Evidence supporting the use of: Self-Heal
For the health condition: Glands (swollen lymph)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European, Chinese, and Native American systems. It is commonly employed as an herbal remedy for treating "swollen glands," typically referring to enlarged lymph nodes, often associated with minor infections or inflammation. Traditional herbalists have used Self-Heal both topically and internally for its reputed anti-inflammatory, astringent, and lymphatic-supporting properties. The plant contains tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids, which are believed to contribute to these effects. However, scientific validation for its specific use in treating swollen lymph nodes is limited. While there is preliminary evidence that extracts of Prunella vulgaris possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities in vitro and in animal models, high-quality clinical trials in humans for lymphatic or glandular conditions are lacking. Thus, its use for "swollen glands" is mainly justified by tradition and supported by a modest body of indirect scientific evidence for anti-inflammatory effects, but not by direct clinical research for this specific indication.
Other ingredients used for Glands (swollen lymph)
betelIndian frankincense
bovine
burdock
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
dog rose
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fu ling
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
honeysuckle
Japanese sophora
licorice root
spruce
oregon grape
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
reishi mushroom
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
slippery elm bark
chickweed
Indian bael
ferula assafoetida
punarnava
commiphora
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
swertia
peony
goldenrod
myrrh
fern
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
sheep's sorrel
eucalyptus
cleavers
paw paw
white oak
geranium
Aralia
Avens
Ardisia
Angelica
Agrimony
Allicin
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Agrimonia pilosa
Abuta
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Betony
Baikal Skullcap
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Banyan
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Black root
Bupleurum
Borneol
Chinese Silkvine
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Cynomorium
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Cajuput
Centipeda
cypress
Cynodon dactylon
Costus
Collinsonia
Castor Oil
Celosia
Dianthus
Didymocarpus
Devil's Club
Dichrostachys glomerata
Dipsacus
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Goldthread
Garlic
Galangal
Little ironweed
Mustard
Mallow
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Self-Heal
AbrasionsAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Edema
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gonorrhea
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Injuries
Insomnia
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Infection
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)