Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Sumac
For the health condition: Glands (swollen lymph)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Chinese Sumac (Rhus chinensis), also known as Galla Chinensis, has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, it is valued primarily for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, often prescribed to treat conditions such as diarrhea, bleeding, and sometimes for "heat toxins" or swelling, which may encompass swollen glands (lymphadenopathy) in TCM conceptualization. The traditional rationale centers around its ability to "clear heat" and reduce swelling, and it is sometimes included in herbal combinations for conditions involving lymphatic congestion or infections, such as sore throat or abscesses.
However, scientific studies directly evaluating Chinese Sumac for the treatment of swollen lymph glands are limited. Modern research has identified various bioactive compounds in Rhus chinensis, including tannins and gallotannins, which exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in animal models. While these findings suggest a possible mechanism for its traditional use in reducing swelling and inflammation, there is no robust clinical evidence, such as human trials, specifically validating its efficacy for swollen lymph glands. Thus, its use for this indication remains primarily justified by traditional practice rather than scientific validation.
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
Fuchsia
Fang-Feng
Ficus simplicissima
Goldthread
Gnaphalium
Garlic
Galium
Giant Blazingstar
Glechoma hederacea
Galangal
Guazuma ulmifolia
Heartsease
Little ironweed
Mustard
Mallow
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Chinese Sumac
Abdominal PainAntibiotics (alternatives to)
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Hemorrhoids
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Influenza