Edema or Excess fluid in the tissues can happen in a variety of ways. Fluid retention in the thighs and hips in women is often associated with a build-up in toxins, as in cellulite, and a general detoxifying diet, exercise and massage will be most effective. Severe leg and ankle edema and prolonged fluid retention are often a sign of kidney and/or heart malfunction, and should be treated professionally, without delay.

Symptoms:

• Weight gain
• Puffy eyelids
• Swelling of the legs and ankle
• Hand and neck vein may looked fuller
• Elevated pulse rate and blood pressure

Other Causes of Edema:

• Edema is often aggravated during the pre-period phase, especially in the breasts and abdomen.
• Long flights, to prevent this drink plenty of fluid (but not alcohol), and move around the plane as much as possible.
• Hot weather can also cause water retention.

The following are some remedies you can do to keep the swelling down:

Essential Oils:

• For cases like cellulite or temporary ankle swelling due to heat or long flights, massage the legs and thighs in an upwards sweeping movement, with a 1-2% dilution of essential oils in base oil. Beneficial oils are Geranium, Grapefruit, Lemon and Rosemary; Junifer has an even stronger diuretic effect, stimulating the kidneys to excrete excess fluid. Another essential oil of value is Fennel, but this has a mild estrogenic action too, so be careful not to use for long if edema is hormone related. Avoid using the essential oils listed above if you have kidney problem and if you are pregnant (pregnancy is a time when you experience water retention) use essential oils sparingly (less than 1%), if at all, and get professional advice if you are unsure. Do not use Fennel or Junifer.
• For swelling due to insect bites, use neem and tea tree oil topically. The venom of the insect irritates the skin, and neem and/or tea tree oil mixed together in equal proportion will neutralize the venom toxicity and minimize the edema.

Herbal Remedy:

• If the swelling is due to allergy, drink fresh cilantro juice (cilantro has antihistamine property). Chop some fresh cilantro and place in to the blender with 1/3 cup of water. Blend, strain, and drink immediately. You can also apply the pulp, locally to the swollen area.
• Dandelion is one of the best diuretic herbs because it is rich in potassium. Diuretic medicine flush potassium from the body and it must be replaced to avoid potassium deficiency.

Thigh and Leg Massage to Prevent Edema:

• To improve circulation in the legs, first apply herbal oil (the recommended oil is virgin coconut oil) on the legs. Place hands on the thigh and stroke upward to the buttocks a few times, with light but steady sweeping movements, hand-over-hand.
• Move hands down to the lower leg and stroke up to the back of the knee a few times. Repeat steps 1 and 2; always start this movement on the upper leg, and always stroke up towards the heart.

Dietary Changes:

• Reduction of salt intake, including salty foods such as olives, soy sauce, or pickles.
• Limited use of alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and dairy products.
• Increased consumption of whole grain foods, cucumbers, apples, potatoes, grapes, onions, cabbage, and oranges.
• Daily vitamin and mineral supplements.

Other Tips on how to prevent / treat Edema:

• Put a pillow under your legs when you are lying down.
• Wear support stockings on your legs to keep water from collecting in your legs and ankles.
• Do not sit or stand for too long without moving.