Best Herbs For the Lymphatic System
Keeping your lymphatic system healthy is a must for best protecting the body from disease. Many people are suffering from weakened immune systems causing their bodies to be susceptible to health problems. Using these specific, best herbs for the lymphatic system will help protect, detox, and cleanse lymphatic congestion and promote a healthy lymphatic system, strengthening the health of your body.
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I know first hand how important lymphatic health is. One of my lymph nodes was continually problematic for me. Herbs played a vital role in clearing toxic buildup and keeping lymphatic flow moving. Clinical studies have proven herbal medicine, specifically the herbs identified below, to be a great way to help the immune system and lymph health.
Here is all you need to know about which herbs to use for helping the lymphatic system and exactly why they are useful for lymph health.
A list at a glance of the best herbs to use for a better functioning lymphatic system:
Disclaimer: No content on this site should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor, a qualified clinician or other qualified healthcare provider. Make sure you talk to your doctor before taking an herbal protocol.
What is a Lymphatic Herb?
Lymphatic herbs are simply herbs that assist in and promote lymph health. They activate lymphatic drainage, keeping the lymph fluid properly moving to clear out toxins and waste products. These herbs offer antioxidants to empower an overall healthy lymphatic system. Scientific evidence has shown Phytochemicals (plant compounds) to beneficially treat and manage lymphedema, (a condition due to poor lymphatic drainage).
The best herbs for the lymphatic system
Calendula for Lymph Health
Calendula has many beneficial uses ranging from relieving dry skin to soothing sore throats to helping with lymphatic drainage. There are about 25 species of Calendula. C. Officinalis is the species used extensively in herbal medicine.
Calendula flowers are excellent for helping with the function of the lymphatic system because of its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cleansing properties. White blood cells travel through a network of lymphatic vessels and fight infections. Specific white blood cells known as lymphocytes get rid of bad bacteria.
These immune cells play a vital role in clearing waste products form the human body. Calendula has been found to activate this process allowing white blood cells to do their jobs. This in turn creates better immune function for the body.
Lymph nodes benefit from this as well. The white blood cells kill free radicals in the nodules allowing for better drainage. This helps with ear drainage and keeps ear infections down. Ear pressure is one of the things I experience first when lymph nodes in my neck region are blocked.
Burdock Root
This herb is great at fighting inflammation. When inflammation decreases, other parts of the body are better able to do their jobs including lymph vessels. Also, burdock is an antioxidant. This means free radicals are targeted when using this herbal remedy, helping lymph flow and improving immune function. Moreover, burdock root is great for liver disease and purifying the blood.
Dandelion Root
Dandelion has so many amazing effects on the body. Both the dandelion root and flowers are useful in healing remedies. The flowers of the dandelion are specifically geared towards aiding lymph function.
According to the National Library of Medicine, dandelion is a natural remedy used as a blood purifier and helps regulate the immune system. It is a cleansing and detoxifying herb. This means dandelion rids the body of impurities and supports elimination of waste from the body. This is an excellent herb for maintaining or seeking a healthy lymphatic system.
Figwort for Lymphatic System
This herb is abundant in iridoids and terpenoids which are compounds that protect against disease. Also, many studies have shown figwort to be useful for medicinal treatment and therapy. It contributes greatly to reducing inflammation and therefore allowing for better flow of lymphatic fluid. Traditional Chinese medicine uses figwort as a cleansing herb for lymphatic disorders because of its ability to push toxins out of the body.
Note: It is not recommended for use of this herb during pregnancy. Always consult you doctor prior to use of herbal remedies.
Cleaver
Chinese medicine as well as many herbalists have and continue to use cleavers to treat lymphatic problems and disorders. Using fresh cleaves in a herbal tea or in liquid form is a common way to reap medicinal benefits. Additionally, cleavers is especially great for the lymph nodes in the neck. This herb relieves lymphatic congestion and therefore helps with swollen lymph nodes. Other uses of this herb include liver, kidney, and urinary tract health.
Red Clover For Lymph System
Another great lymph system herb is red clover. It benefits a healthy lymphatic system by increasing the mobility of "junk" being moved out of the lymphatic system, in turn allowing blood to flow easily through the blood vessels. Herbalists use this herb often due to its vitamin and mineral capacity and its gentle actions on the body. Also, scientific studies show the component isoflavones in red clover to fight against breast cancer cells by the suppression of tumors.
Devil's Claw for Lymph Health
Devil's Claw has been shown to decrease body pain, inflammation, and help with liver and kidney problems. This case study shows a reduction in tumor growth in the lymphatic system (lymphoma) in certain individuals. Also, devil's claw has been shown in studies to relieve arthritis and joint pain. Moreover, by this herb stimulating the lymph system to cleanse out toxins, joint pain caused by inflammation is reduced.
More ways I can detox my lymphatic system naturally
It is important to include a variety of practices in your routine to naturally improve your lymphatic system. Some of the best ways to stimulate detoxing and movement of your lymph system besides the above herbs are listed below:
- Dry brushing using a natural bristle brush
- Cold showers
- Gentle exercise such as yoga poses for lymphatic stimulation- see article link below for some great yoga poses
- Lymphatic massages- a specific type of massage to stimulate lymphatic drainage-watch the video below if you want to know how to properly give a lymphatic massage.
