Lymphedema Remedies
http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/lymphedema.html
[YEA] 11/11/2013: Elizabeth from St. Croix, Us Virgin Islands: "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."\
YEA] 10/21/2013: Amazed from Seattle Wa: "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?"
[YEA] 08/29/2009: Susan from Los Angeles, Ca: "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."
Replies06/15/2012: Benita from Cleveland, Ohio replies: "What kind of cabbage did you use???"
09/15/2012: Roy from Ofallon, Missouri replies: "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"
12/25/2012: Rrcruse from Vero Beach, Fl replies: "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."
03/02/2013: Layla from Palos Hills, Illinois, Usnited States replies: "Do you use raw cabbage or do you do anything to it first?"
05/02/2013: Amy Jo from Phoenix, Arizona replies: "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!"
05/03/2013: Anon from Anon replies: "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."
10/05/2013: Antoinette from Cleveland, Ohio replies: "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!"
10/06/2013: Maureen from Ontario, Canada replies: "To Antoinette and Amy Joe. Here is a link to a free PDF download which I got from Earth Clinic a while back but I can not find the post now. You will learn a lot about cabbage uses from it.http://www.alice-dsl.net/lightoflove/WonderDrugCabbageHealingCancerNaturallydownload.pdf
I have used the cabbage leaves successfully but still need to do it again. This is my version of what the book said about how to use.
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."
10/06/2013: Dave from Fountain Inn, Sc replies: "To Maureen and all re cabbage application; or to find the pdf since the link didn't work on your post, at least didn't for me: Google "Jakobe Jakstein cabbage pdf" and the site will be the first to pop up.Yours, Dave"
EC: We fixed the link on Maureen's post so it should now work!
10/16/2013: Antoinette from Cleveland, Ohio replies: "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, Green Tea
[YEA] 09/11/2013: Darnell from Chicago: "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."
Replies10/03/2013: Grannyguru from Oro Valley, Az replies: "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."
10/04/2013: Andrea C from Wales replies: "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"
10/05/2013: Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe replies: "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 swelled, it was always gone by morning. And yes, drinking water is key."
10/06/2013: Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe replies: "*swelled = swollen :)"
11/05/2013: Bvigorda from St. Augustine, Fl replies: "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.
Some people are helped by castor oil packs.
There is a facebook page called "Lymphedema - Support, Awareness and..." I learned there 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."
General Feedback
02/18/2009: Lara from Lufkin, Texas: "I was reading responses to lymphedema on your site. Info seemed good. However I am new to this problem and did not quite understand if there was fairly immediate answers to the swelling. I had lymph nodes removed in my pelvic area following a full hysterectomy about 5 months ago. I am experiencing swelling in my left leg and it seems to be worsening. I am an MDA patient and will consult my doctors there next week. However I was just looking for some ideas for what to do until then. Thanks! Lara"
Replies[YEA] 02/23/2012: Sandy from Madison, Wi Usa replies: "I have suffered with Lymphedema for 26 years. It mainly affected my right leg however, a few years ago my left leg started swelling also.A month ago I read online about an anti inflammatory diet. I ordered the book, The Anti- Inflammatory Diet & Recipe Book by Jessica Black. I have been following the book and WOW! What a difference it has made in my health. Within two days of starting it I felt incredible. My legs looked almost normal within a week. I cried. I have had some swelling yet. The diet eliminates alot of foods I was eating so I eliminate it a few at a time, gradually. Please try it. I pray that you get great results also."
07/20/2012: Faith from Dallas, Texas replies: "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..."
07/21/2012: Heather from Leicester replies: "Hi, that's amazing, thanks for sharing I'll tell my Aunt who has suffered with this for over 10 years since her breast cancer. X"
07/24/2012: Heather from Pasadena, Texas replies: "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."
09/05/2012: Patti from Greensboro, Nc Usa replies: "How do you make the tea from Ginger Root and Honey. It sounds good. I am willing to try anything. Mine is getting worse and I have nodules that come up on my leg , redness and the leg is worse at night. Any one else experience these things?"
02/03/2013: Mary from Fife, Scotland replies: "I'm so glad I stumbled upon this webpage. I'm going to try green tea - I've had lymphodema since having breast cancer. Thanks so much for sharing this valuable tip. Mary"
02/10/2013: Layla from Palos Hills, Il replies: "Does it matter what type of green tea you use or is the lipton green tea fine?"
