Edema

See also “Swelling During Pregnancy”

Suddenly one morning a person may wake up with swollen eyes, a swollen foot, a swollen nose, or a swollen toe—any part of the body can swell. There may be associated symptoms such as pain or itching. Sometimes the edema may be related to an injury, such as a bump, or it may be due to torn ligaments. Or fluid may seep from the blood vessels due to prolonged standing or walking. Because of poor circulation, a person’s feet or ankles may swell. Edema may also be an allergic reaction, or the result of an insect bite.

Because there are so many possible reasons for the swelling, finding out the cause is essential for maximally effective treatment. Nevertheless, the following recommendations should prove helpful.

APPLY A HEALING PASTE. At the site of the swelling, apply a paste made of turmeric and red sandalwood. Mix an equal amount of the herbal powders together, add sufficient water to make a paste, and apply.

NOTE: Don’t get this mixture of turmeric and sandalwood in your eyes; it may irritate the eye and create conjunctivitis.

GIVE YOUR FEET A RAISE. If the edema is in your feet, raise the feet. Sit in a comfortable chair with your legs resting on a footstool, or use a small table and place a couple of pillows under your feet. When you go to bed, place pillows under your feet. This will gradually drain the excess water and relieve the swelling.

FOR INSECT BITES. For swelling due to insect bites, use neem and tea tree oil topically. The venom of the insect irritates the skin, and neem and tea tree oil mixed together in equal proportion will neutralize the venom toxicity and minimize the edema. Neem oil is also effective by itself. (See “Bites and Stings” for further suggestions.)

NATURAL ANTIHISTAMINE FOR ALLERGIES. If the swelling is due to allergy, take antihistamine in the form of fresh cilantro juice. Chop some fresh cilantro and place in the blender with ⅓ cup of water. Blend, strain, and drink immediately. Also apply the pulp locally to the swollen area. (See “Allergies” for many more suggestions.)

FINGER RING SWELLING. Swelling on a finger may be due to a too-tight ring. Simply remove the ring. If it will not easily slip off, raise your hand high above your head or soak your hand in ice water for a few minutes, then use some soap or oil to make your finger slippery. If this does not work, the ring may have to be cut. That will release the blood flow and relieve the edema.

HERBS TO IMPROVE CIRCULATION. Poor circulation can lead to edema. To increase circulation, mix:

punarnava 5 parts
manjistha 3 parts
gokshura 3 parts

Take ½ teaspoon twice a day with warm water, after meals.

LOCAL EXERCISE TO IMPROVE CIRCULATION. In addition to the above herbal formula, giving some exercise to the part of the body that is swollen should improve circulation and reduce the swelling. Fill a pan or bucket with hot water, and steep a “teabag” of mustard seeds in it. Make the bag by wrapping 2 tablespoons of mustard seeds in a handkerchief or some cheesecloth. Put it into the bucket you’re using to soak your ankle, finger, or whatever part is swollen. While you soak, flex the swollen part and do some underwater exercises to increase circulation.

REMEDIES FOR LOCALIZED SWELLING

• For swelling of the nose, do nasya using brahmi oil or plain ghee (see appendix 3).
• For swelling of the eyes, apply a few drops of pure rose water. You can generally buy a 3 percent solution of rose water; to make it at home, use organic roses and soak both petals and the hip in distilled water for several hours, then strain and use the water.
• For swollen toes, apply a paste of turmeric and red sandalwood.
• For a torn ligament, apply some mahanarayan oil topically. Internally, take kaishore guggulu, 200 mg. twice a day.
• For facial swelling. Some parasites, such as amoebas, giardia, and pinworms, can create swelling of the face. If you have determined that this is the cause of your facial swelling, the following formula will be effective:

vidanga 3 parts
neem 3 parts
shardunika 3 parts

Take ½ teaspoon twice a day after lunch and dinner.