The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Reducing Salt, Black Cohosh
Posted by Kathy (Idaho Falls, Idaho) on 01/08/2014
★★★★★
I figured out my swelling ankles and legs was caused by a combination of high blood pressure and hormone imbalance. Since I started going through menopause the problem got much worse. I found the combination of reducing salt intake, taking a supplement for the hormone imbalance which contains black cohosh and even taking straight black cohosh helps tremendously) and getting plenty of exercise has helped so much. The only time I really have the problem now is when I have the monthly monster . Good luck to you all!
Cream of Tartar
Posted by Christine (Us) on 05/13/2014
For muscle twitching at night, avoid all artificial sweeteners, especially in drinks, bottled diet teas, diet soda, drink mixes such as crystal light. Your Restless Leg Syndrome will disappear.
Cream of Tartar
Posted by Melanie (Maine) on 08/17/2014
For leg cramps and twitching, put a bar of soap in your bed.
Cream of Tartar
Posted by Cheryl (Australia) on 09/03/2016
Hi --
I have been told by a Naturopath if Magnesium is not working then try a Kelp Tablet. It worked for me.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Kelly (Seattle) on 05/24/2023
Water
Posted by Chrissy (Manahawkin, Nj) on 07/29/2012
★★★★☆
I have had edema in my left calf, ankle, and foot for over 1 year. I had heart tests, kidney &. Liver tests and last week I had 6 different dooplers (sonograms) to check my veins and the blood flow. Every test was perfect. So I now will start with taking the Butcher's Broom to see if this will help with the swelling. I already started 3 weeks ago with drinking about 2 quarts of water a day. That reduced a little swelling, but the water helped a lot with making me feel good overall. Will report back in a few weeks.
Swollen Feet Remedies
Posted by Violet56 (Bend, Or) on 04/03/2012
NEED HELP WITH FOOT SWELLING
AFTER ELEVATION! ... Yep you heard right. I had an ankle fusion (fused at talus) on Right Foot/Ankle Only;11 months ago, and about 6 months ago started having terrible issues with foot pain/plantar faceitis/ect. But the real issue is that during the night my right foot (measured at mid foot and below toes) swells about 1 to 1.5 inches around. It feels not only painful upon rising but as if I am trying to walk on a water balloon. The swelling gradually lessens throughout the day. The left foot and ankle are normal. This really concerns me and the Doc's just shrug and shake their heads. Please note that I have arthritis in the right foot from a broken mid foot in 2003. The original damage that forced fusion was compound right tib-fib-ankle joint fractures in winter 84, right ankle has had multiple surgeries prior to fusion, but never anything like this odd swelling???
Any help out there??? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Christine (Us) on 05/13/2014
Yes, it must be natural blackstrap molasses, which has many more nutrients that have been lost in filtering to get refined molasses.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Faithinhealing (Forest Park, Ohio, Usa) on 02/27/2010
Have you had your liver checked? Inflammation can cause the water retention so you could check out remedies for that. I use tumeric, aloe gel, and garlic for inflammation as well as fermented foods!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Deborah (Boca) on 10/16/2020
Try Sam-E
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Glo (Woodbridge, Va) on 08/19/2009
★☆☆☆☆
Hello.. This is a great site, thanks EarthClinic. I've been suffering from edema (both legs,ankles,feet, hands) now for 2.5 yrs. Doc's just prescribe lasix or other dieuretics. Most of the time I have no success, just putting those drugs in my system. I take 2 tbsps of ACV twice a day, this does not reduce the edema. I have sincerely eliminated salt from my diet as much as possible, even before the edema I was not much of a salt fan. This is so frustrating. does anyone have home remedy suggestions for me?
Vitamin B Complex
Posted by Cheryl (Australia) on 09/03/2016
Thank you Susan ....
I have also had Edema for quite sometime - on and off. But is quite bad just now. So will give Vitamin B a try. I also take Apple Cider Vinegar every morning.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Barbara (Aiken, South Carolina) on 07/19/2017 23 posts
I have been adding blackstrap molasses to my coffee for months now. I like the taste. Will increase to twice a day to see if it makes my ankles go down.
Distilled Water
Posted by Cyann (Akron, Oh) on 06/30/2010
Was glad to see your report on distilled water. Needed help with swelling. Will give this a try. Thanks.
Distilled Water
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile Tn.) on 11/28/2013
STEPHANIE, be careful, because distilled water will remove minerals from your body, especially calcium. You are flirting with osteoporosis.
