Evidence supporting the use of: Spanish Needle
For the health condition: Glands (swollen lymph)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Spanish Needle (Bidens pilosa) has a long-standing history of use in traditional medicine across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. In various ethnobotanical records, the plant is used as a remedy for swollen glands, which are often interpreted as lymphadenitis or other lymphatic issues. Healers typically prepare decoctions or poultices from the leaves or whole plant for topical or internal use. The rationale is usually based on the plant’s reputed anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which are believed to help reduce swelling and address underlying infections.
From a scientific perspective, Bidens pilosa has demonstrated some anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in laboratory and animal studies. Certain compounds in the plant, such as polyacetylenes and flavonoids, have been shown to modulate immune response and inhibit inflammation. However, there are no direct clinical studies or robust preclinical models specifically examining its effectiveness for swollen lymph nodes or lymphatic conditions in humans. The existing evidence relates mostly to general inflammation and infection, not targeted lymphatic support. Thus, while the traditional use is well documented, scientific validation for this specific application remains limited.
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
Little ironweed
Mustard
Mallow
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Spanish Needle
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Afterbirth Pain
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Edema
Eye Infections
Fatigue
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Injuries
Itching
Kidney Infection
Labor and Delivery
Laryngitis
Lice