Written by Barry Lees, Founder of The Health Improvers. Last updated 15 July 2026.
If you've looked at fluid-balance or "water-balance" supplements, you'll have seen a familiar cast of botanicals and nutrients on the label. Here's an honest, plain-English guide to what they are — and, importantly, the difference between traditional use and an approved health claim, because that distinction matters and most marketing blurs it.
First, an important distinction
Under UK and EU rules, only a short list of nutrients can carry authorised health claims — specific, approved statements about what they do in the body. Most botanicals (herbs and plant extracts) do not have authorised claims, even when they have a long history of traditional use. So on any honest label you'll see two groups: nutrients with approved claims, and botanicals that are named for their traditional role but can't legally be credited with an effect. Below, we've kept that separation clear.
Nutrients with approved health claims
- Magnesium — contributes to normal electrolyte balance, to normal muscle function, and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue (all authorised claims). Electrolytes are central to how the body manages fluid, which is why magnesium is a common inclusion.
- Vitamin B6 — contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue (authorised claims). Because hormones influence how the body handles fluid across the monthly cycle, B6 is often included in formulas aimed at women.
Botanicals — named for traditional use (no approved claims)
These plants appear in many fluid-balance blends because of their long traditional use. They do not carry authorised health claims, and we're not going to pretend otherwise:
- Dandelion (leaf and root) — one of the most traditional "bitter" herbs, long associated with kitchen-garden herbalism.
- Juniper Berry — an aromatic berry with a long culinary and traditional history.
- Celery Seed — a traditional seasoning and herbal ingredient (note: a common allergen, so always check the label).
- Parsley, Nettle, Watercress — nutrient-dense leafy greens used traditionally as part of "spring tonic" style blends.
- Horseradish — a warming root traditionally valued in folk herbalism.
- Kelp and Alfalfa — plant sources of naturally occurring minerals and trace elements.
What to look for on the label
- Named amounts for the key ingredients, not just a "proprietary blend."
- Approved claims kept to the right nutrients (magnesium and B6) — a trustworthy brand won't credit the botanicals with effects they can't legally claim.
- Allergen information — celery in particular.
- UK manufacture to GMP standards and a clean, filler-free formula.
How these come together
A well-built fluid-balance formula pairs the two groups: nutrients that carry genuine approved claims (magnesium for electrolyte balance, B6 for hormonal regulation) alongside traditional botanicals for a broader, plant-led blend. Our own Aqualibrium is built on exactly that principle — dandelion, juniper, celery seed and other traditional botanicals, plus magnesium and vitamin B6 for their approved roles.
It's also worth understanding the bigger picture: our guide to why your body holds water explains the physiology, and our Best UK Water Retention Tablets 2026 comparison looks at the products available.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle, and are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. Persistent swelling or fluid retention can occasionally signal an underlying health issue — if it's new, one-sided, or accompanied by other symptoms, please see your GP. Always read the label.
Explore more in our Women's Health range.
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