Yellow Nail Syndrome
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Name not given
Posted on: May 9, 2001

Have you ever heard of or can you find out about something called yellow nail syndrome? After a bad auto accident and many antibiotics,my daughter-in-law, who’s only 53, has this. The doctors say there is no cure and they can’t say what is a help or cause. She has difficulty breathing. There is fluid build-up in lungs and around heart. There are deep lines on nails and they’re brownish!

I suggest that you find a trained and experienced natural practitioner in your location to work with. Following are some ideas that you can consider with your practitioner.

The Merck manual states that Yellow nail syndrome is believed to be a congenital hypoplasia of the lymphatic system, recognized by the thickened, curved, yellowish-to-greenish nails and primary lymphedema. This manifests in some patients with pleural effusion and bronchiectasis.

Thomas Bartram, in "Bartram’s Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine" (available at Richters) states that Lymphedema is a "swelling caused by congestion in the tissues from obstruction of the lymphatic circulation due to inflammation, injury or tumour." The lymphatic system both delivers nutrients from our food to the blood and carries away waste products. Herbs that help to clear the lymphatic system, helping to carry away wastes more effectively are:

- Red Clover flower actions: anti-inflammatory, reduces tumours and swellings, cleanses lymphatic vessels, detoxifies blood

- Clivers (Galium aparine) actions: antiinflammatory, detoxifies lymph

- Echinacea (E. angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida root and whole plant) actions: antiinlfammatory, antiseptic, stimulates circulation of lymph, antimicrobial

- Burdock (Arctium lappa root) actions: stimulates lymphatic circulation, blood tonic, reduces cholesterol, liver supportive, anti-fungal, antibiotic

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that promotes healthy blood circulation.

Herbs used for fluid build up around the lungs and heart:

- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): antiinflammatory, antispasmodic, opens up blood vessels in the peripheral parts of the body (i.e. the head, hands and feet) to improve blood flow

- Elecampane (Inula helenium): stimulating expectorant

- Ginger: antispasmodic, expectorant, circulatory stimulant

- Cayenne: blood circulation stimulant

- Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum): immune stimulant, antispasmodic to respiratory system, diuretic, induces sweating to release toxins by the skin

- Hawthorn berries or flowering tops: supports the heart; improves blood circulation in the coronary arteries; antispasmodic

Postural drainage helps to remove phlegm. A natural practitioner will give you detailed information.

Dairy products are mucous forming and should be avoided.

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