Herbal Action: Diuretics

Also called: Water Herbs - urine flow

Diuretic herbs increase the flow of urine, helping to cleanse the system, flush the kidneys, and reduce the urgency to urinate.

Because diuretics flush fluid and minerals out of the body, they're often paired with demulcent or soothing herbs (like marshmallow) to protect the urinary tract from irritation — especially when acids or gravel are present. Staying well-hydrated alongside diuretic use helps support the kidneys rather than stress them.

What they do:

• Increase the flow of urine

• Help cleanse the system and flush the kidneys

• Reduce urinary urgency

• Help clear waste (a natural "alterative" for the urinary system)

How they're used: 

Most commonly taken as teas, since diuretics are usually combined with demulcents in a tea formula to soothe irritation from acids or gravel. Extracts and capsules are also used.

When to consider them:

For sciatica, kidney stones, bladder ache, lymphatic swelling, scalding urine, gonorrhea, skin symptoms, water retention, high blood pressure, obesity, edema, backache, and prostatitis.

Herbs

• Cleavers

• Corn silk

• Dandelion leaf

• Horsetail

• Uva Ursi (reduces bacteria in urine and reduces swelling)

• Alfalfa

• Birch leaves (also has pain-relieving properties)

• Black cohosh

• Blackberries

• Blue cohosh

• Buchu

• Burdock

• Celery seeds

• Chicory

• Couch grass

• Elecampane

• False unicorn

• Fennel

• Goldenrod

• Gravel root

• Hawthorn berry

• Horseradish

• Hydrangea

• Juniper berries

• Kava Kava

• Kelp

• Marshmallow (also soothes irritation)

• Mullein

• Nettle

• Parsley

• Pipsissewa

• Plantain

• Pleurisy root

• Sassafras

• Saw palmetto

• Shepherd's purse

• Sorrel

• Squaw vine

• St. John's wort

• White oak bark

• White willow

• Woodruff

• Yarrow