I've been looking all over but don't see any answers. Does anyone know if I can take dandelion root? I used it for water retention and I still feel like I'm retaining a lot of water after the surgery. I loved it after my pregnancy with my twins. Any information would be amazing, thank you!

Oh, I'm 3 weeks post op, almost 4 weeks

You can start taking capsules again whenever you’re cleared to take pills again. I was cleared a month post-op. Alternatively, use dandelion root tea. I’ve been drinking that stuff for years. If you don’t have a back yard full of “supply” to dig up and hang to dry, you can usually buy it loose or in tea bags at your local health food store. ? As far as safety is concerned, I can’t think of any reason you shouldn’t use it.

Does it actually help with fluid build up?

I have heard about it before and I suffer from bad lymphedema in my legs and ankles and would love something that maybe helped, even a tiny bit. I have tried lymphatic drainage massage a number of times and saw no benefit so stopped as it was too expensive and sore.

At this stage I feel sure what would another capsule be to add to my daily intake

Personally, I would put a call into your surgeons office just to be certain. Ask to leave a message for the NP or PA. They usually return calls quicker and If they don’t know they will ask the Dr anyways.

I drink the tea and I love it. I'm a big tea drinker, and I hate taking pills when I don't have to, so I prefer that route. And I've been drinking it for years without any issues.

I like it as a tea mixed with my coffee! I like chickory that way too. But yeah, dandelion is amazing. You could ask your surgeon. Far as I know it shouldn't be contraindicated after surgery once you are cleared for pills. It doesn't thin the blood or anything like that and it isn't a stomach irritant.

On 4/28/2024 at 6:43 AM, FifiLux said:

Does it actually help with Fluid build up?

I have heard about it before and I suffer from bad lymphedema in my legs and ankles and would love something that maybe helped, even a tiny bit. I have tried lymphatic drainage massage a number of times and saw no benefit so stopped as it was too expensive and sore.

At this stage I feel sure what would another capsule be to add to my daily intake

Dandelion can help with excess fluid. If I'm taking it in capsules, I usually take it in conjunction with milk thistle. Milk thistle is great for the liver and can help with excess fluid too. GAIA is a great brand that has a Milk Thistle blend I've taken before and liked, though I didn't take it for fluid issues. It may be worth talking with an herbalist to see what they'd advise. Sometimes herbs can be just as effective as prescription meds when given in the right ratios to the right person.

I also know compression socks can help with fluid too, I wear them every time I travel and for weeks after any surgery... They can be annoying to find in the right size but wow do they help my legs not swell up! These are my favorite brand for compression. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0897RWF54/ Way more comfortable than the socks and since they are open foot I can wear them with dresses and sandals all year round!