Your body possesses a fixed amount of fluids within it to function properly and to maintain the body's balance. Excess fluid above this quantity will cause an external physical condition on the body called swelling.
The extra fluid will be trapped inside your body tissues, and you may notice it on any part of your body. Mostly, swelling is evident on parts like feet, arms, legs, ankles and joints. Swelling in feet is very common among older people.
This post explores the common types of swelling and natural remedies to counter these physical problems.
What is Swelling and What Causes It?
Swelling (medical term, Edema), as we mentioned is a physical condition, where body fluid is trapped inside the tissues and appears in the form of a skin extension or enlargement on the body.
Small capillary vessels inside your body contain fluids. These fluids may sometimes be leaked by the vessels and will form swelling in the body. There might be multiple reasons that contribute to the fluid leakage inside the vessels.
If you stay in a position for too long (sitting or standing), swelling will occur. It could be the result of consuming salty food in excess. Pregnancy also may cause swelling in some parts. Medications for high blood pressure and steroidal drugs may cause swelling conditions as well.
Symptoms and Effects of Swelling
The symptoms of swelling are as follows:
- The skin on the swelling part will be in a shiny format.
- When you stretch the skin for some time, it will show and retain a pit shape.
- A rise in your abdomen size could be a result of swelling.
- Puffiness of your under-skin tissues.
The different effects of swelling may be as follows:
- In mild cases of swelling, the healing will happen automatically.
- For severe conditions, leaving swelling untreated may cause complications. It could result in scenarios like stiffness, pain, a decrease in blood circulation, risk of infections, scarring and movement troubles.
- Remember that swelling is not always a standalone physical condition. It could also be a symptom of other severe illnesses like kidney diseases, vein damage, heart failure, cirrhosis, protein deficiency and lymphatic system issues. In all these cases, you need quick and immediate treatment.
Types of Swelling
The different swelling types can be distinguished by the various body parts that get affected by the condition. They are as follows:
- Swelling on the feet, legs and ankle swelling.
- Swelling on the arms and hands.
- Swelling in the lungs.
- Swelling in the brain.
- Swelling on the lymph nodes and tissues.
- Swelling under the eye.
- Swelling during pregnancy.
Natural Remedies for Swelling
Treatment for swelling is available in different modes, including natural methods like Ayurveda. In this segment, we will discuss the most popular and effective natural remedies for swelling and inflammation.
- Ayurveda Products - The easiest go-to solution for dealing with conditions like swelling and related symptoms of inflammation or joint pain are the use of Ayurveda products. Top products include Kottam Chukkadi Choornam and Kottam Chukkadi Thailam from Bipha.
Kottam Chukkadi is a combination of the root of the costus plant and dried fresh ginger, blended with other natural ingredients. It works best for all sorts of body swelling and relief from the resulting pain or irritation.
- Herbs & Supplements - Herbs and supplements are part of the Ayurveda niche itself. You can use herbs like punarnava and cedar and make a paste with the ingredients to provide comfort to your healing.
You may consume supplements consistently to reduce swollen physical traits. These supplements could include organic herbs like ginger, turmeric, punarnava or deodar.
- Epsom Salt Bath - It is one of the easiest techniques you can adopt to deal with swelling conditions. Epsom salt is the best answer for how to reduce swelling in feet. Bathing your feet in water containing the ingredient is bound to reduce swelling.
This ingredient recommended by professional doctors is cost-effective and risk-free. Epsom Salt contains magnesium which helps dissolve the swelling after keeping your swollen legs in the water for some time.
- Abhyanga Process - In simple Ayurvedic terms, the Abhyanga process is body massage using oil. A decoction made from ten herbal roots (called Dashamoola) is the perfect solution to undergo Abhyanga treatment.
- Essential Oils - The technique of massage is not limited to Abhyanga alone. Other massage ingredients like essential oils may also be included to reduce your swelling.
The top solutions in this category include lavender, eucalyptus, chamomile, marjoram and peppermint oils. You may use these massage oils during a hot water bath, and it is also possible for you to mix them up with virgin coconut oil.
- Water & Salt Intake - In direct words, increase your water intake and reduce your salt intake to get the desired output in managing your body swelling.
- Magnesium-rich Diet - Eat foods containing magnesium in rich quantities to help in your swelling prevention and removal goals. Food items with high magnesium content include fruits, vegetables, nuts, dark chocolate, grains and dairy products.
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Exercise & Movement - Regular exercise and an active lifestyle will work wonders in supporting your fight against swelling and inflammation. Even minimal movements like treadmill exercises are capable of reducing swelling or joint inflammation.
Parting Thought
To understand and analyze the swelling condition, a simple professional consultation is enough. Most symptoms will point to swelling in legs, but other swelling types are not uncommon.
Once the diagnosis is complete, you can easily opt for treatment, and herbal remedies are the optimum way to go.