| COMPLIMENTARY HOLISTIC REMEDIES FOR LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT
by Diana Brady, Holistic Nutritionist Ultimate Health Center, Asheville, N.C. Please note that the following article discusses holistic nutritional supplementation that may be useful in supporting a patient's daily regime of self-care. This is not an endorsement by the NLN, nor do we promise results from the use of any of these items listed below. We are committed to presenting all avenues of possibility for improvement of the condition and quality of life for all lymphedema patients. Any and all claims or opinions expressed in this article are solely of the author. Ed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There are many holistic remedies that can support and enhance CDP and manual lymph drainage therapy. Some of these therapies have been around for a dozen or so years, with much clinical research to back them. Others are just now being reviewed in scientific journals, while still others are being used in clinical practice based upon empirical results alone. All of the remedies are non-prescription and consist of enzymes, vitamins, herbs and homeopathic compounds. They are best used in conjunction with the patient's treatment regime and will vary from person to person. I will briefly describe a few of the more popular remedies and reference the clinical research. Suppliers and their phone numbers will be provided at the end of the article. INFLAMZYME FORTE From American Biologics, Chula Vista, CA This product is a specific combination of digestive enzymes, antioxidants and co-factors designed to reduce the accumulation of protein and fats in the lymphatic system and connective tissue. It has similar effect to benzopyrenes without the side effects. It contains: pancreatin, bromelain, papain, trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase, amalyse, rutin, zinc, superoxide dismutase, catalase and l-cysteine. It must be taken on an empty stomach, with the dosage of three to six tablets three times a day. It is recommended for use before, during and after treatments; until the limb or affected area is close to normal size. At that point, the inflammation and proteins, fats, etc., causing it will be under control. Inflamzyme Forte was created by and for the American Biologics Medical Center in Tiajuana, Mexico. It has been used there very successfully for the past ten to twelve years. Clinical research has been performed by the Bradford Research Institute, Chula Vista, CA. LYMPHOTEND From American Biologics, Chula Vista, CA This is a homeopathic remedy designed to relieve lymphatic congestion. It works well in combination with inflamzyne forte. Lympotend is a specific combination of classic homeopathic remedies manufactured according to the process defined by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. Although each of the component ingredients has been used since the 19th century, this particular combination is fairly new. Lymphotend has been used in clinical practice worldwide for the past year and a half with excellent results. This product should also be used before, during, and after treatments until the inflammation is reduced. The Bradford Research Institute, Chula Vista, CA is currently accumulating research data. HORSECHESTNUT HERB In a recent study of chronic diseases of the veins, the herb, horsechestnut, was found to be very effective. Horsechestnut was compared to that of compression stockings in 240 patients with chronic venous insufficiency. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either compression treatment, horse chestnut (providing 50 mg of active component escini twice daily), or a placebo for twelve weeks. Horsechestnut was found to be as effective as compression treatment, as determined by the reduction in swelling in the legs. Both treatments were significantly more effective than the placebo. Research was conducted by C. Diehm, and reported in the Lancet, 1996; 347:292-294. This remedy is currently being used in clinical practice. More information will be provided at a later time. DANDELION LEAF EXTRACT From Herbalist & Alchemist, Inc. Herbalist all over the world have considered dandelion a valuable herb for centuries. It has a long folk use throughout the world for a variety of ailments. Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) is regarded as one of the finest liver remedies, both as food and as a medicine. The dandelion contains much more nutritional value than many other vegetables, being particularly high in vitamins, minerals, protein, choline, inulin and pectins. Dandelion leaf has been used historically as a natural diuretic aiding in excess fluid loss. Due to its high content of potassium and other electrolytes, there is little, if any side effects to the use of this natural diuretic. Recommended dosage is 30-60 drops, two or three times per day either before or after meals. This can be used indefinitely, but should be used for several months, stopped for a week or so and then started again. It is more effective this way, as the body does get used to the herb and it loses its potency. BURDOCK/RED ROOT COMPOUND From Herbalist & Alchemist, Inc. This is a special formula designed to thin the lymphatic fluid, allowing it to flow more easily, as well as cleansing the lymphatic system itself. It is useful for many conditions of stagnation in the body including congested lymphatics, swollen lymph nodes and low resistance to infections. It contains burdock root (Arcticum lappa), red root (Ceanothus spp.), figwort herb (Scrophularia nodosa), violet herb (Viola odorata), red clover blossoms (Trifolium pratense) and echinacea root (Echinacea angustifolia). Recommended dosage 10-30 drops daily for up to a year or two depending upon the severity of the condition. Breaks should be taken from this compound periodically to ensure effectiveness VITAMINS, MINERALS, ANTI-OXIDANTS It is important to ensure the use of a good multiple vitamin along with potent anti-oxidants like pycnogenol for an indefinite period of time. There are many good products on the market. Some of the manufacturers that we prefer are: Phyto Pharmacia, Enzymatic Therapies, AMNI, Solgar, Twin Labs, etc. SUPPLIERS American Biologics, Chula Vista, CA Consumers..............................800-227-4473 Health Care Professionals...800-332-9345 Phyto Pharmacia, Green Bay, WI 800-553-2370 Herbalist and Alchemist, Inc. N.J. 800-611-8235 AMNI, CA 800-356-4791 Ultimate Health Center, N.C. 800-268-6905 |
| PATIENTS with light to moderate lymphedema may use this supplement program starting several weeks before treatment and then continue it through treatment, says lymphedema expert, Peter Glasser, L.M.T.
Before Treatment: Flor Essence tea (2 oz twice daily, 30 minutes before meals); for gentle detoxification when there is a history of infections. Harmony Multi Herbal Cleanse (1-6 capsules twice daily, 60 minutes before rneals; increase water intake to 4 - 12 glasses daily); for colon and body cleansing when there is no history of infections. Add two teaspoons of colloidal silver twice daily to prevent an infection. * Colon Formula (1-6 capsules twice daily, 30 minutes before meals): use if you're not having one bowel motion daily; when once-daily regularity begins, then switch to Harmony Multi Herbal Cleanse. Basic Preventive (two capsules three times daily, at meals); a well-rounded multivitamin with minerals. PCO Phytosome (one capsule twice daily, at meals); grape seed extract as an antioxidant. Dandelion leaf/root extract (30 drops three times daily, at meals); increases urination (works as a diuretic). Garlic extract, colloidal silver, echinacea (per directions); natural antibiotics in cases of infection. At Start of Treatment: Infla-Zyme Forte (3-5 capsules three times daily, 30 minutes before meals on empty stomach): enzymes to break up fat and protein deposits in the lymph and tissues. Lymphotend (ten drops three times daily, on tongue, taken just before Infla-Zyrne Forte); homeopathic remedy to cleanse the lymph. Burdock/red root herbal extract (10-40 drops three times daily; start at ten drops, then increase); to cleanse the blood and lymph. Garlicin Pro (one capsule twice daily); an internal disinfectant. Lymphatic System Cleanse (10-30 drops three times daily, at meals; take for six days, omit seventh day, then resume); contains cleansing herbs. Horse chestnut seed capsules (one capsule twice daily with meals); to reduce swelling and strengthen lymph vessel walls. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids (1,350 mg, at meals); strengthens vascular system. Rutin (500 mg twice daily); to be taken with horse chestnut seed; a bioflavonoid or vitamin C helper, helps reduce swelling and strengthens lymph vessel walls. Optional: Flaxseed oil (1,000 mg daily, with a meal); reduces inflammation. Optional: Echinacea,/red root herbal extract (30-40 drops three times daily); cleanses blood and lymph. Optional: CurcuMax (three capsules three times daily, 30 minutes before meals); contains enzymes, herbs, vitamins, and minerals to reduce inflammation. Optional: GingerMax (two capsules twice daily, before meals); improves blood circulation. * Using Harmony cleanse can sometimes trigger an infection in lymphedema patients by moving toxins faster than the sluggish lymphatic system can eliminate them, says Glasser. For that reason, he always includes a course of colloidal silver to be used with it. |
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