Your lymph nodes are an important part of the lymphatic system. According to BreastCancer.org, your lymph nodes perform several important functions, including filtering out viruses, bacteria, cancer cells and other substances and removing these harmful pathogens or substances from your body. Review all relevant supplement-related information with your primary care provider before using dietary supplements to help improve the health and function of your lymph nodes.
About Lymphatic Obstruction
Lymphatic obstruction, also known as lymphedema, occurs when one or more of your lymph nodes is blocked. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a blocked lymph node can cause your lymph vessels, or passages, to swell and lymph nodes to enlarge although swollen lymph nodes can be caused by numerous factors. Possible causes of lymphatic obstruction include parasitic infections, radiotherapy, various skin infections, injury, tumors and surgeries, especially mastectomy, or the removal of breast lymph tissue.
Useful Dietary Supplements
Some of the most useful dietary supplements in treating blocked lymph nodes are lymphagogues. Lymphagogues stimulate the activity of your lymphatic system and promote the health and function of your lymphatic organs. According to naturopathic physician Dr. Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," the following dietary supplements possess lymphagogue action: queen's root, pipsissewa, poke, pau d'arco, red root, wild indigo, figwort, calendula, burdock, cleavers, mullein, flag and ocotillo.
A Beneficial Supplement
Burdock may be a beneficial dietary supplement in treating lymphatic system problems, including lymphatic obstruction. According to herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," burdock is a potent blood and lymph purifier that encourages the elimination of harmful metabolic waste products from your body. This dietary supplement promotes and improves your immune system function, and it has long been used in treating weak or compromised immune systems. Burdock has also been used in treating arthritis and gout.
Supplements for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer of your lymphoid tissue, which includes your lymph nodes, spleen and other immune system organs. According to the A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research, the use of dietary supplements is an integrative therapeutic approach to the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and the following supplements may be helpful in manipulating your cancer cells and treating your lymphoma-related symptoms: parsley, vitamin D, green tea extract, whey protein, calcium D-glucurate, D-limonene, niacin, choline, selenium, resveratrol, melatonin, licorice root extract and pantothenic acid.
References
- BreastCancer.org: Lymph Nodes
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lymphatic Obstruction
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
