Diuretic (Makes-you-pee, mutravirechana, mutra virechaneeya) - Foods & Herbs ListCLASSIFICATION OF FOOD, HERBS, & LIFESTYLE

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

Diuretics are herbs and foods that increase diuresis. Every herb introduces a phytochemical that your body wants to clear, so most herbs have some diuretic quality to them. This is important to remember - just because an herb is listed as a diuretic, doesn't mean it is a strong diuretic.

Diuretics have the following benefits:

• Reduces water retention
• By reducing blood volume, lowers blood pressure and decongests the circulatory system.
• Eliminates toxins.
• Cleans the urinary tract, preventing bacterial build-up in the urethra.

Generally, take diuretics with a glass of water unless you are trying to reduce water retention. Diuretics are contraindicated in fluid deficiency, common in Vata.

Herbal diuretics tend not to have the side effects of pharmaceutical diuretics. For example, Thiazide (a diuretic pharmaceutical) can cause cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and electrolyte imbalance. Herbs often supply, rather than deplete Potassium, magensium and other vital minerals.

Urine production (diuresis) is affected by:

• Blood congestion - Thick, viscous blood that circulates poorly will lead to water retention.
• Kidney perfusion - The amount of blood circulating through the kidneys. When perfusion is low, the sodium sensors are under-stimulated, causing the kidneys to retain water. This can be secondary to congestive heart failure, diabetes.
• Ama - The amount of waste products that need to be cleared / eliminated from the body
• Minerals - The concentration of various minerals, including salt, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Salt increases water retention while potassium decreases it.
• Osmotic Pressure - High triglycerides, sugar or sodium lowers osmotic pressure, making it difficult to extract water and form urine.
• Hydration - The amount of water your body can afford to release.
• Kidney damage / failure - Diabetes, High Blood Pressure
• Obstructions - Kidney stones, Inflammation of urinary tissues, Prostate enlargement.
• Pharmaceuticals - Anticholinergics, some antibiotics
• Emergency causes - Blood loss, severe infection, shock

There are several types of diuretics:

• Pungent, Dry, Irritant diuretics - Herbs high in volatile oils stimulate kidney to eliminate offending substances. E.g. Juniper, celery seed, fennel seed, horseradish, garlic, onion. Saponin diuretics are irritant diuretics that also bind to endotoxins, helping removal of ama.
• Stimulant diuretics - Methylxanthine herbs (coffee, tea, caffeine) decrease reabsorption of sodium and chloride, increasing urinary output. They are best for short term use only. Flavonoids more gently increase sodium excretion.
• Perfusion diuretics - Poor circulation (perfusion) of blood to the kidneys reduces diuresis. Blood movers increase the amount of sodium reaching sensor cells in Kidney, and stimulate sodium excretion. Vata tends to have thin fluids with high perfusion, and may excrete more fluids and sodium. Kapha individuals have thick fluids and lower perfusion, resulting in water retention. Ex: Angelica, Ginkgo, Manjistha.
• Osmotic diuretics - Large, gummy demulcent molecules that are too large for reabsorption in the kidney prevent reabsorption of water as well. Examples: Marshmallow root (althea officinalis). Mucilagenous diuretics are helpful when irritant or stimulant diuretics would increase discomfort and kidney pain. They also provide soothing relief to urinary tract epithelium.
• Mineral tonic diuretics - These supply minerals to the Kidney, making it easier for the Kidney to excrete wastes while maintaining electrolyte balance. E.g. Horsetail (Equisetum), Nettles (Urtica dioica), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), and Parsley (Petroselinum spp). (Source: Stanbury)
• Saluretics - These diuretics disturb the sodium/potassium pump increasing the elimination of sodium and water (Dandelion, Goldenrod).

Compare with diaphoretics, which release water via sweat. And, with laxatives, that release fluids via the bowels.

Contraindications

• Dryness
• Cardiac arrhythmia due to electrolyte imbalances

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Diuretics may clear pharmaceutical drugs more quickly, lowering the effect. Avoid if taking water pills or pharmaceutical diuretics.

INGREDIENTS WITH DIURETIC QUALITY

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HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH DIURETIC QUALITY