Natural Lymphedema Treatment: Diet, Lifestyle, and Herbs

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.

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?

I watch all the doctor shows I can, and one day a doctor said green tea would help drain your lymphatic system. Those were magic words to me, and I got excited! Then I saw Dr. Oz talking about green tea as a superfood. It is a anti-inflammatory, a cancer fighter, and a diuretic. So, I tried drinking 1-3 cups a day and my legs and feet stopped swelling every day. I told my Mother she had to try it and within 1 week we started seeing a difference in the swelling in her arm. It starting with her wrist getting smaller. Then within a few weeks we were truly amazed as we watched her arm shrink. We were so thankful, I hate to say it, but I got angry. 15 years of terrible pain and suffering and drinking green tea was her answer... That was about 3 years ago and her arm has not swollen again, or my legs and feet. It also cleared up a tooth infection I had for a long time.

I have told every doctor we have seen about the amazing things green tea has done. And several were oncologist, but they looked at us like we are crazy. GREEN TEA? Today I saw a article about lymphedema and there is no cure. Please help me spread the word that green tea may be able to help others, just as it helped us! We just used plain cheap green tea bags and sometimes added some frozen blueberries, or a little fruit juice like Pomegranate or cranberry juice for flavor. I pray this may help someone else...

Also eat ALKALINE FOODS in ABUNDANCE and take a Multivitamin (I like Dead Sea Moringa) mix w/Coconut Water. GOD BLESS YOU ALL! Judy

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

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.

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 saw mention here of someone who was going to try castor oil. I thought I'd give it a try too. I soaked paper napkins in the stuff, wrapped them around the leg. Then I wrapped plastic wrap around to cover and duct taped it in place. I covered that with dry napkins and taped in place. Then I got a disposable hand warmer and strapped it to the most swollen, painful part of the leg. After about 7 hours I took it off and noticed an improvement and a lot less pain. Now I do this every other day and every time I'm happy with the results. At the same time I started taking Doctors Best Vein Formula because it contains diosmin. Now, my leg is almost back to normal size. I can move around and it only starts getting painful if I'm on it all day. Even then, it's not too bad.

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.

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.

Also look into whole body vibration machines. See if it contraindicates with any other medical issues you may have. But overall great for lymph. I'm a nurse with 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

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.

Here's how:
Lymphedema: got this during my pregnancy and continued for almost 2 years thereafter.
I believe from Adrenal and kidney depletion...pregnancy is hard on the glands...adrenals control fluids in the body...so do kidneys.
Anyway..tried everything: Lymphatic drainage massage MLD, acupuncture, herbs, compression stockings, you name it.
Here's what worked: a. Wheatgrass juice daily and fresh celery and spirulina and parsley juice.
b. Epsom salt baths (1/2 pound in the hot water with some bubble bath ,,,natural of course). Soaked 20 minutes a night before bed.
c. trampoline work.

Guess what? I'm cured...the massage therapist said I'd never cure it...that there is no cure. Oh yeah?
I sure hated those compression stockings. UGLY!

Now for the ringworm: AGAIN! Tried everything!!! Spent lots of money on creams, etc. tried herbs, etc. NOTHING! WORKED! The itching was driving me crazy ...plus ugly oozing sores on my legs. In desperation I tried: YES! Calamine lotion. IT WORKS FOLKS!
In a few hours I found relief and now it's gone. Try it. The lotion cost me $1.99

Haha!
Best of luck.

Coumarin works so well it's a shame Mayo clinic (purposely, I believe) "killed it" in clinical trials.

But hey! If the cabbage works as well as some say here--an alternate solution!

I've had lymphedema in my R leg--goes all the way up to abdomen--from radical hysterectomy 25 years ago. Best things I ever found for it were coumarin, and circaid legging (now called juxta-fit, I think--gotta get a new one one of these days but my old ratty one still works! It's for while you exercise) and I wear futuro firm compression pantyhose daily.

Never noticed green tea helping but I never tried it so intensively either. Blessings everyone!!

I use magnesium oil for a lot of things, but it's magnesium chloride and didn't do much for this. Epsom salts is magnesium sulfate. For some reason, it works.

