Using herbs for lymphatic system helps in preventing disease and cleansing your body of toxins, pollutants, additives, and chemicals. Improving your overall circulatory system (1). While the heart continuously pumps blood through the blood vessels, the lymphatic system relies on the movement of smooth muscles to transport fluid through the lymph vessels.
The lymphatic system holds the key to our health. Which is why it is important to move the lymphatic fluid around. When the fluid isn’t circulated through muscle contraction or lack of exercise, the result can be a weakened immune system as well as inflammation. Also if the lymphatic system is overwhelmed with excess toxins it can flood out to other tissue.
The lymphatic system, made up of nodes, vessels, ducts, and glands, is one of the most important systems in your body. Herbs for lymphatic system helps eliminate waste and toxins from cells and controls the flow of bacteria-fighting immune cells throughout your entire body.
Keeping our lymphatic system or “drains” clean is critical to optimal health and longevity. Ayurveda linked the lymphatic system to optimal health and longevity thousands of years ago and also discussed the importance of detoxifying it.
The lymphatic system is a big part of immune health, prevents various cancers, and strengthens your immune system. Unfortunately, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a powerful organ like the heart to keep fluid flowing (2). Instead, it must be stimulated. Here we have a list of herbs for lymphatic system.
Herbs for the Lymphatic System
1. Cleavers
This honey-scented plant is a well-known diuretic and detoxifier. It is used by herbalists as a blood purifier and to enhance the flow of lymph, bringing white blood cells to the areas where they are needed most. Cleavers enhances the function of the lymphatic system and improves its ability to flush out toxins, decrease congestion, and reduce swelling.
2. Calendula officinalis
Calendula has a deep cleansing action on the lymphatic system. It is mainly used for swollen lymph nodes, for cleansing body tissues, and for anti-inflammatory purposes.
3. Echinacea augustifolia
This herb has properties that have a powerful immune-enhancing effect, and can also be used as an anti-inflammatory. Echinacea was used by Native Americans for infections of the blood. The roots contain potent immune-boosting compounds that are useful for fighting microbial and cleansing the lymph system. Combined with astragalus, it can lessen congestion and swelling in the lymphatic system.
4. Astragalus
Astragalus offers the lymph system several cleansing and healing benefits. Extract of Astragalus is believed to cleanse lymphatic fluid and has been used in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine as an immune system builder, diuretic, and energy enhancer. It can ease congestion and swelling (as mentioned above, when used in combination with echinacea), and on its own is a great all-around health booster.
5. Dandelion
Dandelion is an alterative, meaning it is moving to the lymph and supports the body’s eliminatory organs to work better. It is used as a detoxifying and purifying agent; it can grow in extremely polluted environments, and therefore has resistance to an array of harmful substances. It is great for cleansing the lymph system of any built-up waste.
6. Knotted Figwort
Figwort has been used primarily to assist with conditions of the skin where swelling and disrupted lymphatic function contribute. It is used to treat swelling and inflammation of lymph nodes, ears, nose, and respiratory system. It can also be used to treat infections and help with general weakness.
7. Mullein
Modern herbalists find mullein leaf beneficial for relieving lymph congestion and swollen glands, especially around the throat, neck, arms and groin. In addition, mullein lubricates and tones the respiratory system, helping to relieve congestion.*
8. Devil’s Claw
The lymph-stimulating properties of this herb make it important for improving the body’s natural lymphatic drainage. It promotes detoxification and cleansing of the lymphatic system.
9. Organic Licorice
Licorice, also called Glycyrrhiza glabra, is an herb with a long history of use as a gentle laxative and stomach soother. It contains numerous beneficial compounds, including flavonoids, saponins and sterols, which help support the immune and lymphatic systems.
10. Goldenseal
Primarily used as an anti-inflammatory, goldenseal also boosts the cleansing process of the lymphatic system.
11. Southern Prickly Ash
The bark of this tall shrub was traditionally used by Native Americans to stimulate blood flow and remove waste products from the bloodstream. It is also thought to stimulate a sluggish lymphatic system.
12. Wild Indigo Root
Wild indigo helps clean the lymphatic system and rid the body of any damaging microbes and wastes. It improves the flow of lymph and reduces glandular swelling.
13. Organic Red Clover
Native to Europe and Asia, this plant is used traditionally to purify the blood and eliminate toxins. It also thought to improve circulation, cleanse the liver and help rid the lungs of mucus.
Others Ways to Boost Lymphatic System
1. Drink Water
Circulation is vital to all of the body’s functions, and water makes up a large part of blood volume,” explains Katz. So make sure you drink enough water every day and don’t allow yourself to get dehydrated, causing undue taxation on your circulatory system.
2. Sauna
Sauna can promote detoxification, better circulation and skin purification thereby supporting a better lymphatic system. Sauna also helps alleviate pain and lower blood pressure while promoting relaxation.
3. Massage
By applying pressure to the body, massage stimulates the blood and lymph vessels, helping move the fluid along.
4. Spices
The most powerful cleansing spices include ginger, cinnamon, oregano, turmeric, cumin, cilantro, fenugreek, fennel, cayenne pepper, black pepper, clove, parsley, and rosemary. These should be part of a healthy diet for ongoing health benefits.
5. Rebounding
One way to increase the flow and flush out metabolic waste faster is to jump up and down. Hop on a trampoline and try rebounding, skip some rope, jump around in place, whatever you enjoy doing so long as you are moving.