Glasser Massage & Lymphedema Services, LLC

  Therapeutic Massage & Lymphedema Treatment Center

Natural Health News

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 

The swelling and edema characteristic of lymphedema is the result of damaged lymph nodes/vessels, often combined with radiation in the case of secondary lymphedema (secondary), or as a result of inborn missing lymphatics or partially functioning lymphatics (primary) which leads into protein accumulation in the interstitial tissue, causing swelling. This manifests itself in various parts of the body, most commonly the arms and legs.

Bandaging and compression garments are used successfully to reduce and control edema through pressure. Plant compounds that improve tissue integrity are also used to treat edema, but work in a different manner. One particular herb, horsechestnut seed, contains a plant compound (escin) that strengthens the tissues of the lymph vessels, capillaries and veins. When these tissues are strengthened, there is less leakage of fluid into the surrounding tissue. Edema is therefore reduced at its source.

A recent study at the Department of Internal Medicine in Germany proved the efficacy of this herb in clinical testing. Results were published in the February 1996 issue of the Lancet, by D. Diehm (vol. 347, pp.292-4). The effectiveness of horsechestnut seed extract was compared to that of compression stockings in 240 patients with chronic venous insufficiency. Patients were randomly assigned to receive compression treatment, horsechestnut extract (containing 50 mg. of escin twice daily) or placebo for twelve weeks. 

Horsechestnut seed was found to be as effective as compression treatment, determined by the reduction in swelling in the legs of the patients. Both treatments were significantly more effective than the placebo.

Based upon this study, Peter Glasser, LMT, MLDT, ICMT, began incorporating horsechestnut into his treatment program with encouraging results. His patients were at different stages of treatment when the horsechestnut was introduced, and results have varied from patient to patient. Here are a few of the results reported by just a few of his patients:

The first patient to include horsechestnut in her regime was a 69 year old woman with secondary lymphedema of the left arm. She had 11 CDP/Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatments nine months ago, along with Mr. Glasser's complete program of herbs, vitamins and enzymes. She also had one maintenance treatment every two weeks for five months before starting the horsechestnut herb. In addition, she was bandaging nightly or using CircAid garment, and wearing a Juzo compression sleeve with custom hand piece.

By this time her affected arm was measuring the same and even less in some areas than her affected arm. After a few days of taking 10 drops of horsechestnut once a day, she stopped bandaging, using CircAid and the compression garment. When she came in for her next bi-monthly treatment, there was very little increase in swelling from her last visit (0.1 cm to 0.4 cm).

The patient continued this routine for over three months, but the dosage was increased to 10 drops twice a day. Each time she came in for a treatment, her arm measurements were the same or slightly higher with the increase ranging from 0.1 cm to 0.4 cm. There was only one time when she overexerted herself and her measurements increased between 0.1 cm to 1.3 cm. Her dosage was increased to 30 drops two times daily to try and compensate for her active lifestyle. This appears to be the appropriate dosage for her. When she overexerts herself now, she simply relaxes for a while and allows the swelling to reduce itself without compression garments. The only time she uses the compression garment and CircAid is when she flies. She is extremely happy with these results.

A patient with secondary lymphedema of both legs and into the abdominal area began treatment seven months ago. At this time she came in only for maintenance treatments but was enthusiastic about trying a holistic protocol. Along with this, she was treated in the clinic once or twice a month for two months, and then once a month. At that time she was put on 10 drops of horsechestnut twice a day. It took two weeks for any noticeable improvement in the edema, but after two weeks, the edema began to decrease and she was able to stop wearing her compression garments. However, when the weather became warm, the edema increased. Her dosage was increased to 30 drops twice a day and that controlled the swelling. She reported feeling much better on the increased dosage and is very happy with the results. 

Three months ago, a gentleman with primary lymphedema of the left leg started on five drops of horsechestnut twice a day. At the time he was wearing a full thigh stocking with a knee-high stocking over this for better compression. His work requires him to be on his feet all day. With the addition of the horsechestnut, his leg does not get as hard at the end of the day as it did before the herb was added. He reports that the tissue is soft and supple, even after a long day on his feet. His dosage has been increased to 10 drops twice a day in an attempt to achieve the same results without having to wear the extra knee high stocking.

Other patients who have tried the horsechestnut herb have all reported that they feel better, that their edema is reduced and is maintaining. It does take some time to ascertain the correct amount of horsechestnut herb for each individual. However, it is well worth the effort, according to patient reports thus far, as well as physical measurements. Mr. Glasser is currently experimenting with a topical ointment containing aloe vera gel and horsechestnut herb.

The type of horsechestnut used by Mr. Glasser is manufactured by GAIA herbs. It is important to get the highest quality product on the market. GAIA can be purchased at many health food stores or can be ordered directly from the manufacturer at: 1-800-831-7780. Emerson Ecologics also distributes the herb. They can be reached at: 1-800-654-4432.

Diana Brady is a Holistic Nutritionist with Ultimate Health Center Asheville, North Carolina