Natural Remedies for Swollen Ankles
Swollen ankles can be caused by a number of factors, including dehydration, kidney disease, or fluid retention. This condition is referred to as edema and may also be related to cardiovascular disease. Other causes include over-exertion, eating a lot of salts and carbohydrates, pregnancy or PMS, sodium retention, or trauma. Irrespective of the reason behind the swelling, there are certain home remedies that may be effective in ridding your body of excess fluids, relieving pain, and reducing swelling.
Things Required:
– Tonic Water
– Grapefruit Essential Oil
– Epsom Salts
– Lemon Juice
– Lukewarm water
– Towel
– Medium sized bucket or tub
Instructions
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1
Soak in Tonic Water
Tonic water is a carbonated soft drink in which quinine (a natural white crystalline alkaloid which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties) has been dissolved. This might sound a little odd, but soaking feet in tonic water really helps reduce any swelling on the feet and/or ankles. You can use both room temperature or cold tonic water for soaking, depending upon your preferences, as both are equally effective. With its anti-inflammatory properties, the quinine present in tonic water helps relieve pain and reduce swelling. -
2
Grapefruit Essential Oil
Add a few drops of grapefruit essential oil to a bucket full of nice warm water, and soak your feet and ankles in this mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. If you do not wish to soak them, just mix 4 to 5 drops of grapefruit essential oil with a carrier oil (sweet almond oil or olive oil), and massage your swollen ankles and legs with this mixture. When giving yourself a massage, make sure you apply pressure in an upward direction. -
3
Epsom Salt-Water Soak
Soaking in Epsom salt is an effective remedy for swollen feet and ankles. Place your feet in a bucket filled with warm water, enough to cover your ankles. Add half a cup of Epsom salt to the bucket, and you will soon observe a significant reduction in the swelling. Allow your feet and ankles to soak in this mixture for 8 to 10 minutes, and then pat them dry with a towel. -
4
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is also a great natural remedy for swollen ankles. It serves as an excellent cleanser for the blood, and helps the body release excess fluids naturally. If your ankles are frequently swollen, start your days by drinking a glass of warm water containing one tablespoon of lemon juice. Besides being rich in citrate, lemon juice is also high in potassium, and helps protect against kidney stone formation.
