Lymphedema natural treatment
The lymphatic system consists of lymph nodes and ducts spread throughout the body. They bring the lymph [the tissue fluid surrounding the cells, which contains white blood cells (lymphocytes), fluid from the intestines (chyle), and some red blood cells] back into the circulation through the veins. Lymph contains a concentration of infectious and other foreign substances (antigens).
I have severe lymphedema in my left arm as a result
breast cancer surgery (and removal of lymph nodes some years ago. I have read
that horse chestnut extract might be helpful in the movement of the accumulated
lymph fluid and I have ordered a bottle of it. I wear compression sleeves, do
self massage and sometimes bandage up the arm but it's almost like just putting
a finger in the dike. Anything to supplement these are welcomed.
Although there are certain websites that mention
bromelain, horse
chestnut, and grape seed extract as potential treatments for lymphedema, we have
not seen any actual human studies with these herbal supplements so it is
difficult to say whether they would be effective in this medical condition.