Thalassemia Patients and Friends
Discussion Forums => Thalassemia-related Issues => Topic started by: Andy Battaglia on October 06, 2010, 01:02:00 AM
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This is a fairly urgent matter, so please reply if you have any ideas. Are there any methods for reducing spleen size and/or bringing the spleen back to normal function? Herbal remedies? Nigella? Any known medicines?
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Andy,
As far as I know the only way to reduce spleen size is hypertransfusion - keeping the hemoglobin very high for a long period of time. I don't know of any other way.
Perhaps someone else has information,
Sharmin
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I have been told that it is uncommon for Thal Major to have hypersplenicism at 2 years old. We were so desperate at that time, to keep his spleen at all costs. There is no medicine, except surgical. We went from one hospital to another even prepared to airlift him to Australia. After brain storming with the drs we took on embolisation, which is the least invasive method of reducing the size of the spleen. It worked, I don't know if anyone tried that. During the time of the spleen shrinking, proper pain management is required, it's quite traumatic.
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The herb ceanothus americanus is widely used for the treatment of enlarged spleen. I don't know how effective it would be on a really enlarged spleen but it does help to reduce the size of a palpable spleen.Hassan was using the homeo form before he was put on a hyper transfusion regimen. There is a lot of matter available on the web regarding the use of this herb on an enlarged and inflamed spleen
happy googling
maha
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Maha,
I searched for the name and found that the common name is red root or new jersey tea, but actually i don't kow it. I found the following about it, but do you know how it is taken, do we boil the roots for example??
http://www.redrootmountain.com/red-root-balance-the-body-by-way-of-the-spleen/66
Modern Day Uses of Red Root
Today, we look at how red root functions in the body. Red root stimulates lymph and interstitial fluid circulation. It acts as an anti-inflammatory to the spleen and lymph nodes, prevents blood that is high in fat from clumping, and smoothes stomach and intestinal function. The blood transports better, because inflammation across the surface of the lymph nodes is decreased, and bioavailability of nutrients to the cells is increased. We see cases of malabsorption improve dramatically with the introduction of red root. It is a plant that clears excess secretion, and tightens tissue, influencing function to improve. When this occurs, blood is built, improving anemic conditions, cells and muscles receive their proper nutrients, and appetite and immunity improve.
There are many ways to apply red root to dysfunction in the body. In my practice, I recognize that the spleen plays a major role in digestive function, and when digestive disorders are present on a disease or syndrome level, deficiency of the spleen is a contributing factor. Spleen deficiency appears in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Irritable Bowel Disease (Chron’s and Colitis), where there is impaired uptake of nutrients and an imbalance between wet and dry in the gut, and they respond very well to red root as a long-term tonic at moderately low doses.
The astringent qualities that dry up damp conditions aid conditions where lymphatic congestion is a problem. Mastitis, mononucleosis, tonsillitis and strep infections all find relief from red root. It reduces lymphatic swelling, and sooths sore throats. I often combine red root with other lymphatics, as well as herbs specific to the illness.
Chronic conditions that affect lymphatic function respond well to red root. They are leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, rheumatism, AIDS and various types of anemias. Please consult someone clinically trained in herbal medicine and experienced in working with these conditions before embarking on your herb journey if you have a positive diagnosis for these diseases.
Because red root has a grand effect on overactive mucosa, it is an excellent expectorant. This is one area where the leaves are a successful treatment. I have found use for them in respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis, both acute and chronic, and sore throats. I don’t employ the leaves alone, but often combine them with the root of the plant.
Herbs that support lymphatic function do so in many different ways. While I hear many speak of lymphatic herbs as being blood cleansers, we must remember that organs – not plants – clean blood. Plants stimulate and support the process, retraining the body in a function that was forgotten. In the case of disease, where blood is weak, herbs support recuperative function, and when the spleen and lymphatic system have been disabled, it is important to support those functions to increase healing potential.
Where wild fire once burned, red root thrives. It sprouts from rootstock after the tops are burned, and is usually the first to reappear after the fire. Ironically, the Native Americans used the root as firewood when timber was scarce. We see in the body that red root balances wet with dry. It clears the channels of dampness, and decreases inflammation, and increases function, allowing the body to transform food into energy and build blood. It becomes our body’s walking stick, helping it to move again and grow strong once more. From here, we can truly begin to heal.
Andy
According the the above paragraph in ''bold'', does this mean it is safe that my son tries this red root ---provided that i find it--?????????????
Thank you so much
manal
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Well, I was actually just writing a post recommending you try this for your son. It should be available through mail order companies if you can't find it at home. It is a common herb in the US. Ceanothus americanus has a long history of use for the spleen and is an old American Indian remedy. I definitely think it's worth trying.
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If you can find the root itself:
Dosage:
Infusion- Steep 1 tsp. root-bark in 1 cup water. Take 1 to 2 cups a day.
Tincture: Take 10 to 20 drops in water, three or four times a day.
An example of what you will find through mail order companies can be seen at http://www.herbalremedies.com/redroot1.html
I know nothing about this particular company and am using them just to illustrate.
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Thank you Andy so much i will start searching right now
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And thank you Maha, for this information.
