Make no mistake, excess fluid which is stored in the tissues has nothing to do with fat weight.  The fluid is strictly water weight.  This is particularly the case for women who tend to retain fluids in their tissues at a much higher rate than men.  Hence the value of natural herbal diuretics which can help reduce the amount of fluid retention.
Uva Ursi is one herb that can help.  It contains a group of compounds that were known as early as the 13th century to have diuretic action.  Uva Ursi leaves have been included in many commercial diuretic preparations.  This herb is thought to act directly on the kidneys to achieve its fluid balancing effect.  Uva Ursi is widely used in Europe as a treatment for UTI.  Furthermore, Uva Ursi is approved in Germany for treatment of bladder infections.  Uva Ursi contains arbutin.  In the alkaline environment of the urine, arbutin is converted into hydroquinone, which kills bacteria.  The actions of this herb are antibacterial, astringent and anti-inflammatory.
Buchu leaves can also be helpful.  The Eclectic Materia Medica indicates that Buchu is a urinary antiseptic, but “as a diuretic its action is not pronounced, but it is frequently used with other agents...”  King’s American Dispensatory has a similar description of Buchu, and also states that: “It is principally used in chronic diseases of the urino-genital organs, as in cases of chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder, irritable conditions of the urethra, in urinary discharges with increased deposit of uric acid, and in incontinence connected with diseased prostate.”
Horsetail is a third possible remedy.  King’s American Dispensatory identifies Horsetail as being diuretic and astringent.  “This drug has a specific action for irritation of the bladder, and in dysuria with tenesmic urging, in the nocturnal urinal incontinence of children, and in urinal incontinence, the effect of cystic irritation, it is a very serviceable remedy.”
All of these herbs can be found in Viva Vitamin’s Aquatrol formula.  To read more and to view the references for this article, visit VivaVitamins.com/Viva_GeneBruno.html.
Earth Wise Nutrition Centers is located at 25908 McBean Parkway in Granary Square since 1987.  Call 661-255-2928 or visit: www.BuyEarthWise.com, www.VitaminVideos.com or www.VivaVitamins.com for more information.