Herbs For A Swollen Spleen

Certain herbs may be helpful in treating your swollen spleen. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, splenomegaly is enlargement of your spleen beyond its regular size. Your spleen, which is located in your left upper abdomen, filters your blood and regulates the amount of red and white blood cells in your body. Before taking herbs to help treat your swollen spleen, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Dandelion

Dandelion, also known as Taraxacum officinale, is an herb that may be helpful in treating splenomegaly. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, dandelion, a member of the aster family, has been used to help treat numerous health problems, including liver, kidney and spleen problems. Dandelion has a slightly bitter and sweet taste and possesses drying and cooling tendencies. The whole plant -- leaves, flowers and roots -- is used medicinally. Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that dandelion is used to treat enlargement of both your liver and your spleen. Mitchell states that dandelion is an alterative, or a substance that cleans your lymph and blood, in long-term splenomegaly. Meet with your doctor before taking dandelion for your splenomegaly.

New Jersey Tea

New Jersey tea is an herbal remedy that may be beneficial in treating your swollen spleen. The University of Texas at Austin's Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center states that New Jersey tea, also known as red root or Ceanothus americanus, is a deciduous shrub that usually grows in colonies and reaches a maximum height of about 3 feet. New Jersey tea, a member of the buckthorn family, has an astringent taste and drying tendencies. The root of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," New Jersey tea is an astringent, lymphagogue and expectorant that has been used to help treat enlarged lymph nodes, mononucleosis and spleen congestion, or splenomegaly. Consult with your physician before taking New Jersey tea for your swollen spleen.

Bearsfoot

Bearsfoot, also called Polymnia uvedalia, is an herb that may be effective in treating splenomegaly. According to Botanical.com, bearsfoot is a tall, branching plant that thrives in rich soil. This plant grows from New York to Missouri and southward. Bearsfoot possesses a salty and slightly bitter taste and no odor. Botanical.com states that the root of the plant is used to help treat spleen enlargements, swollen glands and dyspepsia. According to Mitchell, bearsfoot is an alterative and lymphatic stimulant that has been used to treat organomegaly, especially of the spleen. Bearsfoot, Mitchell says, can be taken internally via tincture, or an infusion of bearsfoot could be used on a cotton cloth to create a pack that is then placed over your spleen. Before taking or using bearsfoot to help treat your swollen spleen, talk with your physician.