The term diuretic refers to any substance that helps to rid the body of excess body fluids and salts through urination. These can take the form of prescription or over-the-counter drugs, homeopathic and herbal remedies or certain foods with diuretic qualities that promote urine formation. Herbal diuretics are the most sought after though, and also what is considered to be the healthiest because they are made of all natural ingredients. Unlike synthetic diuretics which require a physicians supervision at all times, herbal diuretics can be taken on a regular basis without any side effects.

Herbal Diuretics are important in the prevention and treatment of a number of conditions. These include fluid retention or edema, high blood pressure, and glaucoma just to name a few. Herbal diuretics work by making your kidneys excrete more sodium in the urine. The body then tries to balance out this increased amount of sodium concentration, by adding more water to the urine from the blood stream during the process of urine formation. By expelling the excess water in the urine there is now a decreased amount of fluid flowing through the blood vessels and pressure on the walls of the arteries is reduced.

Herbal Diuretics are commonly used to treat hypertension and heart problems related to high blood pressure. In addition, certain herbal diuretics can be used to prevent, treat or relieve symptoms of a variety of medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, hypertension and polycystic ovary syndrome. It has also been shown that herbal diuretics work with certain kidney disorders, liver disease, diabetes insipidus, osteoporosis, and urinary tract infections.

Dandelion and Buchu are two well-known herbs which are herbal diuretics are made from, but there are several natural herbs that can be added. While natural diuretics are far healthier than prescription and over-the-counter alternatives, they too should be used in a moderate and sensible manner as they are highly effective and extra precaution should be taken if used in combination with allopathic diuretics.