Abstract
In today’s world, lifestyle changes such as high salt intake, sedentary habits, obesity, and chronic stress have led to a significant rise in cardiovascular and renal diseases. As a result, many people develop problems like high blood pressure, heart strain and fluid retention and diuretics play an important role in managing these issues by keeping the body’s fluid balance healthy. Diuretics, often called “water pills,” are medicines that help the body get rid of extra salt and water by increasing urine output. This reduces swelling, eases pressure on the heart and helps control high blood pressure, which is one of the most common health issues today. In Ayurveda it is known as Mutral (diuretic) action of herbs. These herbs naturally enhance urine output and cleanse the Mutravaha srotas (urinary channels). Let’s learn about them in detail.
Introduction
Hydrochlorothiazide is one of the most commonly used thiazide diuretics. It works in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney, where it blocks the reabsorption of sodium and chloride, leading to fluid loss and a gradual reduction in blood pressure. This reduces blood volume and lowers cardiac output initially, while long-term use decreases peripheral vascular resistance, making it one of the most effective first-line antihypertensive drugs.
It is available in the market under brand names like microzide, oretic, hydrodiuril, etc.
Mode Of Action
- It increases urine formation by blocking the Na⁺/Cl⁻ co-transporter in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney.
- The resulting osmotic gradient promotes enhanced excretion of water, along with secondary potassium loss due to increased distal sodium exchange.
- This helps reduce fluid overload and lowers blood pressure through gentle and sustained diuresis.
Indications
- Hypertension
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Liver cirrhosis with ascites
- Edema
- Kidney stone
- Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
Contraindications
- Severe renal and liver disease
- Anuria
- Severe electrolyte imbalance
- Pregnancy
As its prolonged use leads to electrolyte imbalance, metabolic disturbances, kidney damage that can lead to severe cardiovascular complications So its long term use is not recommended and as its alternative various ayurvedic herbs can be used. Ayurveda has a wide range of herbs that have similar action as that of hydrochlorothiazide and has no such side effects. They work on the balance of the Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) and eliminations of the ama (toxins) from the body while simultaneously strengthening the kidneys, bladder and urinary channels (Mutravaha Srotas).
Some Of The Herbs Used As Diuretics Are
1. Trinapanchamoola
- Trinapanchamoola includes five herbs that are Kusha (Desmostachya bipinnata), Kaas (Saccharum spontaneum), Sara (Saccharum munja), Darbha (Imperata cylindrica), Ikshu (Saccharum officinarum).
- It has sheeta Virya (cooling potency) and Madhura Vipaka (sweet post-digestive effect) thus contributing to their diuretic and Pitta alleviating actions. The cooling nature soothes irritation of urinary passages.
- It can be consumed as decoction, powder, etc.
2. Gokshur
- Gokshur or Tribulus terrestris is very effective in disorders of the urinary system. It cleanses the excretory system, promotes urination and enhances physical strength.
- It contains saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids and potassium salts which acts as natural diuretics and increases the GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate).
- Its decoction with 1 teaspoon of honey can be taken.
3. Punarnava
- Punarnava or Boerrhavia diffusa has tikta (bitter) and kashaya (astringent) rasa (taste) and has hot potency, thus helps to clear the obstruction caused by Ama (toxins) and Kapha Dosha.
- It contains punarnavine alkaloid which is a potent diuretic.
- Other urine enhancing medicines deplete potassium in the body, whereas it adds potassium.
- Grind its 5-7 leaves with 2-3 black peppers and this is given to the patient to increase urination and thus eradicates dysuria.
4. Varuna
- Varuna or Crataeva nurvala has strong mutral (diuretic) effects as it increases urine output.
- It has ruksha (dry), tikshana (sharp) and sara (flow enhancing) properties thus helps to eliminate excess ama (toxins) and kapha dosha from the body.
- Its active compounds such as lupeol, maragenin, and friedelin stimulate renal filtration and promote the excretion of excess water, salts, and toxins.
5. Bhumi Amla
- Bhumi amla or Phyllanthus niruri has diuretic properties that promote the elimination of urine along with excess salts, acids, fluids, toxins, and metabolic wastes from the body.
- It helps to lower the chances of kidney stone formation because of its strong diuretic action. By increasing urine output it eliminates the salts (oxalate crystals) that may lead to the development of kidney stones.
- It has Tikta rasa (bitter taste), sheet virya (cold potency) thus also helps to pacify pitta dosha.
- Its whole plant juice (Swaras) is mainly used.
Formulations Which Contain These Herbs And Are Commonly Used Are
Planet Ayurveda’s Alternatives
Planet Ayurveda is a renowned herbal manufacturing company offering pure, authentic and chemical-free Ayurvedic formulations prepared under GMP and ISO-certified standards. It has a wide range of products. All the products have standardised herbal extracts to ensure maximum potency and consistent therapeutic results. One of its product that is widely used and has great results is:
Punarnava Capsules
It is a capsule formulation of the Planet Ayurveda consisting of the standardised extract of Punarnava (Boerrhavia diffusa). It helps to balance Vata and Kapha Dosha due its madhur (sweet), tikta (bitter) and kashaya (astringent) rasa (taste) and ushana virya (hot potency). Its active constituents like punarnavine and boeravinones stimulate renal tubular function and increase glomerular filtration rate (GFR). These are specifically used for supporting kidney health, reducing water retention and edema.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice a day with plain water after meals.
To buy Punarnava Capsules, please visit store.planetayurveda.com/products/punarnava-capsules
Conclusion
Diuretics are substances that increase urine output and help reduce fluid overload. Hydrochlorothiazide is a modern thiazide diuretic commonly used in hypertension and edema. Ayurveda uses natural herbs with Mutrala (diuretic) properties that not only enhance urination but also correct the underlying Dosha imbalance. Hydrochlorothiazide may lead to severe electrolyte imbalance but no such imbalance is caused by ayurvedic mutral (diuretic) herbs. While hydrochlorothiazide shows immediate effects but Ayurvedic herbs along with the diuretic property also helps in the overall urinary system health, does not have any metabolic side effects and provide a safer, multi-dimensional approach.