Evidence supporting the use of: Monoterpenes
For the body system: Lymphatics
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Monoterpenes, a class of naturally occurring compounds found in the essential oils of many plants (such as limonene, pinene, and myrcene), have been traditionally used in various herbal and aromatherapy practices. In traditional herbalism and folk medicine, plants rich in monoterpenes—such as juniper, cypress, and frankincense—have been used with the intent to "support" lymphatic flow and drainage. These uses are based on historical texts and anecdotal accounts, rather than rigorous scientific research. The rationale in traditional systems is often that stimulating circulation or reducing fluid retention may indirectly benefit lymphatic health.
However, scientific validation for monoterpenes specifically supporting the lymphatic system is limited. Some laboratory studies suggest monoterpenes possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which could have general health benefits. Yet, direct evidence—such as clinical trials or mechanistic studies—demonstrating that monoterpenes improve lymphatic function or treat lymphatic disorders in humans is lacking. Existing literature supports their traditional use for other purposes (like respiratory or digestive support), but does not robustly validate their use for lymphatic health.
In summary, the use of monoterpenes to support the lymphatic system is primarily based on traditional practices rather than established scientific evidence. The evidence rating is a 2, reflecting weak support rooted in tradition and lacking in direct scientific confirmation.
Other ingredients that support Lymphatics
AescinAHCC
Ajuga
Alfalfa
Alkylglycerols
Andrographis
Asteraceae
astragalus
bayberry
bee products
berry
bindweed
bittersweet
black-eyed Susan
blackberry
blue flag
boneset
Brassica
Bupleurum
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
Calendula
castor oil
cat's claw
Ceanothus integerrimus
chamomile
chaparral
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Citrus
citrus pectin
cleavers
Codonopsis
coriolus mushroom
coumarin
cowslip
cruciferous
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
joe-pye
Kachnar
Laminaria
lemon
Lentinan
licorice root
Ligustrum
lingzhi
lobelia
Lomatium
maitake mushroom
marigold
Marshmallow
Monoterpenes
Mullein
Neem tree
Nettle
New Jersey Tea
noni
Ocotillo
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
Ruscogenins
Ruscus
Sanicle
sarsaparilla
scrophularia root
Self-Heal
serratiopeptidase
sheep's sorrel
Spanish Needle
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Stillingia
Sulfated polysaccharide
Sweet Clover
Taraxacum
Tayuya
Tea
Terpenoids
Thymus
Triterpenes
turmeric
typhonium
Typhonium flagelliforme
Watercress
Watermelon
Witch Hazel
Yarrow
Yellow Dock
