Natural Lymphedema Treatment: Diet, Lifestyle, and Herbs

Cellulitis, Lymphedema and Strep Bacteria Connection

Posted by Denise S (Milwaukee Wi ) on 12/29/2013

I am looking for advice for a friend with Lymphedema. He started with Cellulitis, which progressed to Lymphedema. I have read that Cellulitis is caused by Group A streptococcus bacteria. Isn't it possible that this may have also entered the lymph system and causes the Lymphedema? And, if so, what would be remedies for the bacteria?

Cabbage

Posted by Elizabeth (St. Croix, Us Virgin Islands) on 11/11/2013
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

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.

Cabbage

Posted by Bvigorda (St. Augustine, Fl) on 11/05/2013
★★★★★

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.

Cabbage

Posted by Amazed (Seattle Wa) on 10/21/2013
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

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?

Cabbage

Posted by Antoinette (Cleveland, Ohio) on 10/16/2013

Thank you Maureen from Canada! I will give it a try. I pray it works as well for me as it has for others. Does anyone have any suggestions at all about how to get rid of the fibrosis that sometimes occurs with lymphedema. I have a large mass of fibrotic tissue on the back of my thigh and it is so unsightly and it keeps me from sitting and lying down comfortably. I would appreciate any suggestions at all.

Cabbage

Posted by Maureen (Ontario, Canada) on 10/06/2013
★★★★★

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.

Cabbage

Posted by Antoinette (Cleveland, Ohio) on 10/05/2013

Hi everyone! I have lymphedema in my left leg and also a large fibrosis on my left thigh. I would do just about anything to get rid of both of these conditions. I have the cutest jeans hanging in my closet that I desperately want to get back into. I will definintely be trying the green tea and can anyone PLEASE tell me how I would do the cabbage wrap. What type of cabbbage... Should it be raw... What do I wrap me leg with... As much detailed information as possible. And if anyone has any suggestions on how to soften the fibrosis as well I would so greatly appreciate it... THANKS IN ADVANCE!

Legs on Wall

Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 10/05/2013
★★★★★

Andrea C: I would do the same with wonderful results. But ever since I did a small version of Inclined Bed Therapy, meaning I only raised the head side of my bed 2-3 inches, I never had a problem again. And if my feet did get a bit swollen, it was always gone by morning. And yes, drinking water is key.

Legs on Wall

Posted by Andrea C (Wales) on 10/04/2013
★★★★★

When I had Edema in my feet and legs, besides drinking plenty of water which is vital, I used to lay on my back on my bed, and put my legs upright against the wall as straight as was comfortable. And do this four times a day and keep them there as long as I could, half an hour or longer, and read a book or listen to music on headphones or speakers to break the boredom and make the time pass. This worked beautifully quite quickly as it helps the Lymph glands drain the fluid away as well. And walk around my home as much as possible until I could walk outdoors. Hope this helps as much as it helped me. Love Andrea C xxxxxx

Cabbage

Posted by Grannyguru (Oro Valley, Az) on 10/03/2013

I sure hope the cabbage wrap works. I found it next to impossible to use it on my feet, but I tried anyway.

I put the crushed leaves and my foot inside a plastic shopping bag, tried to cover the foot as best I could, tightening the plastic bag to help hold it all in place, then shoved everything into a long sock, repeating for the other foot. If someone has a better idea on how to accomplish this for feet, I'd be grateful to know it.

I feel as if it's really a test to see how gullible I am, but I am really desperate, and I have seen sillier things work just fine, while the stuff the doctors push on us doesn't work and has awful side effects. I will let everyone know how this works or not . I am also drinking green tea.

Cabbage

Posted by Darnell (Chicago) on 09/11/2013
★★★★★

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

Posted by Anon (Anon) on 05/03/2013

Hi, I've read here posts from ladies with lymphoma as a result of having lymph nodes removed after breast surgery, they reported just drinking green tea all day, as long as you make it correctly with boiling water in the first place I wouldn't think it matters if you drink it hot or cold.

Cabbage

Posted by Amy Jo (Phoenix, Arizona) on 05/02/2013

Please provide more info re: type of cabbage, was it cold/warm/cooked/raw??? Also the green tea... Can it Be iced green tea? Any details would be appreciated. Going on 2 years of unilateral swelling in my left leg w/no answers. Bandaging reduced some but compression hose did not keep it down & it's swollen worse now than ever. Just got a pump which seems to help reduce at night but day time use, on my feet a lot, & heat of Phoenix brings the swelling back by end of day. Need a cure desperately so I can enjoy & keep up w/ my kids!

