Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Jalapa, referring to the dried tuberous root of Ipomoea purga (also known as "Jalap"), has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly as a cathartic or strong purgative. Its use for edema stems from historical practices wherein potent purgatives were employed to reduce fluid accumulation by inducing diarrhea, thereby decreasing body water content. This approach was common in pre-modern medicine, where direct treatments for edema (fluid retention) were limited, and purgatives provided an indirect means to manage symptoms. Sources from the 17th to 19th centuries, such as various pharmacopoeias and materia medica, document the use of Jalap for "dropsy," an old term for edema. However, there is little to no modern scientific validation for its effectiveness or safety in treating edema, and the practice has fallen out of favor due to the risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and the availability of safer diuretic medications. Contemporary medical literature does not support the use of Jalapa for edema, and its use persists, if at all, only within certain traditional or historical frameworks.

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Other ingredients used for Edema

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