The home remedies for ascites may include garlic, dandelion, gram, bitter gourd, fenugreek, radish, melon, onion, and adequate sleep.
Ascites is a condition where there is fluid buildup in the abdomen or peritoneal cavity. This may lead to inflammation in the arms, legs, and spleen. When the fluid moves around to the lungs, it can make breathing difficult. Ascites is technically known as peritoneal fluid excess, peritoneal cavity fluid, and hydroperitoneum. [1]
Treatments for Ascites
Key treatments for ascites include salt-restricted diets and bed rest. In addition to those two treatments, diuretics or drugs are also utilized for excreting more water from the kidneys. The process of therapeutic paracentesis is used to remove the fluid by inserting a thin needle or tube to remove excess fluid from the abdomen. Large-volume paracentesis (LVP) is the treatment used for draining large amounts of fluid from the patient’s body. A short hospital stay is required for such treatments.
Natural Remedies for Ascites
Let’s look at the best remedies and diet tips for healing ascites:
Garlic
Garlic may play a pivotal role in curing ascites. Take 125 ml of water and mix in a half teaspoon of garlic juice. Drink the garlic mixture regularly for days to see a marked improvement.
Dandelion
Dandelion, the herbal diuretic, is used for curing ascites, as it may not only drain the excess fluid but may also provide potassium to the body. Drink dandelion tea twice daily to get relief. [2]
Horse Gram
Take 25 gms of the gram and boil it in 1/4 liter of water. Let the water reduce to half. Strain the liquid. You will need to drink this for at least 3 weeks to see a noticeable change.
Ascites refers to the abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Bitter Gourd
Drink 25 ml juice of fresh bitter gourd thrice after mixing with water to get relief. Bitter gourd juice can also be taken on an empty stomach.
Avoid Excess Water
Intake of excess water during the case of ascites may add to swelling and weight gain. Milk, carrot juice, and buttermilk can be used to replace water as they restore energy, without adding to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.
Radish
Radishes may be very beneficial in the treatment of ascites. Mix the juice of the leaves of the radish plant with water and consume.
Fenugreek Seeds
Soak the fenugreek seeds overnight. Strain and drink the water in the morning.
Onion
Onions are very powerful diuretics. Therefore, you may include them in your diet to help drain the excess accumulated fluid through urination. [3]
Melon
You should eat melon daily in a significant portion to stay healthy and fight ascites. It also helps in digestion and restoring the fluid balance, as well as other parts of homeostasis.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Some therapies that are helpful to treat this disease may include Patoladi Ghrita, Punarnava Churna, and Punarnavadi Kwath and Shilajatwadi Vati.
Herbs
Arjuna or white murdah has diuretic properties. Heenga or asafoetida, when dissolved in hot water, is used to foment the abdomen. Himsra or caper bush can be eaten in soups and salads. Kakamachi or black nightshade is also used in the Ayurvedic treatment of ascites. Kateli or kantakari is used to treat dropsy along with ascites.
Massage
Regular massage with castor oil or sesame oil is very beneficial in ascites as it helps drain excess fluid from the body. [4]
Avoid Alcohol
Stay away from alcohol! It is known to be the cause behind approximately 83% of all patients suffering from this disease.
Exercise
Exercise may help your abdominal muscles develop well, while also protecting against fluid accumulation.
Sleep
Try not to sleep during the day. Maintain a fixed time to go to bed at night and wake up early in the morning. This plays an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of the body.
Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt baths are great to detoxify the body and soothe swelling that may be a common feature of ascites.
Harmful Diet
Avoid eating too much starch like rice and wheat. Salt is also very harmful to patients suffering from ascites.
Word of Caution: A doctor should be visited if there is any doubt that you might be suffering from ascites as a proper diagnosis is a must. At times, it’s necessary to consult your doctor, even before trying any of these home remedies and foods. You should keep in mind that every individual patient is different, as is their cause of ascites, and that should be taken into consideration before taking any home remedies.