Distilled Water
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile Tn.) on 11/30/2013
YEP, RO WATER has all the minerals removed just like distilled water does. Our Anti-Aging doctor uses an RO SYSTEM because the Knoxville water has so many man made chemicals in it. She then has to supplement with minerals. We have well water and drink from an Alkaline Ionizer which gives us double the good minerals that is normally in the well water. I'm not that smart, but Google is. ======RH=======
Distilled Water
Posted by Mama to Many (Tennessee) on 09/12/2014
Dear Robert Henry,
Thank you for explaining this. I have heard that one should not drink distilled water and now I understand why.
I was so happy to read your post yesterday about your vacation and resting etc. I am glad you are doing well.
~Mama to Many~
Distilled Water
Posted by sandy (IL) on 07/11/2023
Dear Mama to Many,
I follow your advise a lot on EC. Can you please suggest alternate to distilled water. I can not drink tap water because it tastes horrible and even I force myself to drink, I feel weird and bloated sometimes
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Kildonon (Cincinnati, Ohio) on 04/29/2023
Apparently, I am very allergic to ALA, I used it for about 3 days, I ended up with a rash on my legs below the knees and my legs were so swollen. I have never been so swollen before. My ankles and legs were extremely swollen. I didn't take it again. I took some Benadryl before bed and my legs are definitely less swollen and the skin seems a touch loose now. Be very careful taking ALA.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cindy Wilson (Alabama) on 11/13/2021
I think that's awesome! I will try. The bottom of my feet have felt real thick and al little numb since I had COVID.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Learner (EarthSchool) on 03/20/2023
That is amazing! And it must be delicious! You might add garlic and collard greens or other crucifer veggies, too :)
Trace Minerals
Posted by Jules (Oregon, USA) on 07/12/2022
Hello Jared (& fellow Orgonian),
Could you please tell me what kind of trace minerals you take and where you find them?
Thank you!
Cayenne
Posted by KT (Usa) on 09/08/2014
Thanks for the information Timh...we don't have any magnets handy and besides, I couldn't touch it. I had to remove my below-the-ankle sock because of the pressure, swelling was throbbing. It was the ankle on the inside. Sometimes as I walked, I kept kicking myself.
Thank you MtM...I took the cayenne about every two hours and after the third dose I took turmeric, ginger and black pepper. I had to prop a pillow under my calf when I went to bed so it wouldn't touch anything.
Today it is better...still a knot and wide-spread bruise. Still taking the cayenne, etc. I've been taking vit.C too. I take that all the time anyway. Do you think that would cause too much conflict, because of taking the cayenne? I see you must have read my Sept. 2 post? Love, KT
Cayenne
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 09/09/2014
Dear Kt,
How is your bruise today?
I don't think vitamin C and cayenne would conflict with one another, by the way!
Love,
MtM
Cayenne
Posted by KT (Usa) on 09/10/2014
Good Morning, MtM
My bruise is colorful and I measured it... about 4" at the widest, spread over my arch and it looks like I have a double ankle! There is also a bruised strip going up the the back of my leg just above my heel. I have an appointment for a "well visit" to my PCP tomorrow so I'll show it to him.
I had jerry-rigged an oven rack and an old refrigerator rack to put on top of our wood stove for our pot of water. I literally "poked" the area just above my ankle with the raw end of the rack when I tried to gracefully swing my leg over it when it was on top of a wash tub on the floor. I have been unable to get any charcoal and I'm not so sure about the DMSO...I looked it up once after seeing posts about it but that's as far as I got with that.
MtM, please let me know if you read my reply to you Sept. 2 (gave John 5:19 as a ref.). I think It was contained in a thread about something from Thailand. I can't remember whether it was turpentine or something else...this has been prepared peicemeal because I can't sit here long...Thanks for your concern...Love, KT
Cayenne
Posted by Sandy (Naperville, Il, Usa) on 11/16/2015
Hello to Mama to Many,
Community is blessed by people like you. I get swelling on my ankle and toes often. If I were ankle socks, I feel very uncomfortable after sometime and I realise that it is because of tight socks. I feel slight pain in my feet sometimes. When I get up from a restful sleep, I still notice some swelling on my toes. I do not go for my yearly check up because I am afraid. When swelling goes away, my toes look wrinkled. Sometime my feet is perfect. I do not eat much salt. Can you please give me some remedial suggestions?
Thank you
Cayenne
Posted by Green Augustine (Mold, Denbighshire) on 11/19/2015 41 posts
Hello Sandy.
