Evidence supporting the use of: Bitter Grass
For the health condition: Glands (swollen lymph)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Bitter Grass (commonly referring to various species such as Vernonia amygdalina or Andropogon spp.) has been used in traditional medicine systems, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia, to address a range of ailments, including those thought to involve "glands"—often referencing swollen lymph nodes. The historical use is primarily based on its purported anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and detoxifying properties. However, there is very limited documentation specifically connecting Bitter Grass to the treatment or support of swollen lymph nodes in the historical or ethnobotanical literature.
Scientific studies on Bitter Grass focus mainly on its general anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions, but there is no direct clinical research or robust preclinical evidence validating its effectiveness for swollen lymph nodes or lymphatic conditions. Most references to its use for "glands" are anecdotal or based on practitioner tradition, rather than systematic study. As such, while there is some traditional precedent for the use of Bitter Grass in this way, the evidence is weak and not substantiated by modern scientific research. Its use today for swollen lymph nodes should therefore be considered with caution and not as a primary or proven intervention.
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
Elephant's Head
Goldthread
Garlic
Galangal
Little ironweed
Mustard
Mallow
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Bitter Grass
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Belching
Bites and Stings
Blood Poisoning
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Chills
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Edema
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Hangover
Headache (general)
Hepatitis
Herpes