02/15/2013: Lou from Elk Grove, California, Usa replies: "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."
02/15/2013: Anon from Anon replies: "To be honest green tea is all the same- tea bags are fine- just drink all day and see for yourself."
02/15/2013: Jane from Alameda, Ca replies: "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."
03/02/2013: Layla from Palos Hills, Illinois, Usnited States replies: "Thanks for the help! I have had swelling in my legs since I was young and I was recently diagnosed with lymphodema but I was discouraged when I was told that there was no cure so hopefully the green tea works for me!"
01/11/2009: Lissa from Amelia Island, Florida, USA: "My mother has lymphedema, or as often referred as "elephantitis" she is 4'11" normal weight 89-105 pounds her whole life (7 children) She has had a heart condition since age 12 (scarlett/rheumatic fever was the cause) and has had lymphedema conditions in her arm since she was about 63ish...undiagnosed as a beneign tumor...now at 78 she has deformed limbs, both arms and legs....she suffers great discomfort and much pain in her knees, she can hardly walk. She needs knee surgery...according to the doctors, but cannot have it due to risk of infection. She is a vibrant 78 year old, mind and general health of a 50 year old...but the lymphedema disables her...she walked 3 miles a day, gardened and every other normal activity. It is sooooo sad that my mothers' condition has fallen through the cracks, medicaid will not pay for any treatment....because it is not a prescriction "fix". Any help and advice I can get for her is worth gold to me....thank you for this site. My medical doctor told me about your site ...she is trying some of your remedies!"
Replies10/01/2010: Cindy from Mesa, Co replies: "Dear Lissa,
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"
12/05/2010: Lynette from San Clemente, California 92672 replies: "Dear Lissa:
I've been looking into Lymphedema. I was given Spironolactone two months ago, lt caused a huge weight gain. A natural enzyme has been recommended to me, it's called Wobenzymn, you'll need guidance on dosage. Also l just read a site that recommends lithium carbonate or lithium citrate 5 mg. Potassium if taken more frequently makes stool more fluid thus reducing fluid retention. Also, l read the worst thing for edema is Chlorine, stay away from swimming pools, use a filter on shower head. If you'd like the site l got some of this info from let me know l'll send it. Good Luck, Lynette.PS Has you mother had lymphatic drainage massage? lt's essential for her condition, my insurance paid for it, l learned how to do this on myself twice daily, VERY IMPORTANT."
12/06/2010: Maria from Gippsland, Australia replies: "Hi Lynette, Would you mind posting the site as I am also interested in this info and I suspect there may be others as well. Thanks, Maria"
12/07/2010: Lynette from San Clemente, California 92672 replies: "Hi Maria from Gippsland, Australia:
The site is actually the one your on, it's http://Earthclinic.com/CURES/lymphedema_questions.html ll/l3/08. l've discovered more information since then. VitalzymeX is even better l've been told. Another person who cured hers used Wheatgrass Juice Daily, Fresh Celery Juice (organic only), Spirulina and fresh Parsley Juice.Also, a must is a Rebounder use daily, don't buy a cheap one look into them thoroughly. A free health newsletter l get called Natural News has information on the best juicers, ones that don't kill enzymes etc, etc, when juiced, cheap ones lose a lot of nutrients. An aquaintance of mine just uses fresh celery juice with a little carrot juice for taste. I'm constantly researching this l'll put my new discoveries on this site, you can e-mail me too. Mayolynette(at)yahoo(dot)com. Take care, lynette, san clemente, ca."
04/09/2011: Debbie from Oviedo, Fl, Usa replies: "I just wanted to know how much of the juices did the person take daily to cure her lymphedema. I have it in my left arm and hand. I would appreciate any information on reducing or curing the swelling."
04/27/2011: Paula from Orlando, Florida, Usa replies: "Dear Cindy:I have had lymphodema in my right leg for over 10 years, I weekly have MLD and wear compression garments, and bandage. You are very informed, I visit Colorado often, we have a home there. I would love to schedule a treatment with you. I am also very interested in the device you mentioned, the lymphstar.
Please let me know how I may contact you.
Thank you!! Paula
Paulamarie718(at)aol(dot)com"
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