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Aromacaring Fact sheet Oedema |
Oedema (or sometimes called edema or lymphoedema) is the excessive accumulation of fluid in the body tissues causing swelling of the arms, hands, legs or face. It cannot be cured until the underlying cause is treated, however, there are several self help measures and medical interventions which can offer substantial relief. Lymphoedema is best treated using a combination of approaches - medication, physical therapy, exercise, compression bandages or compression garments, coupled with good skincare to prevent skin breakdown and infection.
Diuretics
Diuretics increase the action of the kidneys into producing more urine, so increasing the volume of waste and fluid being eliminated from the body. Diuretics also cause increased amounts of potassium to be expelled along with the urine. Effective herbal treatment includes those with diuretic properties and those which help to replenish potassium, the most well known of which is probably Dandelion leaf and Dandelion root, taken as a tea preparation. Dandelion has been compared to the drug Frusemide, it is a rich source of potassium which is particularly useful for renal disorders and electrolyte balance in the heart muscle if the oedema is associated with heart disease. There are over 300 more herbs with diuretic properties and it is worth talking to a herbalist about the most appropriate preparation for the condition depending on the underlying cause of the oedema. For example, if the oedema is associated with heart disease, a herb such as Broom may be more appropriate.
Essential oils
The evidence supporting the diuretic effect of essential oils is contradictory and largely unreliable, but oils reported as being useful include Birch, Carrot Seed , Fennel, Grapefruit and Juniper (comunis). perhaps more benefit would be gained from using them to treat the secondary problems of inflammation, topical analgesia, or the emotional symptoms of stress and anxiety associated with any chronic condition.
Coumarin has been shown in trials to be of particular benefit in treating oedema (Lymphology (1996) 20 p76-82) - oils containing coumarin include the citrus oils, bergamot, and angelica. (Caution: coumarins produce photosensitivity therefore use with a sunscreen base and advise the patient to avoid direct sunlight after treatment).
Massage
 | Massaging directly over an oedemous area needs great care and a special technique to help disperse the fluid. Therapists qualified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage are able to offer this as a treatment. |
| Light brushing and surface stimulation is normally regarded as acceptable to help increase immediate surface circulation. |
Skin care
| Skin must be kept supple and moist - avoid soaps containing perfume, alcohol and detergents as these will dry the skin out. Use an oil-based natural soap (for example, an aloe vera, evening primrose or starflower based soap with as few synthetic ingredients as possible). |
| Protect the skin from damage from scratching, insect bites, abrasions etc. keeping it scrupulously clean and dry without using any abrasive drying techniques. |
| A sunscreen lotion or spray may also help protect the affected area from sun damage. |
| Taught or dry skin can be re-hydrated with a 10% solution of calendula, evening primrose or jojoba in a general carrier oil (grapeseed, sunflower, sweet almond). The lotion can be applied gently using cotton wool pads or very light massage. |
| For areas of extreme inflammation, try a witch hazel poultice or spray if touching cannot be tolerated. |
| Always report breaks in the skin integrity to prevent bacterial and fungal infections. |
| Itching can be relieved with a calendula-based cream with the addition of lavender (angustifolia) or one of the chamomiles (roman or german). |
| Massage above and below the affected areas is always helpful as it will increase the general circulation which will help to disperse some of the accumulated fluid. |
Self help measures
Try a salt-free diet, high in foods selected from the following table. Avoid highly processed food as these contain a lot of hidden salt and few valuable nutrients.
| Supplement | Same food source | Action |
| Vitamin B6 | Meats, cheese, liver, fish, wholegrains, vegetables, bread, nuts, bananas, yeast | Synthesises the proteins and maintains the balance of sodium and potassium in the body |
| Proteins | Eggs, milk, other dairy products, fish and meat, tofu, soya beans, corn, peas, peanuts, wheatgerm, yeast | Essential for repair and maintenance of all body functions |
| Potassium | Green leafy vegetables, mushrooms, bananas, potatoes, grapes, tomatoes, yeast | Essential for healthy cell function,
maintains correct water balance, maintains nerve and muscle function
People with oedema often have a potassium deficiency |
| Copper | Shellfish, liver, nuts, olives, pulses, wholegrains, yeast | Important for formation of essential enzymes,
red blood cells and absorption of iron
People with oedema and anaemia often have a copper deficiency |
| Evening primrose | Capsule (up to 3000 mg daily) | Anti-histamine effect and rehydration of dry tissues |
| Avoid standing for long periods. |
| Elevate the affected part as often as possible to assist fluid drainage away from the area. |
| Compression-type stockings can be worn over an affected limb to stop the accumulation of fluid and keep the swelling down - these are most effective if put on first thing in the morning when the limb is more normal in size. Most hospices and community health practices will have a nurse oedema specialist - ask your GP for advice. |
| Passive exercises - clenching and relaxing the muscles of the affected limb will also produce a circulatory pumping effect to help increase circulation and disperse fluid. |
| Moderate exercise such as a walk followed by elevation of the limb will also help increase circulation to disperse the fluid that has accumulated. |
| Hot baths may aggravate the condition. |
More information on conventional
interventions, medication and manual therapy can be obtained from
The Lymphoedema Association