What is Aquaresis?

The term "aquaresis" denotes increased urine production (diuresis) caused by raised levels of glomerular filtration in the kidneys. This process is merely a removal of excess water. This is in stark contrast to the action of synthetic diuretic preparations (see below) which have a direct, in part very negative, effect on electrolyte metabolism. The pharmaceutical preparation which has the effect of increasing urine flow by aquaresis is known as an aquaretic drug.

Aquaretic plants are well established in irrigation therapy for the treatment of bladder and kidney disorders. Yet the possibilities of herbal diuretic treatment extend far beyond this, as initial case series of coronary patients show. This group clearly benefits from electrolyte neutral aquaresis with asparagus root and parsley.

The powerful effect of synthetic diuretics certainly has its place in the treatment of coronary disease. But it is not without its critics as a long term treatment for oedema, hypertonia and cardiac insufficiency. Aquaretic plants such as asparagus root, parsley and stinging nettle work without affecting electrolytes and metabolism by increasing blood circulation in the kidneys and so the glomerular filtration rate and the production of primary urine.

If a medicine stimulates excretion of water via the kidneys it is taken to be a diuretic.