The medical definition of Ascites is defined as the build-up of fluid in the abdomen that usually develops over a few weeks, although it can also happen in just a few days. It is caused due to various diseases like cirrhosis of the liver, cancer within the abdomen, congestive heart failure, and tuberculosis. Approximately 80% of patients with liver cirrhosis have the chance to develop Ascites.
What are the causes of Ascites?
Ascites refers to the pain and swelling in the abdomen as the result of fluid buildup. Some underlying diseases are also responsible for causing Ascites, such as kidney disease, pancreatitis, tuberculosis, and an underactive thyroid. The primary causes of Ascites are liver cirrhosis, tuberculosis, and cancer.
These causes may develop Ascites if it affects
- Peritoneum
- Liver
- Lymphatic system
- Ovaries
- Breast
- Bowel
- Stomach
- Pancreas
- Lung
- Womb
What are the symptoms of Ascites?
Ascites is often painful and some of the symptoms are:
- Nausea
- Swelling in lower limbs
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness
- Heartburn
- Vomiting
- Breathless
- The urgency to pass urine
- Constipation
- Fever
- Pressure on other internal organs, which results in discomfort
- Abdominal bloating and back pain which leads to a person having difficulty in sitting and moving
If you are experiencing these symptoms, then you should consult your Doctor.
What are the Home Remedies for Ascites?
For Ascites treatment people take diuretics but using it in excessive quantity is harmful to the body. Instead of these medicines, you should try these natural and effective home remedies that are easily available at your home.
1. Garlic
The garlic shows many medicinal properties and its regular use reduces tenderness and bloating related to Ascites. It has anti-cancer action that prevents the unwanted growth of cells in the body.
How to use:
- Take three to four cloves of garlic and prepare its juice.
- Take half teaspoon of this juice in the morning on an empty stomach.
- You can also take the chopped garlic with a glass of water early in the morning on an empty stomach in the morning.
2. Ginger
Ginger is a natural diuretic herb that removes the extra water or fluid from the body in the form of urine. It also absorbs the water from the lower limbs that also treat the edema naturally.
How to use:
- Crush fresh ginger and prepare herbal ginger tea.
- Add two cups of water in it and boil this water until it remains to a half cup.
- Strain the water and add honey in it for taste.
- Drink this warm Herbal Tea once or twice daily for better results.
3. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds help treat all types of abdomen problems. It shows best results in liver-related issues as it has hepatoprotective as well as an anti-cancer effect on the body. This herb reduces inflammation, edema, pain, & eliminate free radicals from the body.
How to use:
- Soak a teaspoonful of fenugreek seeds in a glass of water overnight.
- Strain this mixture early in the morning and drink this water on an empty stomach.
4. Radish
Radish is a natural detoxifier that is helpful in all types of liver-related diseases. It is considered to be the best solution for dealing with Ascites. Being a hepatoprotective, it protects the liver from infections and provides strength to it.
How to use:
- Prepare a fresh juice of radish and add few amounts of water to it.
- Now drink this juice once daily on an empty stomach in the morning. This will prevent the symptoms related to Ascites.
5. Onions
Onions have various medicinal properties like it is a natural diuretic that helps in eliminating extra fluid and removes harmful toxins from the body.
How to use:
- Prepare a fresh juice of onion and take one teaspoonful of it twice daily on an empty stomach.
- You can also add onions in your meal and can also eat raw onions.
6. Punarnava
Punarnava has been used in Ayurveda since ancient times for treating Ascites as it has diuretic as well as antioxidant effect on the body. It is very good for health.
How to use:
- Make a fine powder of the roots of Punarnava herb.
- Store it in an airtight container.
- You can take a teaspoonful of this herb with a glass of lukewarm water daily.
7. Horsegram
Horsegram is an instant diuretic that acts as a tonic and contains less amount of sodium that helps to eliminate extra fluid which is accumulated in the abdomen. This herbal remedy shows good results, if you use it is a well and proper quantity.
How to use:
- Wash and soak a half-cup of horse gram in a cup of water overnight.
- The next day rinse the water and boil this horse gram in a pressure cooker for ten minutes.
- Roast them in black peppercorn, tomato, and garlic for a few minutes.
- Make a paste of it and add fresh coriander to it.
- After that warm this soup for a few minutes and drink this warm soup once daily.
