Recently I was asked to weigh in on a conversation that went something like this: Please name some anti-diuretic herbs for tea. Responses included anti-diuretic herbs of licorice, ginseng, valerian, and others. Another comment included astringent herbs such as rose hips and petals, blackberry leaves, lemon peel, and others.

Before jumping in with my opinion, I feel very honored to be asked to weigh in, especially considering who asked — an amazing herbalist and mentor.

The most important question to understand is why. I feel like I was one of those students teachers feared. The only question I ever really asked was why?

The earth is round. Why?

Broccoli is good for you. Why?

I learned a lot about a lot of things with this one-word question and I still use it today.

diuretics, anti-diuretics, astringents

The very simple definition of a diuretic is something that helps you lose water. This is accomplished, generally, by increasing urine output. Herbs with diuretic qualities tend to have some positive impact on the urinary system.

Anti-diuretics balance fluid in the body. The pituitary gland releases an anti-diuretic hormone ADH. This hormone maintains blood pressure, blood volume and fluid in our tissues (water). It works in conjunction with the kidneys by sending a signal not release urine.

Astringents tighten tissue, draw things together, have a binding action. Herbs with astringent qualities work to tighten tissues. Often astringents are used externally in skin care to get rid of wrinkles. Internally, astringents can work to tonify internal tissues.

understand Why

This relatively simple question can have a multitude of answers — all of which are correct, depending.

If the problem was related to a loose bladder — someone who has trouble holding urine — an astringent could be helpful. In this case, the individual is not necessarily looking to balance fluid within the body, but rather not lose what’s there. Situations where this might be applicable include women who have recently gave birth or women post-hysterectomy. Men and women who are older in years.

Based on the limited information provided, I would reach for tonifying herbs for the circulatory and lymphatic systems, and the kidneys. These herbs are found on both the astringent list and the anti-diuretic list.

• Astragalus – an adaptogen. This herb has been shown to improve and repair damage to the kidneys. It is also used to strengthen the lymphatic system.
• Ginseng – it is a tonic and adaptogen. Ginseng is used in formulas to tonify the blood.
• Hawthorn – the “heart herb”. Hawthorn has been used to stimulate circulation, relieving stagnation.
• Nettle – the best nutritive in nature (personal opinion) with an affinity for kidneys and adrenals, nettle is also an adaptogen.

tea as medicine

This tea recipe is what I would recommend to address the original statement: name some anti-diuretic herbs for tea.

Enjoy!

References

1. de la Foret, Rosalee, (2017),  Alchemy of Herbs, New York, NY, Hayhouse Inc.
2. Ody, Penelope, (2017), The Complete Medicinal Herbal, New York, NY, Skyhorse Publishing
3. Teeguarden, Ron, (1985), Chinese Tonic Herbs, Japan, Japan Publications, Inc.
4. Tierra, Michael, (1988), Planetary Herbology, Twin Lakes, WI, Lotus Press