July-September 1996
NLN Newsletter
Natural Health News
COMPLIMENTARY HOLISTIC REMEDIES FOR LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT
by Diana Brady, Holistic Nutritionist
Ultimate Health Center, Asheville,
N.C.
Please note that the following article discusses holistic
nutritional supplementation that may be useful in supporting a patient's
daily regime of self-care. This is not an endorsement by the NLN, nor do
we promise results from the use of any of these items listed below. We
are committed to presenting all avenues of possibility for improvement
of the condition and quality of life for all lymphedema patients. Any and
all claims or opinions expressed in this article are solely of the author.
Ed.
There are many holistic remedies that can support and enhance CDP and
manual lymph drainage 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 the 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 similar effect to
benzopyrenes without the side effects.
It contains: pancreatin, bromelain, papain, trypsin,
chymotrypsin,
lipase, amalyse, rutin, zinc, superoxide dismutase, catalase and l-cysteine.
It must be taken on an empty stomach, with the 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 Tiajuana, 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 inflamzyne forte. Lympotend is a specific
combination of classic 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
In a recent study of chronic diseases of the veins, the herb, horsechestnut,
was found to be very effective. 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 active component escini 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.
Herbalist 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 a medicine. The dandelion
contains much more nutritional value than many other vegetables, being
particularly high in vitamins, minerals, protein, choline, inulin and pectins.
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 30-60 drops, two or three 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 Herbalist & Alchemist, 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 10-30 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
It is important to ensure the use of 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 Pharmacia, Enzymatic Therapies, AMNI, Solgar, Twin
Labs, etc.
SUPPLIERS
American Biologics, Chula Vista, CA
Consumers..............................800-227-4473
Health Care Professionals...800-332-9345
Phyto Pharmacia, Green Bay, WI
800-553-2370
Herbalist and Alchemist, Inc. N.J.
800-611-8235
AMNI, CA 800-356-4791
Ultimate Health Center, N.C.
800-268-6905
ALL ITEMS ABOVE CAN BE PURCHASED FROM UHC AT DISCOUNTED PRICES.
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION. 1-800-268-6905 |