The swelling in the legs, also known as edema, or retention of fluids in the body, causes great pain, and may be a result of:

• PMS
• Pregnancy
• Poor circulation
• Excess consumption of processed foods and foods high in salt
• A sedentary lifestyle—long sitting or staying in the same position
• Side- effects of certain medications

At times, either during pregnancy or when standing or sitting for a long time, it is normally for the legs to swell. Yet, if you experience chronic ankle or leg swelling, that is, peripheral edema, it may indicate a more serious issue like liver disease, heart failure, and kidney disease. Therefore, if your swelling is not reduced after a while, you should consult your physician.

In the case of occasional swelling, you can benefit a lot from the use of herbal and natural remedies that will get rid of excess fluids and will successfully reduce the swelling. One of these extremely effective natural remedies is parsley, which has been used By Hippocrates himself.

The name of parsley is a compound of two Greek words: “petrose,” which means rock, since it can often grow on rocky areas and stone walls; and “selenium,” which is the ancient name for celery. Therefore, its name literally means “rock celery.”

There are two parsley types, curly parsley and Italian parsley (which has flat leaves). Parsley is often used as a garnish in numerous dishes, but we usually leave it aside and do not consume it.

However, this is apparently a big mistake, as studies suggest that its consumption can prevent numerous ailments and diseases, such as asthma, allergies, menstrual pain, issues with the urinary tract, digestive disorders, and may  be extremely beneficial as it may help to treat bronchitis, improves the breath, reduces blood pressure and promotes bone health.

As we previously mentioned, this amazing herb had been recommended by Hippocrates as a general tonic in the case of rheumatism, kidney stones or even as an antidote for poison. “The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook,” lists parsley as a remarkable and effective diuretic which aids the kidneys to get rid of the excess fluids from the body (edema).

Parsley Is a Natural Diuretic

According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2002, “parsley acts as a diuretic by inhibiting the sodium and potassium ion pumps, influencing the process of osmosis and increasing the flow of urine.”

Moreover, parsley is abundant in potassium. On the other hand, many chemically produced diuretics reduce the levels of potassium, so the use of parsley will avoid these harmful side- effects.

A study conducted in Brazilian in 2009 titled “Diuretic and hipotensive activity of aqueous extract of parsley seeds” also confirmed that this fantastic herb increases the urinary flow and reduces the blood pressure at the same time.

Dr. John R. Christopher, America’s most prominent herbalist, and renowned author, suggests that you should consume two quarts (64 oz.) of strong parsley tea on a daily basis in order to obtain best results in the treatment of edema.

If needed, you can increase this amount. Moreover, in the preparation of the parsley tea, if possible, make sure you use the “fresh light-green leaves,” together with the seeds and roots.

Method of preparation of parsley tea:

You need to chop the parsley roots and leaves finely. Then, put about ¼ cup of parsley into an infusion basket. Next, pour the parsley with a cup of boiled water or submerge into a tea pot. Leave it to steep for 5-7 minutes, remove the basket and strain. In the end, you can add ginger, lemon or honey to enrich the taste.

For maximum results, you should consume the tea while warm.

Apart from the consumption of this tea, you should also try other methods to reduce the swelling. Namely, you should regularly do some leg exercises in order to stimulate the fluids from the legs to go to your heart. Also, while lying down, raise your legs on pillows on a height above the heart.

Source: supertastyrecipes.com