Lymphedema
Natural Remedies

Lymphedema - Editor's Choice

| Modified on Apr 30, 2025
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Lymphedema, characterized by swelling typically in the arms or legs, demands a comprehensive treatment approach encompassing diet, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies. A holistic strategy not only addresses the symptoms but also targets the root causes, aiding in the optimal functioning of the body and reducing swelling.

Understanding Lymphedema

Lymphedema arises from a blockage in the lymphatic system, impacting both the immune and circulatory systems. This obstruction hampers the regular flow and drainage of the lymphatic system, leading to a build-up of swelling. Symptoms can include heaviness or tightness, limited mobility in the affected limb, discomfort, frequent infections, and skin changes.

Lifestyle Modifications for Lymphatic Function

Certain lifestyle adaptations are essential to managing and preventing lymphedema. Regular detoxification, for instance, through Epsom salt baths, can expel harmful toxins that contribute to swelling. Exercises and massages enhance lymphatic flow, ensuring regular movement. Additionally, an anti-inflammatory diet is crucial in addressing lymph system issues.

Herbal Remedies for Lymph Node Swelling

Several herbs are recognized for their efficacy in increasing lymphatic flow, minimizing swelling, and reducing inflammation.

Cabbage

Cabbage, widely recognized as a popular remedy for lymphedema on Earth Clinic, stands out for its remarkable healing properties. This everyday vegetable is much more than a dietary staple; it's packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that bolster overall health and fortify the immune system. Its significant anti-inflammatory qualities make cabbage an exceptional choice for mitigating swelling and inflammation linked to lymphedema.

  • Application of Cabbage Leaves: An unconventional yet effective method involves the topical application of cabbage leaves. The leaves can be chilled and then placed on the swollen areas. This can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain and discomfort. The natural compounds in cabbage leaves work to improve local circulation and promote healing in the affected tissues.
  • Incorporating Cabbage in Diet: Including cabbage in the diet is another way to harness its benefits. Consuming cabbage in forms like salads, soups, or steamed dishes can contribute to a healthier lymphatic system. Its detoxifying properties aid in flushing out toxins, further reducing the burden on the lymphatic system.

Butcher’s Broom

Known for its ability to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, Butcher’s broom is beneficial in increasing blood flow, strengthening blood vessels, and preventing blood pooling. This herb is particularly effective in alleviating swollen lymph glands.

Ginger

Ginger, often consumed as a tea, possesses gingerols, potent anti-inflammatory agents. These components alleviate inflammation and discomfort linked to lymphedema while also promoting immune system health through enhanced sweating and lymphatic flow.

Sweet Clover

Applied topically as an ointment, sweet clover stimulates lymphatic functioning. Its coumarin content triggers lymph flow and strengthens the walls of blood and lymph vessels.

Conclusion

Lymphedema's progression, where lymph accumulates in soft tissues, can be effectively managed through lifestyle changes and herbal remedies. These natural approaches improve lymphatic flow and alleviate inflammation, offering a holistic path to reducing lymphedema. Adopting these practices can lead to significant improvements in managing this condition.

Continue reading to learn which natural remedies have helped Earth Clinic readers with Lymphedema.


The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Pycnogenol, Black Seed Oil

Posted by JD (UK) on 08/13/2021
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

My dad had lymphoedema in his lower legs and had severe edema/swelling in his lower legs and feet, as soon as he put his feet on the floor in the morning getting up out of bed they would instantly swell, severe pain, redness, itching so bad he wanted to scratch his legs off, "dents" in the front of his lower legs, etc at the beginning of June 2021.

