sit a full three months, which makes them good and strong. Then strain and bottle the liquid.
How Much and How Often
- 2 to 4 droppersful (½ to 1 teaspoon) three times a day.
- For a more serious case, lay hot fomentations of Parsley Root tea directly over the swollen area as well.
The urinary tract can use the extra care. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, hard water and alcohol all irritate it, so go easy on them while you’re working on fluid balance. For more, see Edema aka Dropsy and, for lymph swelling, Understanding Lymphedema.
This is shared for educational purposes, from my own study and experience. It is not medical advice.
