Edema is the most common term referring to the swelling of the body due to the accumulation fo fluid in certain areas of the body.

There are two main forms of edema, pulmonary and peripheral. Pulmonary is the most serious form of edema because the swelling tends to be in the lungs, the alveoli, and in some parts of the abdomen, in the "third" abdomen. Peripheral edema is a lot less serious because most swelling tends to be in the feet and leg area.

The most common causes are:

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Side effects to medicine

The most common symptoms are:

• Swelling or puffiness on the skin
  • Hands
  • Feet
  • Legs
  • Ankles
  • Other
• When pressing a "lump" it takes longer than usual for the imprint to disappear
• Inflammation 
• Increased swelling after extended period of standing or sitting
• Increased swelling as the day goes by
• Increased abdominal size
• Shortness of breath
• Stiffness in the joints
• Body aches
• Increase blood pressure 

*Patients should take this ailment seriously and contact a physician. It is wise to discuss your home remedies with your physician so the medications given are safe. We recommend open communication with medical staff, let them know you are interested in home remedies and want to take limited drugs. You might be surprised!

Mustard Oil

Rub warm mustard oil on and around the affected area. You can also soak 2 teaspoons of mustard seeds in water and rub on and around the area.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps remove copious amounts of fluid in the body. We suggest bathing in a bath with at least 1 quart of apple cider vinegar. Also, if you can stand it take one shot a day, preferably in the morning, followed by a lot of water. 

Exercise

Thirty minutes of cardio  a day go far, but with edema the results can be astounding. If you cannot work out that much do as much as you can in conjunction with other home remedies.

Be sure to stretch regularly or even do some yoga in the morning followed by cardio in the evening, or vice versus.

Smoking and Alcohol

Avoid both like the plague.

Diet

Avoid to many fruits and vegetables because they can increase the bodies fluid levels. We suggest taking a supplement though. It is also wise to decrease carbohydrates and increase protein and fat rich foods. Flax seeds and mustard are to great additions to have in your diet as well as taking in enough water (you should still stay hydrated with plenty of water to flush your system). If taking medicine it is wise to have a low-sodium diet, this will help the medicine perform well.