He was referred to the Lymphoedema clinic at that time by GP/doctor (no doctor actually saw him, they asked us to send photos to the surgery!), finally having a "telephone" consultation (what a joke) with the clinic only the other day (August 2021). During that time we did our own research and came across Pycnogenol and studies related to it:

https://www.greenmedinfo.com/article/chronic-venous-insufficiency-and-venous-microangiopathy-management-compression

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31347820/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17067979/

https://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/powerful-aspirin-alternative-grows-trees-1

We bought some and my dad started taking 3 x, then increased to 4 x 40mg/per day of Pycnogenol (purchased from here if in UK

https://www.justvitamins.co.uk/Herbal-Supplements/Pycnogenol-40mg.aspx#.XuyX32gzZEY)

and

Black Seed Oil (Original) starting with 1 x, then increased to 2 x/per day (https://theblackseedoil.co/).

In just over 8 weeks the edema/swelling has decreased massively, now he only has a small amount of swelling in his feet, pain decreased massively, no itching, "dents" in lower legs look far better and so on.

Suffice to say he declined the Lymphoedema clinic offer of making an appointment to be seen (he did ask if an appointment would be at Christmas time as it has taken over 2 months to make a telephone call) and advised them that he has sorted himself out now.


Cabbage

Posted by Om (Hope Bc Canada) on 01/05/2014
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Frances from Missouri City, Texas

European Natural Medicine uses cabbage leaves raw. There are many testimonials as to complete cure when allopathic methods were unsuccessful.

The cabbage leaf has to be flattened well with a cookie roller so that the veins in the leaf made more pliable. Then, it has to be fastened around the area without air pockets. What to use I cannot find out but I imagine it as pure cotton gauze type of fabric and DEFINITELY not plastic. No one in Europe who uses natural medicine uses plastic. The reason being that during application emanations from the sick tissue must be able to dissipate, not forced back into the body. The final cover, pure wool.

I hope this helps. I must mention the incredible cures achieved with this method and within a short time. Om


Cabbage
Posted by Elizabeth (St. Croix, Us Virgin Islands) on 11/11/2013
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I developed Lymphedema in my left breast that went undiagnosed for 4-5 months. I started MLD with a physical therapist and read this site. So I did several treatments at once that I believe where all somewhat helpful. Then I had an acupuncture treatment and used a cabbage poultice the same night. The results in the morning were like a miracle. My breast seemed back to normal! But little by little the swelling returned until I got another acupuncture treatment.

So now I have tried only acupuncture and only cabbage poultice and they both work well. But the 2 on the same day produces the most dramatic results. ( I have continued to drink ginger tea throughout.) I prepare the cabbage (a traditional round head variety, preferably organic) by heating a cast iron (optional) skillet and adding the cabbage leaf, which has been dipped in water, then I use another smaller skillet to flatten the leaf for a total of 2-3 seconds or less on each side. This wilts it and makes it pliable. Then I hold it in place with a piece of cling wrap, and a sports bra. This poultice could be modified for a leg or arm and held in place with cling wrap and an ace bandage. I sleep with it for 5-6 hours, which seem to be enough. We used cabbage poultice years ago for a nursing mother with mastitis and it worked well then also.


Cabbage
Posted by Amazed (Seattle Wa) on 10/21/2013
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I've had Lymphedema in one leg for many years. I was told by a vascular specialist it was because I broke my ankle a couple of times and damaged the lymph capillaries. He recommended a compression sock, but said there's no cure. (When a physician, even a good one, says there's no cure he means, there's no drug or surgical treatment, mainly.)

Then I found my way to some physical therapists who taught me a routine of lymph node massage that works temporarily, by making the lymph flow around my system better. But it only gives temporary relief and I have to do it twice a day. I'm busy and don't have much time for this.

Then late night surfing I ran across the idea of cabbage wrap. Nothing had worked for about 10 years and the condition seemed to slowly be getting worse. I've seen no explanation for why it works, but decided to give a cabbage wrap a try, if for no other reason, I believe cabbage is very healthy and a cabbage wrap sounds ridiculous. I stuffed some cabbage in my compression sock. Lo and behold! Dramatic improvement in 2 days! Reduction of about 50% of the swelling. I'm keeping this up! Will it be permanent? We'll see. Does anyone have a reasonably rational theory for why this would actually work?



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