You ask for the correct formula for the Cabbage Poultice...

I think the best authority is Jakobi Jakstein...Google the pdf: "Wonder Drug Cabbage"...Jakstein wilts her cabbage leaves one second in hot water.

Garlic is a great antiparasitic and antibiotic that is considered compatible with nursing.

I would try one clove of fresh garlic internally 4 times a day.

Also, vitamin C to support your immune system - 1,000 mg 3 times a day in the sodium ascorbate form.

Dandelion tea is good for the lymph system.

I would also do Epsom salt baths - 1 cup in a warm bath several times a week.

I hope you feel better soon! Let us know how it goes for you.

~Mama to Many~

I wrote to Ted at Earth Clinic recently... Here's what I wrote and his reply:-

Please could you possibly help me? I developed Lymphedema after having lymph nodes removed from my pelvis in 1989. I massage daily and wear support hose during the day and special low stretch bandages at night. My left leg is 30% larger than my right, the swelling is mostly from the knee to buttock area and pubic mound, there is also minimal edema in my right ankle. The swelling results in cellulitus once every 6 weeks or so, which is why I take the 7-Keto DHEA to boost my immune system, it has not completely stopped the cellulitis, but makes it much less severe.

For the swelling I take:
Horse Chestnut 300 mg 2 x day
Rutin 500 mg 1 x day
Triple Chlorophyll 60 mg 1 x day
Alfalfa 2000 mg x 2 day
Vit C 1000 mg x 1 day
7-Keto DHEA 100 mg 3 x day

Since reading the earth clinic site, I am now also taking ACV 2 tbsp., 2 x day, VCO 1 tbsp., 2 x day, Blackstrap Molasses 1 tbsp., 2 x day and a Cayenne & Garlic capsule 1 g garlic/500mg Caynne. But I have not been doing this long enough to see a result.

Ted's reply:
I am personally against removal of any organs because the resultant effects are often more severe down the road. In any event the removal of lymph node could have been avoided if potassium citrate, camphor, and sodium bicarbonate were supplemented or perhaps the use of castor oil hot packs (with camphor added) to assist lymphatics clearance. Quite often high protein diets, high heavy metals, thick plasma (where clotting sometimes occur), excessive virus, vitamin C sodium ascorbate and bacteria buildup are common ones that clogs the lymphatic system. I agree bandages is useful also as is raising legs higher may help a little.

Anyway even with such removal, there might be some lymph nodes leftover but is obstructed or the veins has to overtake the missing lymphatic system. In this case, a removal of lymphatics will result in excessive fluids along the veins, called venous insufficiency, where excessive fluids accumulate. When this happens, pine bark extract is often used as a supplement to reduce this issue.

While it is true that DHEA does indeed help reduce the cellulite, some people prefer DHEA, or other people prefer 7 Keto DHEA. It all depends on the result. Some people have low hormones of the other and DHEA would work well there. However, some has sufficient hormones with exception of DHEA, so 7 keto DHEA will work for him.

There are other cellulite reducing supplements besides DHEA, although DHEA is best known, but I have found quite a few of the others, namely taurine, l-carnosine (500 mg x 3)are the best ones I know of, along with chromium supplements. Most chromium, if they are water soluble worked fairly well, I used chromium chloride to save costs compared to chromium picolinate for example. The dose of taurine is taken 30 minutes to an hour before every meals, such as 2000 mg. This will prevent negative reactions between sugar and proteins, which result in cellulite. Chromium further lowers blood sugar spikes and the common dose I used to get result is about 1000 mcg, chewed, or powdered, dissolved in a glass of water.

It should be noted that in event the blood becomes too thick, the ability for the blood to flow back through tehe veins is obstructed. This is true for high fat products, sugar, and acid forming foods. The diet is replaced with high enzyme foods, such as raw vegetarians and enzyme supplements taken three times a day. In this case, EDTA is important, but I prefer a much lower dose of EDTA, in the form of disodium EDTA as means of reducing blood obstruction and lower the blood thickness so if the blood is a bit more watery, the ability of blood flow and plasma is not hampered. EDTA also removes certain free heavy metals that tends to cause the blood to be thicker. It is also true of high fats, high sugar, high fructose, and high protein diets. However certain amino acid is useful such as carnosine and taurine.

