Complementary Holistic Remedies For Lymphedema Treatment
There are many holistic remedies that can support and enhance CDP and MLD 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 this 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 a similar effect to benzoypyrenes without the side effects. It contains: pancreatin, bromelain, papain, trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase, amylase, rutin, zinc, superoxide dismutase, catalase and l-cysteine. It must be taken on an empty stomach with a 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 Tijuana, 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 inflamzyme forte. Lymphotend is a specific combination of classical 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 was found in to be very effective in a recent study of chronic diseases of the veins. 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 the active component escin 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. Herbalists 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 medicine. The dandelion contains much more nutritional value than many other vegetables being particularly high in vitamins, minerals, protein, choline, inulin and pectins. The 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 to 60 drops 2 or 3 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 Herbalists and Alchemists, 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 to 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 are very important. Be sure to use 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 Pharmica, Enzymatic Therapies, AMNI, Solgar, Twin Labs, etc.
Suppliers
1. American Biologics, Chula Vista, CA - Consumers - 800-227-4473
2. Health Care Professionals 800-332-9345
3. Phyto Pharmica, Green Bay, WI 800-553-2370
4. Herbalist and Alchemist, Inc., NJ 800-611-8235
5. AMNI, CA 800-356-4791
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