Herbs for Dehydration

There are many alternative herbs to help reduce dehydration.

Dehydration occurs when the human body has lost fluids due to sports, heat, strenuous activity or nutritional neglect. Replacing fluids by drinking water is the quickest way to replenish the body of its required fluids. There is no other cure for dehydration than fluid consumption, but there are numerous herbs that can reduce the symptoms of dehydration, such as reducing fever and body temperature.

Chinese Skullcap

Chinese skullcap, Scutellaria baicalensis, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that helps dilate blood vessels on the surface of the skin. By dilating these blood vessels, the body rids itself of excess heat and reduces the body temperature, therefore curing itself of the side effect of dehydration. Chinese skullcap is not suggested for women who may be pregnant or are nursing.

Elderflower

Elderflower, Sambucusnigra, is a flower that helps reduce fever, thereby reducing symptoms of dehydration. Elderflower water was used in frontier times for clearing freckles, reducing sunburn, aiding in bronchial ailments, as well as promoting perspiration, which cools the body. Elderflower should not be used by women who may be pregnant or are nursing.

Willow Bark

Willow bark, including black willow bark, white willow bark and weeping willow bark, has been used in medicine since ancient times. It is commonly used for reducing pain and inflammation, but is also used for reducing fever and headache associated with dehydration. Due to its blood-thinning effect, people who are allergic to aspirin, children under 16 and women who may be pregnant or nursing should avoid willow bark.

Yarrow

Yarrow, Achillea millefoium, is a useful remedy in reducing fever and body heat associated with dehydration. Once an herb that was dedicated to use in mystical spells, yarrow is now commonly used as a tea in cases of obstructed perspiration or heat exhaustion. Due to its blood-thinning affect, yarrow should not be used by anyone taking blood-thinning medications, women who may be pregnant, are nursing or within two weeks before any major surgery.

References

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Heat Exhaustion
• "A Modern Herbal"; M. Grieve; 1996