| |  | | Herbs Causing Water Retention?
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Maryann
Posted on: May 13, 1998
Hi, I was wondering if anyone may know if Ginkgo Biloba, Feverfew and/or St. John’s Wort cause bloating or excessive water retention. Thank you!
Some of the known non-disease causes of water retention are overuse of laxatives or diuretics, imbalance of hormones in Pre Menstrual Syndrome or in taking birth control pills, some blood pressure medications, overuse of salt or products such as soy sauce, inadequate water intake, protein deficiency and allergies. Feverfew has diuretic and laxative actions as well as its anti-migraine and anti-rheumatism actions. Ginkgo acts to increase circulation and St. John’s Wort’s effect is on the nerves and inflammation. There appears to be no evidence that this combination would cause water retention, unless feverfew has been used in very large doses over a long period of time.
If you feel that your water retention is caused by this herbal combination, you might want to try eliminating each of the herbs in turn for at least a week and note any changes in your symptoms.
| | |
|
