What Tea Is A Diuretic? 7 Best Teas For Water Retention

Physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle are natural ways to reduce water retention. So, what tea is a diuretic? Keep reading to find out.

All teas are diuretics since they increase overall fluid intake, which causes more urine production. However, certain teas may have a stronger diuretic effect — like the ones mentioned in the list below.

These teas can help promote the discharge of accumulated fluid, which can help relieve swelling. They can also help treat urinary tract infections (UTI) as they increase the flow through the urinary tract, which helps get rid of the bacteria faster. 

Only consume these teas with your doctor’s consent, especially if you want to achieve a therapeutic goal such as treating a UTI or decreasing fluid retention. 

7 Best Teas For Water Retention

1. Parsley Tea

Parsley tea is one of the most popular home remedies for water retention. According to animal studies, parsley has a diuretic effect on animals, which causes them to produce more urine.

Additionally, another study shows that parsley contains flavonoids, natural substances that can bind to adenosine A1 receptors. This reduces the effect of adenosine, which results in an increased production of urine.

Ingredients:

• 15 g of fresh parsley with stems
• One quarter lemon
• 250 ml of boiling water

Method:

Step 1: Wash The Parsley

Wash and chop the parsley. 

Step 2: Infuse In Hot Water

Put the chopped parsley in a cup with boiling water. Let it soak for five to 10 minutes.

Step 3: Strain & Serve

Strain the infusion and let it cool down.

You can drink parsley tea several times a day. Pregnant women or people who take anticoagulants or other types of diuretics should not consume this tea.

You may also be interested in McCormick Parsley Flakes.

2. Dandelion Tea

Dandelion tea is another popular home remedy for water retention that is commonly used to increase urine production. This tea works as a natural diuretic, as it is rich in potassium, an essential mineral that acts in the kidneys to promote urine excretion.

Ingredients:

• 15 g of dandelion leaves and roots
• 250 ml of boiling water

Method:

Step 1: Infuse

Pour the boiling water into a cup.

Add the dandelion leaves and roots. Let it soak for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Strain & Serve

Strain the infusion and let it cool down.

You can drink dandelion tea two tothree times a day. Pregnant women or people who have a history of gallbladder issues or bowel obstruction should not consume this tea.

You may also be interested in this BulkSupplements.com Dandelion Extract Powder.

3. Horsetail Tea

Horsetail tea is another natural diuretic that is commonly used in traditional medicine. Although there has not been much recent research on horsetail, a 2017 study found that the diuretic effect of this tea is comparable to that of synthetic diuretics produced in the lab, such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide. 

Ingredients:

• One teaspoon of horsetail 
• 250 ml of boiling water

Method:

Step 1: Boil & Infuse

Pour the boiling water into a cup.

Add the horsetail. Let it soak for five to 10 minutes.

Step 2: Strain & Serve

Strain the infusion and let it cool down.

You can drink horsetail tea three times a day, but we recommend you to consume this tea for a maximum of seven consecutive days to prevent mineral deficiency. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not consume this tea.

You may also be interested in this Swanson Horsetail.

4. Hibiscus Tea

According to a study on mice, hibiscus tea appears to significantly increase the amount of urine produced. The diuretic effect of this tea is also comparable to that of synthetic diuretics produced in the lab, such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide.

In addition, another animal study showed that the presence of anthocyanins, flavonoids, and hibiscus chlorogenic acid appears to control the activity of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates the production of urine.

Ingredients:

• Two tablespoons of dry hibiscus flowers
• One liter of hot water

Method:

Step 1: Mix The Hibiscus & Hot Water

Pour the hot water into a container.

Add the hibiscus flowers. Let it soak for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Strain & Serve

Strain the infusion and let it cool down.

You can drink it throughout the day. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not consume this tea.

You may also be interested in  Organic Hibiscus tea bags.

5. Fennel Tea

Fennel is a traditional medicinal plant that is commonly used to treat bladder problems and high blood pressure. Due to its diuretic effect, it increases the production of urine and promotes the outflow of excess fluid in the body.

Ingredients:

• One teaspoon of fennel seeds
• 250 ml of boiling water

Method:

Step 1: Add Boiling Water & Leaves

Pour the boiling water into a cup.

Add the fennel seeds. Let it soak for five to 10 minutes.

Step 2: Strain & Serve 

Strain the seeds out and let it cool down.

You can drink fennel tea three times a day. This tea is considered safe for adults and children. However, due to the lack of research on the safety of this tea, pregnant and breastfeeding women should only consume this tea with the consent of their doctor.

You may also be interested in this McCormick Gourmet Organic Fennel Seed.

6. Black Tea

Black tea is typically high in caffeine, which is known for its natural diuretic properties. This tea contains about half as much caffeine as a cup of regular coffee, which can help increase urine production and get rid of excess fluid in the body.

Ingredients:

• One tablespoon of black tea leaves
• 250 ml of boiling water

Method:

Step 1: Put the black tea leaves in a cup.

Pour the boiling water over them. Let it soak for three to five minutes. 

Step 2: Strain & Serve

Strain the infusion and let it cool down.

Keep in mind that the longer the soaking time, the higher the caffeine content. However, it may also taste more bitter. You can let the black tea leaves soak for at least three minutes, then taste it every 30 seconds until you achieve the right flavor.

Children should not drink black tea since it contains caffeine. In addition, people who have difficulty sleeping should not consume this tea, especially in the evening.

7. Green Tea

Green tea also contains caffeine, but only half as much caffeine as black tea. Although just one cup of this tea does not contain the necessary amount of caffeine needed for a diuretic effect, drinking three cups a day can increase urine production and help remove excess fluid in the body.

Ingredients:

• One tablespoon of green tea leaves
• 250 ml of boiling water

Method:

Step 1: Steep The Leaves In Water

Put the green tea leaves in a cup.

Pour the boiling water over them. Let it soak for three to five minutes.

Step 2: Strain & Serve 

Strain the infusion and let it cool down.

Keep in mind that the longer the soaking time, the higher the caffeine content. However, it may also taste more bitter. You can let the green tea leaves soak for at least three minutes, then taste it every 30 seconds until you achieve the flavor you like.

Since green tea contains caffeine, it should not be consumed by children. In addition, people who have difficulty sleeping should not drink this tea, especially in the evening.

Other Natural Diuretics

Most diuretics usually come in the form of water pills, but some foods and activities can be considered natural diuretics, including:

Fruits And Vegetables

Water-based fruits and vegetables do not simply provide vitamins and minerals — they can also be great natural diuretics. So, we recommend adding these diuretic foods into your diet:

• Asparagus
• Bell pepper
• Celery
• Cucumber
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Grapes
• Lemon
• Onion
• Pineapple
• Watermelon

Physical Exercise

Physical exercise is one of the easiest ways to have a natural diuretic effect, as increasing your heart rate can help circulate whatever fluid you have accumulated — and it is very helpful to move that fluid around in your body.

Weight Loss

Weight loss is another common natural diuretic. After all, up to 60% of the human adult body is water — so losing some weight is a great way to reduce water retention.

You may also be interested in reading our guide on what is fat burning coffee?

Reduce Sodium Intake

You should avoid eating a high-salt diet, as it will make you retain a lot more water. In addition, you should also be mindful of some drinks that secretly have a lot of salt in them, including soda.

You may also be interested in reading our guide on Is Green Tea Hydrating Or Dehydrating You?