Teas are a great way to consume natural diuretics, as they contribute to overall fluid intake which results in an increased production of urine. However, there are some plants that inherently contain a stronger diuretic effect due to the substances in their composition. These teas promote the elimination of accumulated fluid, which helps to relieve swelling, bloating and water retention.
Diuretic teas are also a great, natural way to complement the treatment of many health conditions, like urinary tract infections for example. These teas increase flow through the urinary tract, which helps to clear out bacteria faster.
Ideally, if you are looking to achieve a therapeutic goal (e.g. to help treat a UTI, or to decrease fluid retention), these natural diuretics should only be taken under the monitoring of your doctor. Being open with your doctor can prevent any interactions that the tea may have with prescription medication.
Which teas are naturally diuretic?
Teas that contain natural diuretic properties include:
1. Green tea
Green tea is rich in caffeine, which is a substance that has natural diuretic properties. Even though just one cup of tea does not contain the amount of caffeine necessary for this, having three cups a day can increase your production of urine and help to eliminate excess fluid in the body.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of green tea leaves
- 1 cup of boiling water
How to prepare
Place the leaves in a cup, pour the boiling water over them and allow to soak for three to five minutes. Then strain the tea and let it cool down. Drink three cups of this tea throughout the day. The greater the soaking time, the higher the caffeine content. However, keep in mind that if the tea infuses for a long time, it may taste more bitter. You are advised to allow the leaves to soak for three minutes and then taste the tea every thirty seconds until you achieve your desired flavor.
Because green tea has caffeine, it should not be taken by children. Additionally, people who have difficulty sleeping should avoid taking it, especially in the evening and at night.
2. Parsley tea
Parsley tea is one of the most popular home remedies to treat water retention. Studies done on animals show that parsley has a diuretic effect on animals, as it increases overall urine production [1].
Also, parsley contains flavonoids which are compounds that can bind to adenosine A1 receptors, as shown in another study [2]. This binding decreases the effect of adenosine, resulting in increased urine production.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch or 15 grams of fresh parsley with stems
- 1/4 lemon
- 250 ml of boiling water
How to prepare
Wash and chop up the parsley. Add the parsley to a cup with the boiling water and let it soak for five to ten minutes. Then, strain the infusion, let it cool down. You can drink this tea several times a day.
Ideally, parsley tea should not be taken by pregnant women or by people who take anticoagulants or other types of diuretics. Check out the other health benefits of parsley and how you can use it to complement treatment for other conditions.
3. Dandelion tea
Dandelion is another popular herb used to increase the production of urine and treat water retention. This plant works as a natural diuretic because it is rich in potassium, which is a type of mineral that acts in the kidneys and promotes urine excretion
Ingredients
- 15 g dandelion leaves and roots
- 250 ml of boiling water
How to prepare
Pour the boiling water into a cup and then add the dandelion. Let this soak for 10 minutes. Strain the infusion out and drink the tea two to three times a day.
This plant should not be used if you are pregnant or if you have a history of gallbladder issues or bowel obstruction.
4. Horsetail tea
Horsetail tea is another natural diuretic that is used a lot in traditional medicine and although there is not much recent research about this plant, a review done in 2017 states that the diuretic effect of horsetail can be compared to hydrochlorothiazide, which is a diuretic produced in the lab. Learn more about the health benefits of horsetail tea as well the possible side effects.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of horsetail
- 250 ml of boiling water
How to prepare
Place the horsetail in a cup with boiling water and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain and let the tea cool down. Drink this tea three times a day.
Even though it is not completely established whether horsetail increases the excretion of minerals through urine, we recommend you only ingest this herbal tea for a maximum of 7 consecutive days to prevent mineral imbalances. This tea should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
5. Hibiscus tea
Hibiscus tea seems to increase the quantity of urine produced significantly and, according to a study on mice [3]. Its effect is similar to that of synthetic diuretics produced in the lab, such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide.
In addition, another study [4] also completed on mice concluded that the composition in anthocyanins, flavonoids, and hibiscus chlorogenic acid seems to regulate the activity of aldosterone, a hormone that controls the production of urine.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dry hibiscus flowers
- 1 liter of simmering water
How to prepare
Put the hibiscus in the hot water, cover, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then strain the infusion and drink it throughout the day.
Even though it’s quite safe, hibiscus should be avoided during pregnancy and when breastfeeding. Read more about the benefits of hibiscus and what else this plant can be used for.
6. Fennel tea
Fennel is a traditional medicinal plant used to treat bladder problems and high blood pressure. This is because it has a diuretic effect, which leads to increased urine production and the excretion of excess fluid in the body. Learn more about the benefits of fennel and how it can be prepared.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
- 1 cup of boiling water
How to prepare
Add the seeds to the boiling water and let them sit for five to ten minutes. Then strain the seeds out. Drink up to three cups of this tea per day.
This plant is quite safe and can be used in adults and children. If you are pregnant or are breastfeeding, we recommend you only take this tea under your doctor’s supervision as there is a lack of research regarding its safety.
7. Linden tea
Linden is a plant that contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, like chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. These guarantee its diuretic action and promote the production of urine to eliminate excess fluid.
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried linden flowers
- 200 mL of water
How to prepare
Boil the water and remove from heat once it starts to bubble. Add the linden flowers, cover and steep for 5 minutes. Then strain and drink 2 to 4 cups per day.
Linden tea is not recommended for anyone with cardiac problems, for children under 4 or for breastfeeding or pregnant women.
Precautions to consider
If you opt to consume a diuretic tea, you should only do it under the supervision of you doctor or a health care professional who specializes in medicinal plants.
Ideally, diuretic tea should not be consumed by patients who already take synthetic diuretics like furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, or spironolactone. Also, these teas should be avoided by patients who have kidney problems, heart disease, or low blood pressure.
It is important to avoid taking them for more than 7 days in a row, especially if your doctor is not aware. This is because some of these teas can increase the elimination of important minerals through the urine, which can cause imbalances in the body. Check out other ways you can treat water retention.