Vibrating Machine

Posted by Megs (Canada) on 04/10/2013
★★★★★

I have had lymphedema for over a year now.. Went through all the tests and a friend mentioned trying a total body vibrating machine.... You can look them up there are a lot of different ones out there... They all do the same... But prices differ... I went on it for 10 min two days in a row and all my swelling is completely gone... I also bought the circulation booster and have been using that. But the whole vibrating machine works a lot better than jumping on a trampoline... So much easier on the joints.. so that was my cure hope this helps.

Green Tea

Posted by Layla (Palos Hills, Illinois, Usnited States) on 03/02/2013

I also have swelling in my thighs and ankles, its not that bad, but it just looks swollen and puffy compared to the rest of my body. I heard that green tea helps with the swelling but I am not sure what kind to get.

Green Tea

Posted by Jane (Alameda, Ca) on 02/15/2013

I have to disagree! Not all green tea is alike. I would recommend organic green tea over Green tea by Lipton any day. Rishi green tea is among the best in my opinion.

Green Tea

Posted by Anon (Anon) on 02/15/2013

To be honest green tea is all the same- tea bags are fine- just drink all day and see for yourself.

Green Tea

Posted by Lou (Elk Grove, California, Usa) on 02/15/2013

No, do not use those packed green tea bags, like Lipton, but get the loose green tea, that you can buy fron any Asian market. Any green tea will do, just get the loose green tea, it is about $12 to $15 a pound and a pound will last several months. This is what I give to my sister, a tablespoon of green tea along with a capsule of green tea extract in the morning along with breakfast and then just another cup of green tea around 2 pm. Do not take green tea latter in the evening or will have trouble sleeping. Hope this helps.

Green Tea

Posted by Layla (Palos Hills, Il) on 02/10/2013

Does it matter what type of green tea you use or is the lipton green tea fine?

Cabbage

Posted by Rrcruse (Vero Beach, Fl) on 12/25/2012

I am suffering with Swelling and Burning and Redness in my Left foot and lower leg, My Heel and the bottom of my foot burn. I was treated by the doctor for 20 days for Cellulitis on strong antibiotic and it is back. What type of Cabbage leaves can I use and how do I do i? I really want to try it. Please.

Green Tea

Posted by Renee (Phoenix, Az) on 10/19/2012
★★★★★

I have not suffered as long as most but I have been experiencing exscrushiating pain from the swelling of my legs ankles and thighs from third trimester of pregnancy until now. I kept being told by everyone including my doctor to just keep them elevated well with 4 kids and a new born on the way that was almost impossible to do all day. Well luckily I called my pharmacist for some possible natural relief and he said green tea. wow I can walk again green tea works.

Cabbage

Posted by Roy (Ofallon, Missouri) on 09/15/2012
★★★★★

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

Juicing

Posted by Kokila (Roslyn Heights, Ny) on 08/09/2012
★★★★★

Hi Folks, Stopped by here and wanted to answer the lymphedema question about the juice.

Add enough water to almost fill the blender after cutting up the celery, parsley and wheatgrass powder(or fresh grass: I use the grass too, but sparingly as it can damage the blender).

Then drink right away.... A couple of glasses a day!

Good luck

Gluten-Free Diet

Posted by Heather (Pasadena, Texas) on 07/24/2012
★★★★★

I had to do a gluten free diet for my lymphedema. Not only did it stop the swelling but I lost weight too. I also make a tea from ginger root and honey for sweetener. that makes me excrete a lot of water the natural way.

Green Tea

Posted by Faith (Dallas, Texas) on 07/20/2012
★★★★★

POSSIBLE HELP FOR LYMPHEDEMA... For 15 years my Mother suffered with lymphedema in her arm after breast cancer. Her arm was so huge she had to wear clothes 1-2 sizes larger so the sleeve would fit.

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...

Juicing

Posted by Jen (Kelowna, Bc, Canada) on 07/14/2012

Hi Kokila, Hope you are still checking this site. My mom is trying to use your recipe and is having difficulty getting enough juice out of it and it is very thick, any suggestions? She is suffering badly with swelling below the knee and is desperate for something that works.

Juicing

Posted by Billie (Queen Creek, Az) on 03/23/2012

Kokila, exactly how much do you consider 1 bunch of celery and parsley, I made it with a stalk of celery and it only made about 10 oz.

Juicing

Posted by Kokila (Roslyn Heights, New York Usa) on 01/05/2012
★★★★★

Lymphedema:

My recipe for the juice is as follows:

1bunch celery
1bunch parsley, flat
2 Tbls freeze dried wheatgrass
3 teas. spirulina
scoop of red desert clay powder

Mix in 20 amp blender or juicer, and strain through nut milk bag.

Use within 1 week, and drink 2 cups a day.

Good Luck!

Juicing

Posted by Kokila (Roslyn Heights, New York Usa) on 01/05/2012
★★★★★

I also want to mention that I use powdered, freeze dried wheatgrass.

