Evidence supporting the use of: Bittersweet
For the body system: Lymphatics
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara) has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European folk remedies. Historically, bittersweet was employed for a variety of ailments, including skin conditions, rheumatic complaints, and as a "blood purifier"—a term once associated with supporting lymphatic and detoxification processes. The association with the lymphatic system is largely based on these traditional uses rather than any explicit or specific targeting of lymphatic function. Herbalists sometimes included bittersweet in formulations intended to "move lymph" or "cleanse the system," but these uses are not grounded in modern anatomical or physiological understanding of the lymphatic system.
There is very limited scientific research on bittersweet in relation to the lymphatic system. Most studies focus on its alkaloid and glycoside content or its potential toxicity rather than efficacy for lymphatic health. Authoritative herbal references note its traditional inclusion in lymphatic or detoxifying tonics but do not cite clinical trials or pharmacological studies to support this use. Due to the lack of robust scientific evidence and the fact that the traditional use is only loosely connected to lymphatic support (often as a byproduct of its use for skin or inflammatory issues), the evidence rating is low.
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AescinAHCC
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bayberry
bee products
berry
bindweed
bittersweet
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blackberry
blue flag
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burdock
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castor oil
cat's claw
Ceanothus integerrimus
chamomile
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Citrus
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coumarin
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culvers Root
cypress
cytokines
dandelion
deerbrush
dyer’s woad root
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
elecampane
escin
figwort
fruit
fruit blend (proprietary)
Galium
ganoderma
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
gotu kola
green tea
heal-all
Herb Robert
herbal blend (proprietary)
horse chestnut
Immortelle
Indian sarsparilla
jiaogulan
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lemon
Lentinan
licorice root
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lobelia
Lomatium
maitake mushroom
marigold
Marshmallow
Monoterpenes
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Neem tree
Nettle
New Jersey Tea
noni
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onion
oregon grape
parsley
pau d'arco
Pluchea
Pokeweed
Polyporus
polysaccharides
punarnava
Queen's Delight
red clover
red root
reishi mushroom
rockweed
rosemary
Rubia cordifolia
Rubus
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Self-Heal
serratiopeptidase
sheep's sorrel
Spanish Needle
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Stillingia
Sulfated polysaccharide
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Taraxacum
Tayuya
Tea
Terpenoids
Thymus
Triterpenes
turmeric
typhonium
Typhonium flagelliforme
Watercress
Watermelon
Witch Hazel
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Other body systems supported by bittersweet
BloodDigestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Immune System
Liver
Lymphatics
Respiratory System
Skin
