This disease is an abnormal swelling of the joints and body cavities due to the build-up of clear watery fluid. Apparently, the term "Dropsy" is obsolete and it is now referred to as "Edema" or as "Hydrops". Dropsy in the whole body often occurs in infants who are born with severe blood Rh sensitization. Abdominal Dropsy is referred to as Ascites, Brain Dropsy is Hydrocephalus and Chest Dropsy is Hydrothorax. Cardiac Dropsy is a symptom of disease of the heart and arises from obstruction to the current of blood through the heart, lungs, or liver. Anasarca is general fluid accumulation throughout the body. Some say Dropsy is not a disease. It is, however, a sign of an internal bacterial infection. It is so often a symptom of bacterial infections that it has been classified separately.

• Bulging sides and stomach 
• Scales may be forced outward 
• Scanty urine
• Poor appetite
• Sluggishness
• Debility

Beneficial Effectsive measures are:

Dropsy usually occurs when our bodies have more salt (sodium) than normal. This causes water from within the cells to travel outside the cells in order to dilute the sodium concentration there. When we eat salty foods, we usually become thirsty and drink more fluids than normal, thus worsening the problem. Women are especially susceptible to Dropsy due to the hormonal fluctuation of their menstrual cycle. The monthly increase in the production of estrogen causes a secondary increase in the hormone aldosterone. Aldosterone causes the kidney to retain fluids, making some women temporarily gain a few pounds each month. Estrogen replacement therapy causes similar hormonal fluctuation in postmenopausal women. Dropsy can also happen when the heart, kidney, liver, or thyroid malfunctions. Fluid accumulates in the spaces between cells when the vital organs collect more fluid within the body than they are able to eliminate. Because of gravity, Dropsy is most common in the ankles, feet, and legs.

If your physician believes that the Dropsy you are having may be related to another condition, you can expect a diagnosis of the underlying disorder through a physical exam and/or various procedures such as blood tests and X-ray studies.

Diet can be a key factor in preventing Dropsy. A diet consisting of vegetables and fruits can help as well as drinking of plenty of water. Keep the diet low is salts and fats as well as avoid caffeine as much as possible.

Exercise helps the body and relaxes the joints. Plenty of rest is also good but movement of joints is also necessary to help the body.

Relaxation techniques are very helpful for the body and help the patient to relax. As with all diseases, stress only increases the condition manifold. The best way is to relax and concentrate on activities that can help the body and the mind to concentrate on something other than the disease itself.

Dropsy, also called Edema is a condition of accumulation of excess water in soft tissues of the body. Various herbal supplements are the good source to assuage this condition. Rose hip is a herb that supports to lessen the excess water accumulation ^{1, 2} Butcher’s broom is a beneficial herb that provides its beneficial effects in reducing the fluid retention. ^{1, 3} Dandelion root shows its positive effects in removing excess water form the body. ^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6} Horse chestnut also exhibits its favorable effects on edema. ^{1, 2}

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.