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Yesssssss, thanks dear Maha :hugfriend
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most welcome. I wasn't at home yesterday so couldn't reply. Manal the homeo form is very easy to use. When Hassan was using it he was just 18 months old. The doc had asked me to mix 4 drops in half cup of water.I suppose with age the dosage also would increase. At that time I had read an article on the web about a man who walked into the docs clinic with an abnormally huge spleen and how this doc treated him with ceanothus amer. Very nice story- fiction or real hard to tell. Actually I was searching for that article and was frustrated I couldn't find it.
maha
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Thanks Maha for the reply, but do you recommend a certain brand??
manal
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The one I was using was manufactured by Dr Reckeweg & Co (Germany). I used it as it was widely available in India. But I suppose all brands are the same. In India docs prefer the german brands.
maha
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Thanks Maha :hugfriend
After how long did Hassan spleen decreased?
manal
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Actually Manal Hassan`s spleen at that time was only palpable. The doc said it could be 1cm - 2cm enlarged. This med was given so that the spleen remains healthy and doesn't enlarge further. At the age of 2 when I was in India, Hassan was sick and the paediatrician who was checking him asked us if he had his spleen removed. That means then it was not even palpable. Even now whenever he has an infection his spleen is palpable otherwise its ok.It's almost 2 years since I have stopped this med.
maha
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Thank you so much Maha and i will keep you informed as soon as i find this red root :hugfriend
manal
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Dear Manal. I am so sorry about your sons spleen size being enlarged. My son has been taking this homeopathic ceonanthis off and on since he was four months old. (His doc alternated it with cardus marrianus. )He hasnt had any problems with it and his spleen has never been even palpable even when he wasnt transfused till he was 9months old. I had seen this before starting it. http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/nem161 . I hope it helps your son.
Zahra
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Thank you so much Zahra for your wishes :hugfriend
manal
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Considering that enlargement of the spleen is possible even in non-thalassemia individuals (like from catching a virus like mononucleosis), it is not entirely unusual - in my opinion - that even a very young thal patient can have enlargement of the spleen - especially in response to illness and febrile illness especially.
Spleen enlargement seems to come about in response to how hard it has to work to do its job, so it is logical to suggest that anything that stresses it out more has the potential to make the spleen enlarge in response.
I have had an enlarged spleen since I was a very young child despite having an intermediate form of thalassemia and every time I have been sick with something more significant than a cold, my spleen tends to enlarge a bit more until my body has finished recuperating. After the illness is over with, the extra enlargement usually calms down.
My cousin is a doctor of Naturopathy and has before mentioned that these herbs can help alleviate an enlarged spleen and the symptoms related to it in some patients:
- Polymnia Uvedalia
An old (and I mean old) doctor's report on using this herb (http://books.google.com/books?id=5RYCAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA176&lpg=PA176&dq=polymnia+uvedalia+%2B+spleen&source=bl&ots=HatOrthQHN&sig=VPDvO8qaOe9euj9CPrDGHaGB5LY&hl=en&ei=OzDZTPOvMonWtQOitY34Bw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=polymnia%20uvedalia%20%2B%20spleen&f=false)
- Carduus Marianus - more commonly known as St. Mary's Thistle
It is usually used more to help liver issues - especially hepatitis, but it supposedly works in a similar manner to help aid the spleen and reduce enlargement or potential for enlargement.
Both of these herbs can be researched online, but as with all things, I would consult with someone who knows these herbs better and what they can do and how they interact with the body.
Best of luck!
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Manal,
Following up on this old post. What remedies you tried to reduce spleen and whether it worked?
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Dear Waleed,
I have taken homeopathic treatment for long periods. My doctor give me the medicine named Ceanothus Ø (mother tincture ) and it was quite helpful for me. But I don't know how much effective it is for extra enlarge spleen.
Is Carduus Marianus is another name of milk thistle ?
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Dear Abyaya,
For what purpose you took Ceanothus Americanus if you don't know whether it is effective for spleen? What was your experience.
And yes you got it right Carduus Marianus is just another name of Milkthistle/silymarin.
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Dear Waleed ,
I want to say that it may be useful for moderate size of spleen but I don't know how much effective it is for large spleen but trying is the best.
I was taking Ceanothus for spleen and it was effective.
You may take this medicine 5/10/15 drops 3 times per day with little water. Doses are varies depending upon the size of the spleen.
Try to take homeo medicine on empty or half empty stomach and don't take any food for 30 minutes after taking it.
Are you trying any other methods to reducing spleen ?
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If you can find the root itself:
Dosage:
Infusion- Steep 1 tsp. root-bark in 1 cup water. Take 1 to 2 cups a day.
Tincture: Take 10 to 20 drops in water, three or four times a day.
An example of what you will find through mail order companies can be seen at http://www.herbalremedies.com/redroot1.html
I know nothing about this particular company and am using them just to illustrate.
Andy,
I have ceanothus americana mother tincture alcohol volume % 70, made in germany 20ml by herbasin company
My homeopathy dr recommended me to take 4-5 dtops once a day, many years back whn i was small.
Then i stopped it.
Now i want to continue it again. As i hav enlarged spleen. Plz tell me should i go for the dosage u hav suggested.
My weight is 49kg. Age is 30 years.
Asma
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If there are instructions for use on the bottle, they should be followed, as the tincture comes in varying strengths from different manufacturers.