Drainage action is the ability of substances, procedures or methods to promote the outflow of fluid from tissues or body cavities. In medical practice, the term is most commonly used in the context of cleaning wounds, reducing swelling, removing exudate, pus, or other accumulations of body fluids that may inhibit healing or contribute to the development of infections.

Drainage can be both mechanical (for example, with the help of tubes, tampons or special devices) and medication, using drugs with a draining effect – diuretics, choleretic, expectorants that stimulate the natural cleansing of organs and tissues. This effect is often needed for inflammation, infections, after surgery or fluid retention in the body.

Thanks to the draining effect, fluid circulation improves, inflammation is reduced, swelling is eliminated and conditions are created for faster tissue regeneration. In natural medicine, the drainage effect is also attributed to some plants, such as artichoke, horsetail, dandelion, which help cleanse the body through the liver, kidneys or skin.