Earlier this year I was reading John Briffa's book about the diet trap in which he says lack of salt, or very little salt, can cause edema. Of course he was referring to good sea salt or pure rock salt and not the supermarket table salt with all the additives. My sister rang me and told me she had swollen legs and ankles and was worried about it and I mention Briffa's comments. She said she'd dramatically reduced her salt intake because she'd read salt caused high blood pressure and her BP was a bit raised. A couple of days later she emailed to say she'd increased her salt intake and legs were much improved! Have you also tried body brushing where, with a firm but not harsh bristled brush, you brush from your feet up towards your heart several times covering all areas of the body. This not only helps the lymphatic system and hence the edema, but gets rid of old dead skin and leaves skin feeling smooth. Best done in the morning as it can be too stimulating at bedtime. I imagine that herbal teas like nettle etc would help too as they flush out the kidneys and help the body excrete toxins and are generally a good tonic.(Susun Weed has an interesting blog on this). You might also want to do a bit off research into Chinese or Ayurvedic ideas about different body types or doshas( Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and what foods suit or unbalance each one. For example Kapha is inclined to be lethargic and so needs spicy foods to stimulate their organs etc Good luck!
Avoid Nitrates
Posted by Sheri (Memphis) on 05/11/2016
★★★★★
You are SO right!! I just wish everyone would take your advise!
Neck Edema Remedies
Posted by Frank (Purcellville, Va) on 10/07/2013
I recently started having problems with edema in my neck after the removal of the lymph nodes on both sides due to cancer. I'm sleeping with my head slightly elevated but when I wake my neck is still very swollen limiting my range of motion. The swelling goes down as the day progresses but only about half way of the waking state. What do you suggest?
Cream of Tartar
Posted by Larry (Fairfax, Va) on 08/17/2014
Could you be more specific, please. What type of magnesium soap; placed exactly where?
Cream of Tartar
Posted by Christina (Michigan, US) on 12/21/2014
Magnesium , zinc and potassium are all crucial to proper cellular function. I buy Potassium Chloride and use it daily.
Cream of Tartar
Posted by Anon (Usa) on 03/18/2018
I realize Bo posted 5 years ago but I find it difficult to believe a tiney bit of cream of tartar almost killed him but he was able to eat bananas. For perspective I have drunk two whole teaspoonsfull in a glass of water more than once.
I get pain and muscle spasms in my legs when I lay down at night sometimes and calcium/magnesium/zinc pills, vitamin e, and coQ10 fix it within minutes. Bananas and a glass of milk used to work too, but I use pills now.
Cream of Tartar
Posted by Patty (El Monte, Calif.) on 03/23/2016
How many oz. of water did you use and does it really work for edema?
Cream of Tartar
Posted by Mary (Arcadia, Ca) on 03/27/2016 51 posts
Hi Patty, I hope you're the lady I met on Access services. You told me your daughter healed herself of Hypothyroid. I was very interested to find out how she did it. Are you the same lady?
Limiting Carbohydrates
Posted by Mela (Kuwait) on 03/12/2016
Hi.. I would like to ask if how is your left leg as of today? Did the low carb diet help cure your edema? My case is similar with you.. 5 years edema on my left leg (until today) and still trying to find the perfect cure aside from surgery..
Limiting Carbohydrates
Posted by Leander (Indianapolis, Indiana ) on 02/28/2018
Hello!
I found your remedy to be very interesteng. My edema is a result of having Kaposi Sarcoma. Do you know if this will work in my situation.? My immune system is very weak, it's building back with help of medicines. Thanks for any input on helping me get this fluid out faster. Doctors have only have me try compression garments with physical therapy. It's helped to a certain point. Trying to get further progress.
Very needed advise,
Leander
Green Tea
Posted by Gavin (Manganui, Northland, New Zealand) on 07/23/2012
★★★★★
Did you read the post for green tea as an excellent way to keep the swollen ankles at bay?Im sure it was on this site. It took about six cups a day.
Fulvic Acid Complex
Posted by Mary (Yutan, Ne) on 12/22/2013
Hi Bill from San Fernando I read your post about taking Quantumin Plus for edema. I just ordered me a bottle of this product that you talked about. I have edema in my right ankle & foot. Can tell me how much a person should take a day to help with the edema. Also do you know how long a bottle will last. Sincerely Mar
Fulvic Acid Complex
Posted by Jhen (Manila) on 12/02/2015
Hi Bill, my mother is having a full blown edema because of heart failure/heart enlargement and other complications of diabetes. Do you think Quantumin Plus can cure those illnesses. We almost lose hope if she can still be cured.
