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 to resolve infection or inflammation They are generally cooling and stimulating Some are potentially toxic or irritating

Question 2

Ceanothus americanus

(Red Root)

Answer 2

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

Cautions/Contraindications: speculative – may antagonize anticoagulants, may accelerate coagulation

Question 3

Gallium aparine

(Cleavers)

Answer 3

Actions: Lymphagogue, Diuretic, Nutritive, Vulnerary, Refrigerant

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

Contraindications: none reported

Question 4

Phytolacca americana

(Poke Root)

Answer 4

Actions: Lymphagogue, Antiviral, Emetic, Purgative, Laxative

Indications: hard, painful, glandular swellings, mastitis

Contraindications: Pregnancy

Question 5

Phytolacca americana – Poke Root

Toxic Constituents and Sxs of Overdose

Answer 5

Toxic Constituents: phytolaccigenin, phytolaccine, phytolaccotoxin

• Toxicity is decreased with heat and drying
• of the fresh root, <2 g root is toxic to adults
• ≦10 berries fatal in children, ½ oz. of berries fatal in adults
• Root can cause dermatitis when collected

Symptoms of overdose: nausea, vomiting, tingling throughout the body, hypotension, respiratory failure, severe gastroenteritis, with vomiting, diarrhea, bone marrow depression, death from respiratory or cardiac depression

Question 6

Calendula officinalis

Answer 6

Actions: vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antiseptic

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

Contraindications: Pregnancy

Caution: Allergy to Asteraceae family

Question 7

Stillingia sylvatica

(Queen’s Root)

Answer 7

Actions: Lymphagogue, Alterative, Emetic, Cathartic

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

Toxicity: sylvacrol, which is present in the fresh root tincture, may cause gastrointestinal burning, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, muscular weakness, and prostration.

Question 8

Echinacea spp.

Answer 8

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

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

Contraindications: some practitioners avoid use with inflammatory autoimmune diseases.

Question 9

Trifolium pratense

(Red Clover)

Answer 9

Actions: Alterative, Antitumor, Antitussive, Antispasmodic, Phytoestrogenic, Anti-inflammatory, Lymphagogue

Indications: Cancer, Cachexia, Gout, arthritis, Burns with poor healing, Acne, Ulcers of the skin or mucous membranes, Spasmodic Cough, TB or inflammation of the lungs