Evidence supporting the use of: Isatis
For the health condition: Congestion (lymphatic)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Isatis, particularly Isatis tinctoria (woad) and Isatis indigotica (Chinese woad), has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, Isatis root (Ban Lan Gen) and leaf (Da Qing Ye) are commonly used to "clear heat and remove toxins," and are sometimes employed to address swellings and conditions thought to be associated with lymphatic congestion, such as swollen glands or sore throat. The theoretical basis in TCM does not directly map onto the Western biomedical concept of lymphatic congestion, but practitioners may use Isatis in formulas intended to reduce inflammation and support lymphatic drainage.
However, scientific evidence supporting Isatis for treating lymphatic congestion specifically is limited. While some laboratory studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties of Isatis extracts, these studies do not address lymphatic congestion per se, nor have they been validated in clinical trials for this indication. Therefore, its use for lymphatic congestion is justified primarily by traditional practice, with a moderate degree of anecdotal and historical evidence but lacking robust scientific validation.
Other health conditions supported by Isatis
AbscessesAcne
Adenitis
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Carbuncles
Chills
Cholera
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Contagious Diseases
Cuts
Diphtheria
Eczema
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Infections
Fever
Gangrene
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gonorrhea
Herpes