Can boiling litchi shells in water help reduce edema?

Generally speaking, whether boiling litchi shells can help alleviate edema depends on the specific cause of the edema. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended to avoid delaying treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the edema is caused by a cold body constitution, poor circulation, or mild fluid retention, then boiling litchi shells—which are warm in nature—and drinking the resulting liquid may help promote blood circulation and resolve dampness. The components contained in the shells can, to some extent, enhance the excretory function of the kidneys and assist in expelling excess fluid from the body, thus relieving edema.

If the edema is caused by organic diseases such as kidney disease, heart disease, or liver disease, or is due to malnutrition or endocrine disorders, boiling litchi shells lacks targeted therapeutic effects on these underlying causes and cannot address the root problem. Relying solely on its diuretic effect is unlikely to effectively alleviate this type of edema and might even delay necessary treatment.

Before using litchi shells boiled in water, it is important to identify the specific cause of edema, especially in cases of long-term or severe edema; one should not blindly rely on this method to relieve symptoms. During preparation, the litchi shells must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any residual dirt and pesticides. If the edema does not improve or worsens after consumption, prompt medical evaluation is necessary. Furthermore, boiling litchi shells cannot replace medical treatment for edema caused by organic diseases, and appropriate medical guidance should be followed for standardized treatment.