Evidence supporting the use of: Clay
For the health condition: Glands (swollen lymph)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Clay, particularly in the form of poultices or compresses, has been used in traditional medicine across various cultures to address a range of ailments, including swollen lymph glands. Historical records from ancient Egypt, Greece, and indigenous practices describe external application of clay as a method to "draw out" impurities and reduce inflammation. The rationale is typically based on the absorptive and adsorptive properties of clay minerals, which are believed to extract toxins or fluids from the body, thereby reducing swelling or discomfort. However, there is little scientific evidence to support the efficacy of clay specifically for swollen lymph glands. Modern research has explored clay's antibacterial and adsorptive properties, particularly in wound care or detoxification contexts, but rigorous studies on its impact on lymphatic swelling are lacking. The use of clay for this purpose remains largely anecdotal and rooted in traditional beliefs rather than validated biomedical mechanisms. While some people report symptomatic relief with clay poultices, this may be due to the soothing effect of a cool compress rather than any specific action of the clay itself. In summary, clay's use in supporting swollen lymph glands is primarily justified by tradition, with minimal scientific validation and low evidence for efficacy.
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
Goldthread
Garlic
Galangal
Little ironweed
Mustard
Mallow
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Clay
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Belching
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Fever
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Hemorrhoids
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Injuries
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Nausea and Vomiting