Numerous herbs may be helpful in treating your spleen. According to MedlinePlus, your spleen is an organ located in your left upper abdominal quadrant, just under your ribs. Your spleen is about the size of your fist and is responsible for fighting infection and regulating the balance of various fluids in your body. Before taking herbs to help support the health and function of your spleen, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
New Jersey Tea
New Jersey tea is an herb that may be helpful in supporting the health and function of your spleen. New Jersey tea, also known as red root or Ceanothus americanus, is a shrub that has downy leaves and small white flowers. This plant is called New Jersey tea because its leaves were used as a tea substitute during the War of Independence. New Jersey tea, a member of the buckwheat family, has an astringent taste. The root of the plant is used medicinally to treat numerous health conditions. Dr. Sharol A. Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that New Jersey tea is an astringent, lymphagogue and expectorant that is used to treat spleen, lymph and liver congestion. Before taking New Jersey tea to help support the health and function of your spleen, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Dandelion
Dandelion is an herb that may be beneficial in treating your spleen condition. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, states that dandelion, also known as Taraxacum officinale, has been used in many traditional healing systems, including Native American and traditional Arabic medicine. Historically, the leaves, flowers and roots of the plant have been used medicinally to treat spleen problems, liver diseases and kidney diseases, the NCCAM notes. Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that dandelion is used to help treat enlargement of your spleen and liver. Dandelion, Mitchell notes, is an alterative in chronic splenomegaly, or spleen enlargement. An alterative is a substance that gradually alters or changes a condition. Before taking herbs to help treat your spleen, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Blue Flag
Blue flag is an herb that may be effective in treating your spleen condition. Blue flag, also known as Iris versicolor, is a perennial herb found in swamps and low-lying areas throughout eastern and central North America. Blue flag thrives in loamy soil. Blue flag, a member of the lily family, has an acrid taste. The rhizome, or underground stem, of the plant is used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems. Tilgner notes that blue flag is an alterative, lymphagogue and diuretic. Mitchell states that blue flag has been used to treat fullness or congestion of your spleen and lymphatic system. Large doses of this herb can cause serious health complications, however, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and severe gastroenteritis resulting in death. Before taking blue flag to help treat your spleen condition, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
References
- MedlinePlus: Spleen Diseases
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Dandelion
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