Estrogen is the major problem causing cellulite, and perhaps natural progesterone cream will keep the ratios of progesterone: estrogen in check, such as applying on the area might also help.

Some vitamin E is also useful in reducing blood thickness that prevents blood clotting as is also true that magnesium is antagonistic to calcium and may also help. The other supplements that also reduce some cellulite is the alpha lipoic acid, taken along with food to prevent stomach upset. It also helps if plenty of water is taken to further reduce this problem.

Chlorophyll tends to give the body more blood, so its a matter of debate whether that helps or not. However, chlorella is a heavy metal chelator and may reduce obstruction by further helping the circulation. Fluid retention is the other thing that caused it, so diuretic products may further help if taken in moderation such as green tea. Some other things that reduce kidney obstruction from uric acid, or if body is a little high in uric acid may lead further to swollen legs. In this case a very low dose of lithium citrate or lithium carbonate such as 5 mg may help the body rid of excess fluids. Some additional taking of potassium citrate (technical name is tripotassium citrate) taken at 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/2 teaspoon of sodium carbonate may help normalized bowel movements, especially the potassium and if more frequently it is taken, the stool becomes more fluid, thus reducing the fluid retention that way.

The major enemy in the cause of fluid retention has always been the chlorinated water. It works by increasing the blood pressure, due to its effect on the body to cause metabolic acidosis. It works like this, whenever there is a free chlorine in the blood that comes through taking shower, the free chlorine dissociates to react with the free hydrogen that is involved in the NAD to NADH, to form HCl, or hydrochloric acid deep within the mitochrondria involved in the Krebs cycle. So this reduces the mitochrondrial activity. I suspect the same reaction to also occur in presence of Fluoride. This doesnt happen with iodine because it's a required mineral. This also explains why legs are swollen or the body becomes much more swollen after swimming in highly chlorinated water as well as being fluoridated from the public water supply.

This also explains why people feel much weaker after the shower. It's the effect of chlorine interfering with the mitochrondria that helps with our energy level. If energy level is low, the ability of the body to maintain normal fluids is not possible, so the body becomes highly retentive with fluids. Therefore chlorine and fluoridated toothpaste has to be removed. Any thing that disturbs the neuroendocrine system, includes hydrocarbons, and aspartame. Aspartame in presence of body's enzyme converts into a free methanol alcohol so that's avoided, because further oxidation it becomes formaldehyde and results in fluid imbalance from destruction of the neural centers responsible for equilibrium of body fluids -its the line of communications that tells each organs what to do becomes impaired in presence of them.

In any event, I think disodium EDTA, at 25 mg x 3 mixed with plenty of water (maybe taken for a couple of days, out of a week such as 3 or 4 days), and taking plenty of enzyme supplements taken three times a day before every meal should help most the circulation, Enzymes help digest obstructions and foreign pathogens which tends to cause the clogging of the lymph node, while prevention cellulite formation is helped mostly with taurine, DHEA, alpha lipoic acid.

Certain dietary changes to more vegetarian less protein, but taking some amino acid supplements instead, less fat, less sugar, and less exposure to fluoride, aspartame and chlorine should generally help the most. Diuretics such as green tea, lithium citrate for example are helpful in reducing fluid retention, but lithium further removes excess uric acid that obstructs normal kidney functions too.

Water suana, without chlorine, and hence sodium thiosulfate dechlorinator, one size rice grain of the crystals mixed in a liter of water may also help reduce fluid retention. Initially the sodium thiosulfate will cause watery stool, but once the body get used to it after usually three days, it will further neutralize the negative effects of chlorinated water from showers.

Apple cider vinegar should add some baking soda, such as 2 tablespoons of apple cider viengar plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 glass of water for example. The body tends to swell when eating mushrooms of any kind, including reishi mushrooms as well as many yeast fermented product, such as yogurt. This includes wheat products too in swelling but whole rye and millet won't generally cause swelling. Antibiotics promote swelling because of the mycotoxins, since mycotoxins and antibiotics are produced from fungus.

Ted