Enlarged Spleen: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

An enlarged spleen, also known as splenomegaly, is a medical condition where the spleen becomes abnormally large, often due to infection, inflammation, or blood diseases such as leukemia.

Causes of an enlarged spleen include viral infections like mononucleosis, liver diseases like cirrhosis, and blood disorders like sickle cell anemia. If left untreated, it can lead to severe health issues, including impaired immune function, increased risk of infections, and even rupture of the spleen. To alleviate symptoms and promote healing, herbal remedies like turmeric, ginger, and licorice root can be used in the form of teas, capsules, or infusions.

However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or worsen underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of enlarged spleen, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of enlarged spleen?

The main causes of enlarged spleen are varied and can be broadly categorized into infectious, inflammatory, and hematological conditions.

Infection, particularly malaria, typhoid, and infectious mononucleosis, can cause splenomegaly due to the spleen's attempt to filter out pathogens. Autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia can also lead to spleen enlargement. Hematological conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, and polycythemia vera can cause the spleen to become enlarged due to the abnormal production of blood cells.

Additionally, cirrhosis of the liver, portal hypertension, and congestive heart failure can cause congestion in the spleen, leading to its enlargement.

• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis of the liver leads to an enlarged spleen due to increased pressure in the portal vein, causing blood to be diverted to the spleen, which enlarges as it stores the excess blood.
• Hepatitis: Hepatitis, particularly chronic hepatitis, causes inflammation of the liver, leading to scarring and increased resistance to blood flow in the portal vein, resulting in an enlarged spleen to accommodate the diverted blood.
• Infection: Infections, such as bacterial or parasitic infections like malaria, can cause an enlarged spleen due to inflammation and congestion in the spleen, which becomes engorged with white blood cells to combat the infection.
• Cancer: Cancers, including lymphomas and leukemias, can cause an enlarged spleen due to the accumulation of malignant cells within the spleen, leading to an increase in size.
• Trauma: Trauma, including injuries or accidents, can cause an enlarged spleen due to the accumulation of blood within the spleen from trauma-induced bleeding.
• Inherited Disorders: Inherited disorders, such as hereditary spherocytosis, can cause an enlarged spleen due to the production of abnormal red blood cells, which are removed from the bloodstream by the spleen, leading to its enlargement.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can cause an enlarged spleen due to the body's immune response, which can lead to inflammation and congestion in the spleen.
• Thalassemia: Thalassemia, a genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin production, can cause an enlarged spleen due to the accumulation of abnormal red blood cells, which are removed from the bloodstream by the spleen.
• Sickle Cell Disease: Sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin production, can cause an enlarged spleen due to the accumulation of abnormal red blood cells, which are removed from the bloodstream by the spleen.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for enlarged spleen?

The main medicinal herbs used for enlarged spleen are Silybum marianum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Rhus coriaria, Curcuma longa, Withania somnifera, Allium sativum, Echinacea purpurea, Boswellia serrata, Cinchona officinalis, Zingiber officinale.

Silybum marianum's silymarin inhibits inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress that contribute to spleen enlargement. Glycyrrhiza glabra's glycyrrhizin exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, reducing spleen inflammation. Curcuma longa's curcumin modulates immune response and reduces inflammation, while Withania somnifera's withanolides improve spleen function and reduce oxidative stress.

Additionally, Allium sativum's allicin, Echinacea purpurea's echinacoside, Boswellia serrata's boswellic acids, Cinchona officinalis's quinine, and Zingiber officinale's gingerols have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that help alleviate spleen enlargement symptoms.

• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum, also known as St. Mary's thistle, has silymarin, a flavonoid complex that helps to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are thought to contribute to the enlargement of the spleen.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, has glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce swelling and inflammation in the spleen, thereby alleviating an enlarged spleen.
• Rhus coriaria: Rhus coriaria, also known as sumac, contains tannins and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help to reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress associated with an enlarged spleen.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin, a polyphenol that has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help to reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress associated with an enlarged spleen.
• Withania somnifera: Withania somnifera, or ashwagandha, has withanolides, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may help to reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress associated with an enlarged spleen.
• Allium sativum: Allium sativum, or garlic, contains allicin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help to reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress associated with an enlarged spleen.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea, or coneflower, contains alkylamides and caffeic acid derivatives, which have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects that may help to reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress associated with an enlarged spleen.
• Boswellia serrata: Boswellia serrata, or frankincense, contains boswellic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may help to reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress associated with an enlarged spleen.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, or quinine tree, contains quinine and cinchonidine, which have anti-inflammatory and antimalarial effects that may help to reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress associated with an enlarged spleen, although more research is needed.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, or ginger, contains gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may help to reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress associated with an enlarged spleen.

What are the main herbal preparations used for enlarged spleen?

The main herbal preparations used for enlarged spleen are Decoction, Tincture, Salve, Poultice, Capsule, Elixir, Suppository, Ointment, Cream, Powder.

Decoction, a liquid extract, is made from Dandelion root, Burdock root and Turmeric root to stimulate digestion and reduce spleen swelling. Tincture, a concentrated liquid, from Spleen-protecting herbs like Milk Thistle, Dandelion root and Turmeric root is taken orally to stimulate liver and spleen function. Salve, a topical cream, from herbs like Turmeric and Ginger is applied externally to reduce inflammation and pain in the spleen area.

Capsule, containing herbs like Milk Thistle and Dandelion root, is taken orally to stimulate liver and spleen function and reduce spleen swelling.

• Decoction: A decoction of the root of Gentiana lutea is used to treat an enlarged spleen due to its bitter principles that stimulate digestion and improve the circulation of blood, thus helping to reduce the swelling.
• Tincture: A tincture of the leaves of Artemisia absinthium is used to treat an enlarged spleen due to its bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce the swelling and pain associated with the condition.
• Salve: A salve made from the roots of Cnicus benedictus is applied topically to treat an enlarged spleen due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help to reduce the swelling and prevent infection.
• Poultice: A poultice of the leaves of Plantago major is applied topically to treat an enlarged spleen due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help to reduce the swelling and prevent infection.
• Capsule: A capsule made from the seeds of Nigella sativa is used to treat an enlarged spleen due to its bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce the swelling and prevent oxidative stress.
• Elixir: An elixir made from the flowers of Calendula officinalis is used to treat an enlarged spleen due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help to reduce the swelling and prevent infection.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra is used to treat an enlarged spleen due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce the swelling and prevent oxidative stress.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the leaves of Equisetum arvense is applied topically to treat an enlarged spleen due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help to reduce the swelling and prevent infection.
• Cream: A cream made from the flowers of Helianthus annuus is used to treat an enlarged spleen due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce the swelling and prevent oxidative stress.
• Powder: A powder made from the seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum is used to treat an enlarged spleen due to its bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce the swelling and prevent oxidative stress.