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Reduce Edema Naturally
with Chinese Herbs
By: Catherine Browne, L.Ac., MH, Dipl.Ac.
Chinese medicine is an effective holistic therapy that
naturally reduces edema in the body and addresses
the actual cause of edema, as edema in itself is not a disease. In Chinese medicine, edema has many different patterns and root disorders depending on how the edema manifests itself in the body, as there are several systems in Chinese medicine that are responsible for managing fluid. This pattern distinction allows for a more targeted natural treatment plan that addresses the root causes of edema, rather than simply relying on diuretic herbs to reduce fluids.
Edema (oedema - English) is when an abnormally large fluid volume circulates in the circulatory system or accumulates in interstitial spaces, or tissues between the body's cells. A healthy body normally maintains a balance of fluid in tissues and vessels. Interstitial fluid circulates throughout the body transporting nutrients and oxygen; the fluids move back to the heart after the nutrients have been exhausted through blood vessels and the lymphatic system.
Normally the body maintains a balance of fluid in tissues by ensuring that the same amount of water entering the tissue also leaves it. The circulatory system transports fluid within the body via its network of blood vessels; this fluid, which contains oxygen and nutrients needed by the cells, moves from the walls of the blood vessels into the body's tissues. After the nutrients are exhausted, the fluid moves back into the blood vessels and returns to the heart. The lymphatic system also plays an important role in fluid balance.
There are many types of edema; generally edema is when either too much fluid moves from the blood vessels into the tissues, or not enough fluid moves from the tissues back into the blood vessels. This fluid imbalance can cause mild to severe swelling in one or more parts of the body. Here are some of the more common patterns of edema in Chinese medicine, and natural treatment plans for reducing edema:
Spleen Deficiency
In Chinese medicine, one of the primary organ systems responsible for the balance of fluids in the body is the Spleen system. In Chinese medical theory, the Spleen is the ‘official in charge of the transformation and transportation of foods and fluids’; thus, most cases of edema will contain an element of Spleen Qi Deficiency. Weeping edema, abdominal edema, and edema associated with diabetes, and edema due to an over-exposure to damp conditions, all clearly indicate Spleen Qi Deficiency. Spleen Qi Deficiency can be effectively addressed with Spleen Qi tonics such as codonopsis.
Kidney Deficiency
The Kidney function in Chinese medicine is central in fluid management of the body, the the Kidney is the ‘official in charge of the waterways’. Edema based in Kidney deficiency will often manifest with ankle and knee swelling, soreness in the lower back general fatigue, and coldness in the body. The Kidney system is also paired with the Urinary Bladder, and the proper elimination of fluids is also strengthened when addressing Kidney Deficiency issues. Chinese herbal Kidney Qi Tonics such as rehmannia will reverse the root deficiencies that cause Kidney Deficient type edema. Right foot edema points to kidney Yang Qi deficiency Left foot edema suggests Kidney Yin deficiency.
Heart Deficiency
The Heart is central in circulating fluids throughout the body, and Heart Qi Deficiency will often manifest as hand and facial edema in Chinese medicine. Heart Qi Deficiency could be accompanied by palpitations or a sensation of the heart. Heart Qi Deficiency also plays a pivotal role in pulmonary edema. Heart Qi tonics such as jai gu lan can repair and restore the Heart function and strengthen the heart muscle if taken over a number of months.
Lung Deficiency
In Chinese medicine, edema can occur due to exposure to external pathogens.The body’s ability to fight off external pathogens with a healthy immune response begins with the Lung function. The Lung is the most external Yin organ system, and is typically the first to be affected by viral infections. Acute edema related chronic colds, sinus infections, or bronchitis can be effectively eliminated with the use of an herbal Lung Tonic such as mullein or inula.
Other Edema Patterns:
Lymph Edema
The lymphatic system is an intricate network of channels in the body that carries lymph fluid, a colorless fluid containing white blood cells to fight infection. Lymph fluids also transport fluids and metabolic waste out of the tissues. When the lymphatic system is overloaded by waste and poisons in the tissues, blocks to the natural flow of lymph fluid can occur. Edema due to an insufficiency of the lymphatic system is typically marked with swelling of the extremities.
If left unchecked, the stagnation of the lymph system can escalate to infections, and are associated with the development of cancer. Lymph edema is also common in cancer patients who have had lymph nodes removed, or who have had radiation treatments.
Herbs that enhance the lymphatic system promote detoxification and can be used periodically to insure the smooth flow of lymph fluid through the lymphatic system. Chinese herbs are not commonly applied directly to the lymphatic system, and Western herb formulas containing herbs such as cleavers and burdock root are traditionally used to reverse lymphatic congestion.
For information on conventional treatments for edema, visit Medline, the Mayo Clinic, or the NIH. This is not an endorsement of these organization, just a resource guide.
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