Diuretics can help your body flush out excess fluid. Natural options include dandelion, asparagus, green or black tea, and certain herbs.

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If you’re bloated, have consumed a lot of salt, or are menstruating, you might be looking for a way to reduce water retention.

Diuretics can help your body eliminate excess fluid by stimulating the kidneys to excrete more sodium into your urine. When diuretics get rid of sodium, the body also flushes away water.

While diuretics come in medication form, you can also try natural options like certain vegetables, teas, and herbs.

Doctors prescribe diuretics when the body is retaining too much fluid. This is more common in older adults and people with certain health conditions.

If you have one of the following health conditions, you may need medication to help with fluid retention:

However, like all medications, prescription diuretics may cause some side effects. These can include:

Some herbs and dietary supplements have diuretic properties that may be helpful to you. Always speak with your doctor and ask about any potential allergic reactions before trying something new, especially if you’re already taking medication.

Below are seven common herbs and supplements that act as natural diuretics and may help your body excrete excess fluid. Before trying these remedies, speak with your doctor about dosages and potential drug interactions.

While you might think dandelion is just a weed, research has found that one of the plant’s compounds enhances kidney activity and increases the frequency of urination. You can try dandelion as a tea or in pill form.

Learn more about the health benefits of dandelion tea.

This relative of the rose family is a powerful diuretic. According to research, certain nutrients in the plant increase urinary excretion and flow.

You can eat hawthorn berries on their own or try hawthorn leaf as a tea.

Learn more about the health benefits of hawthorn.

Research has found that horsetail extract is an effective diuretic and may help with kidney problems. You can consume it as a tea or as a capsule.

Learn more about the health benefits of horsetail.

The juniper plant has been used as a diuretic for centuries. While it may be useful, researchers say that more studies are needed to confirm just how effective it is.

You can try getting juniper in your diet by adding it to soups and stews and using it to flavor meat.

Learn more about the health benefits of juniper.

Every time you enjoy a hot cup of tea, you may be flushing excess fluid from your system. Both green and black teas have shown potential as natural diuretics — however, it’s thought that most of this effect comes from the tea’s caffeine content.

While parsley is mainly used as a garnish, it may be useful for people who are having trouble tolerating diuretic drugs. Research has shown that it may be effective as a diuretic.

You can try adding it to salads, using it to garnish meals, or blending it into a sauce or salad dressing.

Learn more about the health benefits of parsley.

According to one study, consuming high enough levels of hibiscus reduced water retention in participants. If you want to try hibiscus, you may want to try a cup of hibiscus tea.

Learn more about the health benefits of hibiscus.

Besides these seven natural diuretics, cutting back on sodium and exercising more can also help reduce fluid buildup. Eating more fruits and vegetables that act as diuretics may be another beneficial solution. These foods include:

If you want to reduce water retention in your body, you may want to try a natural option instead of medication.

Some natural diuretics include certain herbs, flowers, teas, and fruits and vegetables. Be sure to speak with your doctor before trying anything new, especially if you’re already taking medication.