Natural Lymphedema Treatment: Diet, Lifestyle, and Herbs

I accidently came upon this site, trying to find a natural herb therapy to try and heal the problem. I am amazed at what I found on several sites. I am trying the "cabbage" wraps for the past three nights. First night used Savoy cabbage, wilted in water, rolled and applied with plastic wrap and leg wraps. Very successful. Second, used Napa cabbage, cold, uncrushed, wrapped with puppy pads, then leg wraps (for lymphedema). Not very successful. Tonight, Savoy on lower leg and foot; regular round head cabbage on upper leg, wilted in water, wrapped with plastic, leg wraps.

I am not sure what kind of cabbage is best or method. Also, my Mother is on Coumadin and most herbs seem to be prohibitive. I am still checking out the sites.

Thank you for this information. I hope mine helps someone.

Ladybugjustice

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

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.

Thanks for the info on the cabbage wrap. I tried it last night. I took it off only after a few hours because I couldn't sleep. I still saw some improvement. I can tell a difference between the majority of my arm that was wrapped and the shoulder that wasn't.

I've also learned red root is helping some people with lymphedema. I just ordered Eclectic Institute red root tincture on iHerb to try. Not very expensive at all.

I learned on a facebook page that applying Eucerin cream blended with lemongrass oil on the area helps. They also say it could irritate at first use as it is removing impurities. Eucerin contains castor oil. Since it has ingredients that aren't natural, I'm going to try blending castor oil with lemongrass oil in virgin coconut oil. Coconut oil has anti-viral/anti-septic qualities that should help and it softens the skin, which should help.

Thanks again on the cabbage leaf wrap. I'll keep using it.

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?

To Antoinette and Amy Joe.

I have used the cabbage leaves successfully but still need to do it again.

The best type of cabbage to use is Savoy cabbage. The dark green outer leaves that usually get thrown out is the best part to use as it is the most potent. Wash the leaves and remove the thick stems. Boil a large pot of water and drop the leaves in for one SECOND (although I put the leaves in then turned them over and removed immediately). The book says to roll the leaves with a rolling pin, instead I lay them on a clean tea towel and rolled them up then twisted the towel to crush the leaves. Then place the softened leaves on the area needing treatment and cover with cloth then wrap with ace bandages. Cover ace bandages with plastic wrap or plastic bags to help keep moisture in. Leave on 12 hours or more. Repeat as often as needed.

So you know, you will reek of cabbage and so will every room you spend time in. You will leave a trail behind you, but it will be worth it. It is best to apply the leaves in the evening then sleep with them on overnight. I hope you both have success with the cabbage. Please let us know how you do.

Hello everyone,

I am so greatful for coming across this site.

I have Lymphedema in my left leg calf area. Has had it for about 15 years now. The swelling started after treatment for a blood clot. Long story short, every year it seems to get bigger and on top of that, it don't help that I'm 460lbs. Anyway I come across this site full of good info because I was told as others were that there is really no cure.

I am doing the raw cabbage wrap every 2 days and drinking green tea 3 times a day. Every time I re-wrap, I tape measure my leg, in just 1 week and a half my leg have come down six and a half inches.

To God be the glory. I give all thanks to God. The Bible says my people parish for the LACK of knowledge. This web site has blessed me with knowledge that no medication could fix. Funny thing is, I'm not sure if it's the cabbage rap or green tea. Nonetheless after 15 years, it's working.

Cabbage for Lymphedema:

Totally outrageous sounding remedy, but 15 years of a leg that gets swollen to a point that's tight as a drum head is now reduced to half the size and flexible again after only 24 hours of a cabbage wrap. What a great find. Thanks everyone for the comments. O.K., so it sounds silly, but you can't argue with success. What a relief! Roy

Following mastectomy, have had persistent lymphedema on my side. Tried elastic bandages, no help. Read about cabbage leaves for breast engorgement, why not try it? Both conditions caused by excess fluid with nowhere to go. Put crushed cabbage leaves over the bulge, held in place with elastic bandage. Significant improvement overnight; after three nights the swelling has practically disappeared.