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What is a diuretic?
Quite simply, it is a substance that increases the passing of urine - it removes some of the excess fluid in your system.
Excess fluid can arise for various reasons.
Some people suffer from water retention - in women bloating before menstruation is quite common.
Avoid parsley tea if pregnant
You can try a sample lesson to help you decide if the Herbal Academy of New England is the right choice for you - click the link below.
Preview Lesson from the Introductory Herbal CourseJockeys who need to make their weight for a race will often use it as well as sweating out in a sauna to get rid of as much fluid as they can.
There are other causes of water retention such as heart failure, liver cirrhosis, hypertension and certain kidney diseases and the information here is in no way intended to replace medical opinions.
These diseases increase fluid retention and consequently put a strain on the heart - which then enlarges.
The heart is strained because it is pumping more than its normal approximate 8 pints of blood around the body - that's why excess fluid needs to be eliminated from the body.
Angelica, chervil, horsetail and parsley are all herbs which promote the passing of urine.
Alcohol and caffeine also have that effect on the system - have you ever noticed that if you're drinking lots of alcohol or coffee, your trips to the loo get more frequent as the session progresses?
The instructions here are for parsley tea as a natural diuretic.
It is particularly good as it is rich in vitamins A and C and a reasonable source of iron.
It's good for the skin and will speed up detoxifying.
Make up a 500 ml (3/4 pint) cup in a morning - you can either drink it all at once or cool it and sip through the day.
two heaped tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
500 ml (18 fl oz) boiling water
Simply put the parsley into a jug - either one of those plunger things that you make fresh coffee in or you'll need to use a strainer.
Allow it to infuse for about 10 minutes, then drink. If the pot doesn't have a lid, then cover it with a saucer or small plate while it infuses.
It's as simple as that - you can sweeten it with some honey if you like - honey is very good for you, having antiseptic qualities.
Don't overdo this though - one jug a day is adequate.
Avoid if pregnant - please see
Side Effects
If you take too much, you'll end up dehydrated and get a headache - that's why people get hangover headaches after a drinking session as the body has got rid of too much fluid around the brain!
You can also deplete the body of water soluble minerals and vitamins - you'll end up with cramps and other nasties.
Some people think you can lose weight this way - well, in truth, you will weigh a little less but it will be temporary - as soon as you drink normally, the body will rehydrate and you will be back to your original weight.
The information on this website is in no way intended as medical advice and nor should it be taken as such.
If symptoms don't improve, consult your doctor.
If you have a medical condition, you must consult a Herbal Practitioner or a Medical Doctor.
If you are pregnant, you must consult your doctor or nurse before trying any herbal remedy.
If you are already taking pharmaceuticals, then speak to your doctor about taking herbs - some drugs react badly with herbs and you need to know that you are not going to do more harm than good.
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