Cherry Juice
Posted by Justtryingtohelp (Washington, Dc, Usa) on 03/21/2011
★★★★★
Re: Swelling of leg and foot
To take away the swelling, you can do two things. One you can either eat cherries from the jar or drink the cherry juice (you will see an improvement). Two, you can make a paste of cornmeal and vinegar, and paste it all the swolen area, let it harden, rinse or peel off. Hope this helps!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Glo (Woodbridge, Va) on 09/25/2010
Hi, I've tried ACV, and there is some reduction, but... Your first priority should be to determine the cause of your swelling. Get the appropriate diagnosis from your physician, which will lead you to the proper course of treatment. This could be muscular, and require something altogether different. Some also research their symptoms on the Internet. Either way, start there and then research treatment. I hope this helps. BTW, if you already have a diagnosis, plz include in ur description, and it should help.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Glo (Woodbridge, Va) on 06/22/2011
Thanks for the suggestion Rita. I will try it! I don't mind trying natural treatments.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Norman (Metro Cebu, Philippines) on 05/27/2010
★☆☆☆☆
Sir or Madame,
I'm a Man. 66 yrs now. I'm in Philippines and so not the same is always available here. I have been a black strap molasses user for about oh 7 yrs and for a daily nose bleeding problem which it cureed very well. by a tblspn a day with a mug of hot water, sometimes I add milk.
But I've had a swelling edema problem in my feet & ankles & legs for 5 yrs already & have worn compression socks which I hate and they don't solve the problem anyways. I have upped my molasses intake to at least 3 tblspns daily for aprox a wk now and don't see the results I hear people write about yet I'm very hopeful. With this The molasses does not say black strap though, Is that a problem?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Soymoon (Milwaukee, Wi) on 02/26/2010
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
I have been having Edema in my legs, ankles, feet, arms and hands for a month now. My shoes no longer fit and my wedding ring needed to be cut off. Have tried parsley and celery juice. Seemed to work at first but not any longer. Had a blood test and kidneys and blood sugar looked good. Regularly take Butchers Broom and ACV to no avail. Any help?
Swollen Feet Remedies
Posted by Gilbert (Orlando, Fl) on 12/16/2009
Swollen painful feet
I'm not sure what's going on. My feet have been so swollen and painful that I walk funny when taking the first few steps. I went to a specialist and all he did was offer me steroids. He said it may be related to plantar faciitis or for some reason the length of my toes. This has never happened before. Any ideas?
Swollen Feet Remedies
Posted by Robyn (Melbourne, Australia) on 07/29/2011
I have the same problem - excruciating!! I also have very flat feet and saw an ad for that problem - plantar faciitis - the symptoms being when you hit the floor after a nights sleep extremely painful feet. The podiatrist sells you a kind of stirrup. Do you have flat feet? Do you wear orthotics? But it could also be as mentioned diabetes. For me, Im also wondering if all this excess calcium in my body is making my circulation so slow this is just another symptom. My whole body is in extreme pain in the morning until the morphine kicks in but if I could get rid of the feet pain it would stop me nearly puking in the morning.
Pulmonary Edema Remedies
Posted by David (Brisbane, Australia) on 07/28/2009
pulmonary edema: My 73year old neighbour has a constant build up of "fluids in the lungs", she doesn't know what her condition is actually, not sure if her doctor cared enough to explain to her clearly! She has extreme difficult breathing now and is generally on a home respiratory machine. She lives alone and has no care taker. From what I've read she might have Pulmonary Edema, fluid blocking the air-sacs within her lungs. Every month she has to go to the hospital to have the fluid drained, from what I've read pulmonary edema is often linked too heart problems but she has never had any heart trouble and eats a fairly healthy diet so I'm a bit confused to what caused this. What is her likely condition? What needs to be done for her to recover?
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Lenny (Ny) on 01/07/2014
How much did u take per day?
Ginger
Posted by Diane (Fairbanks, Alska, Usa) on 06/17/2013
How much powdered ginger should I use in my gunpowder green tea to ameliorate the massive all over body swelling which my doctors say is lymphatic obstruction. However, no salt, mostly veggies and fruit (raw) with brown rice or sweet potatoes and sometimes bits of chicken AND their lymph breaking massages have not helped. I should mention this started after several surgeries repairing head, brain, neck and shoulder injuries from an accident. I am now allergic to chemically based allopathic meds. I think their meds has caused this problem. They have me now on insulin, metformin, glyburide, and 25 mg of HCTZ daily with 300 mg of potassium. (I also developed diabetes during all this). Can someone please help me? I still have a young son to care for and teach... I am practically bedridden with the severe swelling and pain. Yes. Walking makes it worse. The doctors measured my body water content and found that I am "... At least 41 pounds of water over what you should be carrying. " I drink 2-4 quarts of water per day. Any less and I start holding even more! All heart, lung, kidney, and liver functions show healthy normal. HELP!
Distilled Water
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 11/28/2013
Robert Henry,
I was hoping you would reply to Duke. Glad to hear you are doing well. I noticed your comment that distilled water removes minerals and wondered if RO water does the same thing? Hope not! Thanks and best wishes.
Distilled Water
Posted by sandy (IL) on 07/11/2023
What is an alkaline water ionizer? If you can please explain, I will stop buying distilled water from store. Thank you in advance
