Lymphagogues

Question 1

what are lymphagogues?

Answer 1

agents that stimulate the movement of lymphatic fluid, thereby relieving congestion and edema and accelerating the removal of waste products.
they can help resolve infection or inflammation, they are generally cooling and stimulating and some are potentially toxic or irritating.

Question 2

Red Root

Answer 2

Ceanothus americanus
Family: Rhamnaceae
Part used: root
Energetics: drying

Actions: lymphagogue, astringent, sedative, expectorant

Indications: cough, bronchitis, pharyngitis, asthma, splenic enlargement, dysentery

Cautions/CI: may antagonize anticoagulants, may accelerate coagulation

Question 3

Cleavers

Answer 3

Gallium aparine
Family: Rubiaceae
Part used: fresh aerial parts
energetics: cooling and drying

Actions: lymphagogue, diuretic, nutritive, vulnerary, refrigerant

Indications: lymphadenopathy, tonsillitis, nodular growths under the skin, painful urinary tract conditions, kidney and bladder inflammation

CI: none

Question 4

Poke Root

Answer 4

Phytolacca americana
Family: Phytolaccaceae
Part used: root
Energetics: cooling

Actions: lymphagogue, antiviral, emetic, purgative, laxative

Indications: hard, painful, glandular swellings, mastitis

CI: pregnancy

TOXICITY:::
decreased with heat and drying
< 2g of the root is toxic to adults
< 10 berries fatal in children, 1/2oz berries fatal in adults
root can cause dermatitis when collected
sxs of overdose: nausea, vomiting, tingling, hypotension, respiratory failure, severe gastroenteritis

Question 5

Calendula

Answer 5

Calendula officinalis
Family: Asteraceae
Part used: flower
Energetics: drying

Actions: vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antiseptic

Indications: lymphatic congestion with a predilection for the chest, axilla and inguinal crease

Specific indications and uses: locally to wounds and injuries to prevent suppuration and promote rapid healing. Internally to aid local action, and in chronic suppuration, capillary engorgement, varicose veins, old ulcers, splenic and hepatic congestion

CI: pregnancy
Caution: allergy to Asteraceae family

Question 6

Queen’s Root

Answer 6

Stillingia sylvatica
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Part used: fresh root
Energetics: stimulating

Actions: lymphagogue, alterative, emetic, cathartic

Indications: dry, red, irritated mucous membranes of the larynx, pharynx, bronchi, croupy cough

toxicity: sylvacrol, present in the fresh root tincture, may cause GI burning, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, muscular weakness, and prostration

Question 7

Echinacea

Answer 7

Echinacea spp.
Family: Asteraceae
Part used: root and rhizome, whole plant
Energetics: cooling, drying, and stimulating

Actions: immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, stimulates leukocytes, inhibits hyaluronidase, enhances phagocytosis, lymphagogue, vulnerary

Indications: infection, sepsis, pharyngitis, snake bites, ulcers

CI: some practitioners avoid use with inflammatory autoimmune diseases

Question 8

Red Clover

Answer 8

Trifolium pratense
Family: Fabaceae
Part used: flower
Energetics: cooling

Actions: Alterative, antitumor, antitussive, antispasmodic, phytoestrogenic, anti inflammatory, lymphagogue

Indications:
cancer, gout, arthritis, spasmodic cough, cachexia, acne, burns with poor healing, ulcers of the skin or mucous membranes, TB or inflammation of the lungs