Also what helps emormously is bio-identical hormones (thyroid and adrenal)

I've noticed that I can pretty much say the swelling is gone, only slightly at night at this point, and improving even more.

Juicing

Posted by Kokila (Roslyn Heights, New York Usa) on 01/05/2012
★★★★★

Hi Folks, Just stopped by here and saw ALL the posts regarding my treatment for Lymphedema! Sorry I didn't know sooner, as I would have immediately posted.

What has amazingly helped are the juices. Especially the celery, wheatgrass, parsley, spirulina juice... I also add red desert clay powder.

Also there is herb: fennugreek that is good.

Red clover has helped me too.

I take the juice once a day these days in an 8oz glass. I make it fresh once a week in a 20AMP blender which maintains the integrity of the enzymes! Very important. Don't use a regular blender.

The trampoline I do every night, as that is when I notice there might be a slight swelling.

What has REALLY helped recently as well is: Light Life Rings by Slim Spurling. I distribute them now as I'm a believer! I sleep with them around my leg and upper body, and I really see it keeps the swelling away beautifully. Something about the sacred geometry of the copper rings really helps the cells/energy of my leg. I use the large rings.

Hope this all helps you my friends. I know it is a terrible condition...

Ginseng + Bumex

Posted by Robert (Cleveland, Ohio, Usa) on 10/29/2011
★★★★★

Since acquiring lymphatic filariasis [nematode bancrofti variety] [elephantiasis] from India travels in 1989, I have suffered repeated periods of severe "bloating" in not merely the legs and abdominal areas but systemic body wide. Weight gain has happened to 120 US customary pounds, filling up as quickly as in 35 days.

Hospital treatments endlessly employ harsh diuretics without even an attempt to supplement with herbal aids. I chose to investigate in the chinese herb direction and found TienChi Radix pseudo-ginseng to be very effective coupled with the diuretic: Bumex (bumetanide) a loop diuretic, available as scored tablets, 0.5 mg (light green), 1 mg (yellow) and 2 mg (peach) for oral administration.

Prepare TienChi Radix pseudo-ginseng as tea or lightly watercooked powder [rounded teaspoon in 8 oz standard serving oatmeal - sweetened to taste or mixed with peanut butter after cooked 10 minutes @ min. 100 degrees C [boiling@ sealevel] eaten once daily with usually breakfast.

It costed me USD $85 per US customary 16oz pound. The origin / source: PRC Yunnan Province; do not replace it or confuse with Korean, Japanese, American or Panax ginsengs as these are less or ineffective although cheaper. Pre-made extracts and teas are notably weak.

I eat raw fennel stalks and leaves [anise], parsely juice, alfalfa sprouts, baked or boiled unflavored red beets, fresh or canned asparagus, raw or boiled spinach, cultured probiotic milk foods and chicken livers with eggs; this constitutes most of my diet.

Results: under Nursing home oversight and full documentation, I have shed an average of 400ml of fluid hourly, more when the regimen began. I drink 51 fluid US customary ounces of direct oral water - roughly 1500ml restricted intake. I decreased from October 12, 2011: 469 pounds to [so far] 364 pounds on October 28, 2011, treatment is ongoing now as this is written. This heregoing I testify as a true report. -RSA 10-29-11

Juicing

Posted by Michelle (Charlotte, Nc) on 10/16/2011

How can I get the specifics on how to mix the kokila cure for lymphedema? Should I use fresh, frozed or powdered wheatgrass? Is it possible to use the pill forms and get the same results?

Juicing

Posted by Tracy (Bardstown, Ky) on 09/04/2011

Would like to give this a try. Please send me exact recipe for juice.

Lymphatic Decongestive Therapy

Posted by Cindy (Mesa, Co) on 10/01/2010
★★★★★

I am a massage therapist that specializes in lymphatic decongestive therapy. Please research this therapeutic device. (The Lymphstar Pro produced by Arcturus Star products). I have been certified in its use and I have seen first hand how it can reduce lymphadema. I know that there are trained therapist in Fl. Go to the web to research or for more info you may contact me via email and we can exchange phone numbers to talk more about lymphedema therapy. Best Wishes, Cindy

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Siberianwolf (Havelock North, New Zealand) on 07/17/2010

This message is regarding Lymphedema and is for Catherine in Wellington NZ. Hi Catherine. You left your message here two years ago. I know everyone's problems are different, but as a matter of interest. . . How long did it take for your swelling to disappear having begun the drinking water regime?

Cabbage

Posted by Susan (Los Angeles, Ca) on 08/29/2009
★★★★★

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.

Juicing

Posted by Kokila (Roslyn Heights, New York) on 06/10/2009
★★★★★

HI,
I had a terrible case of A. Lymphedma in my legs and B. Ringworm there as well.
Cured both.

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.