The swelling and edema characteristic of Lymphedema is caused by excessive leakage of fluid due to poor tissue integrity. This manifests itself in various parts of the body but is typically found in the arms and legs. Bandaging and compression garments are used successfully to reduce and control edema by mechanical means, i.e. pressure. Plant compounds that improve tissue integrity are also used to treat edema but work in a different manner. One particular herb, Horsechestnut seed, contains a plant compound (escin) that strengthens the tissues of the capillaries and veins. When these tissues are strengthened there is less leakage of fluid out of the veins and into the surrounding tissue. Edema is therefore reduced at its source; the weakened tissues of the capillaries and veins.
A recent study at the Department of Internal Medicine in Germany proved the efficacy of this herb in a clinical setting. Results were published in the February, 1996 issue of the Lancet by C. Diehm (vol. 347, pp 292-4). The effectiveness of horsechesnut seed extract was compared to compression stockings in 240 patients with chronic venous insufficiency. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either compression treatment, horsechestnut seed extract (containing 50 mg of escin twice daily) or placebo for twelve weeks. Horsechestnut seed was found to be as effective as compression treatment, determined by the reduction in swelling in the legs of the patients. Both treatments were significantly more effective than the placebo.
Based upon this study, we began incorporating horsechesnut extract into our treatment program with encouraging results. Our patients were at different stages of treatment when the horsechestnut was introduced and results have varied from patient to patient. The first patient to include horsechestnut into her regime was a 69 year old woman with secondary Lymphedema of the left arm. She had 11 CDP/MLD treatments nine months ago along with our complete program of herbs, vitamins, and enzymes. She also had one maintenance treatment every 2 weeks for 5 months before starting the horsechestnut herb. She was bandaging nightly, or using a CircAid, and wearing a Juzo compression sleeve with custom hand piece. After a few days of taking 10 drops of horsechestnut once a day, she stopped bandaging, using the CircAid and the compression garment. When she came in for her next bi-monthly treatment, there was very little increase in swelling from her last visit (0.1cm to 0.4cm). She continued this routine for over 3 months.
Each time she came in for a treatment, her arm measurements were the same or slightly higher with the increase ranging from 0.1cm to 0.4cm. She reported feeling fine but did notice some swelling when she overexerted herself. However, that swelling came down without compression garments when she relaxed for a while. Her dosage was increased from 10 drops once a day to 10 drops twice a day during this timeframe. The only time she uses the compression garment and CircAid is when she flies. She is extremely happy with these results.
Another patient has secondary Lymphedema of both legs that goes up and iinto the abdominal area. She started treatments at our center seven months ago. She had been treated at another clinic in our area and only came in for maintenance treatments. We started her on our holistic protocol and treated her Lymphedema once or twice a week for a month, every one or two weeks for 2 more months, and then once a month. At this time, we started her on 10 drops of horsechestnut twice a day. It took 2 weeks to notice any improvement in edema. After 2 weeks the edema was decreasing and she was able to stop wearing the compression garments, however, her legs were swelling by the end of the day. We increased her dosage to 30 drops twice a day and that reduced the edema at the end of the day. She reports feeling much better on the increased dosage and is very happy with the results.
Copyright © Diana Brady