淋巴引流滴剂到底有没有用？专家先泼了盆冷水

In a world obsessed with detoxing, lymphatic drainage is trending. So it’s no surprise that lymphatic-drainage drops have become the next viral wellness sensation.

Lymphatic-drainage drops are liquid herbal supplements marketed to support lymphatic flow, reduce puffiness, and help detoxify the body. They sound great in theory, but experts aren’t quick to endorse their claims. As Sandra Chiu, L.Ac., DACM, founder of Lanshin, explains, the term lymphatic drainage has moved far beyond its medical context and is now often used as shorthand for debloating and depuffing—a shift that can encourage healthy people to seek treatments they may not need.

“People see facial puffiness or bloating in the body and assume it means their lymphatic system is congested, even when they’re perfectly healthy,” Chiu tells Vogue. “I see the term lymphatic drainage being used to sell everything from facial massage and gua sha to body sculpting, detox products, and now herbal supplements.”

So before you click Add to Bag on the lymphatic-drainage drops that showed up in your feed, you might want to read this first.

Do lymphatic-drainage drops actually work?

The evidence is thin. “I don’t see any evidence that lymphatic-drainage drops actually increase lymphatic circulation,” says Amanda Kahn, MD, a board-certified internist and longevity medicine specialist.

Muscle contractions and breathing help move lymph through the body, as do contractions of the lymphatic vessels themselves. Regular exercise supports healthy lymphatic flow, while compression and manual lymphatic drainage are established treatments for certain lymphatic conditions. Some ingredients in these drops may have a mild diuretic effect, Dr. Kahn says, but losing water through the kidneys and urinary tract isn’t the same as lymphatic drainage.

“Some may take the drops and genuinely notice that they feel a little less bloated or puffy, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the supplement has increased lymphatic flow,” she adds. “The evidence isn’t strong enough for me to recommend lymphatic-drainage drops specifically to improve lymphatic function.”

Chiu agrees: “Lymphatic drops don’t have a clear goal that you can measure or feel, which is why I’m a bit dubious and suspicious. Herbs are powerful and should be used for specific, targeted reasons.”

Do lymphatic-drainage drops have any benefits?

Some herbs in these formulas have been studied for uses unrelated to lymphatic drainage, but the evidence varies by ingredient. That doesn’t establish that the drops improve lymphatic flow. Chiu says that drawing a connection between an herb’s traditional use for swollen glands and its ability to reduce ordinary facial puffiness is a stretch.

“The herbs technically have benefits, but herbs only have a benefit if you actually need them,” she says. “Lymphatic-drainage drops speak more to marketing than sound herbal practice.”

Dr. Kahn agrees: “The biggest issue is that lymphatic-drainage drops are a marketing category, not a standardized or medical treatment. Products may vary widely in terms of ingredients.”

What are the downsides?

Chiu warns that you could end up taking herbs you don’t need. She also questions whether the category’s name accurately reflects what the ingredients do. “The actual functions of the herbs don’t necessarily match with the promise of the name,” she says.

She also cautions people with digestive sensitivities, since some ingredients may aggravate symptoms. Dr. Kahn adds that dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are other potential risks, depending on the formulation.

If you’re taking medication, Chiu recommends consulting your doctor before adding herbal remedies, since herbs can interact with certain drugs. Dr. Kahn agrees and advises people taking diuretics—as well as those with liver, kidney, or heart disease—to avoid these products unless cleared by their health care provider.

Chiu emphasizes that herbal supplementation is best approached with guidance from a qualified practitioner rather than through trial and error.

Should we use lymphatic-drainage drops?

“No, I would not recommend lymphatic drops,” Chiu says. “As an herbalist myself, I know that the most effective and safest way to use herbs is to be precise.” She adds that working with a qualified herbal practitioner to determine which herbs, if any, suit your specific needs is better than reaching for a generic premade formula.

“To give lymphatic drops to someone who thinks their morning facial puffiness means their lymph drainage is off is simply not how you practice herbal medicine,” she says. “It’s just not based or anchored in the principles of sound herbal practice.”

What actually supports healthy lymphatic flow?

Chiu says one of the best things you can do for healthy lymphatic flow is walk, since regular movement and light exercise support lymphatic circulation. “I especially love it with nothing in your hands,” she says. “No phone, purse, bag, or backpack—just let your arms swing naturally and let your body move.”

Deep breathing may also help move lymph through the body, as the diaphragm’s movement creates pressure changes that support lymphatic circulation. And gua sha may help relieve muscle tension, increase local blood flow, and temporarily reduce facial puffiness, although evidence of its effects on lymphatic drainage remains limited.

For people with diagnosed lymphedema, properly fitted compression garments and manual lymphatic drainage can be part of a treatment plan developed with a clinician. If you’re experiencing persistent or unexplained swelling, consult a health care professional to determine the cause and whether treatment is necessary.

Curious about a beauty or wellness trend? We want to know! Email Vogue’s senior beauty and wellness editor at beauty@vogue.com.