Herbs For Lymphatic Drainage: A Natural Approach To Detoxification
The lymphatic system is a vital part of the human body, whose importance has been sorely overlooked. Thankfully, people are now waking up to the benefits of proper lymph drainage and taking steps to achieve it.
The lymphatic system consists of the vessels, collecting ducts, the bone marrow, and the thymus. These are the primary lymphoid organs. The secondary ones include the lymph nodes, the spleen, Peyer's patches in the intestines, and the tonsils.
What Does The Lymphatic System Do?
The function of this system is to move the lymph around the body and back into the circulatory system (blood vessels). That is a prime means of detox as the fluid also carries waste materials from the cells into the blood to be filtered by the kidneys.
The lymphatic system is also vital to the body’s defenses against infections. That is because the thymus and bone marrow are white blood cell production sites. These cells are invaluable in the battle against microbes and are stored in the lymph nodes.
Some special lymphatic vessels called lacteals are also critical to fat absorption. The food molecules from oily meals are too hydrophobic to mix with the blood.
They are absorbed into the lacteals by the intestines and transported to the venous circulation. These fats are bound to hydrophilic proteins called chylomicrons, letting them dissolve in the blood.
Here, we’ll tackle the lymphatic drainage and its use for detoxification. There are a few methods to enhance lymph drainage:
- Get a massage.
- Drink more water.
- Exercise.
- Modify your diet with herbs for lymphatic drainage.
Why Use Herbs For Lymphatic Drainage?
There aren’t many effective drugs to tackle impaired lymphatic drainage in hospitals. Medical practitioners usually prescribe lifestyle changes and exercises to rectify the issue slowly. For an expert in herbal treatments, that won’t cut it.
Nature has given us certain herbs for lymphatic drainage that pinpoint and tackle these issues. Here are a few reasons to use these plants:
- Natural Healing: Unlike many pills from hospitals, herbs are natural. There are no added synthetics to detoxify after using them. With these herbs, keeping your body free from toxins would be easier.
- Low Risk Of Side Effects: Thanks to their lack of synthetics, these herbs are free from many side effects that plague pills. They are light and gentle, working well with your body systems.
- Low Cost:Herbs used to be costly in the past due to the difficulty in sourcing some rare ones. However, with the advent of supplements and shipping services, the prices of these commodities have been reduced. Buying these remedies for ailments is now cheaper than consulting a doctor for pills.
Five Herbs For Lymphatic Drainage
If you’re looking to detoxify, these herbs would be your best choice. They have been proven to work and would be great additions to any herb cabinet.
Red Clover
Red Clover is widely known as a blood purifier. This herb, which is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, has an intense action on the lymphatic system. The plant is usually administered to help with weight loss and cleanse the skin. You can trace all that to its effect on the lymphatics.
This herb increases your lymphatic drainage, ensuring all toxins get back into the bloodstream for removal. The herb is also a diuretic, ensuring that excess fluid still leaves the body when the lymph flow is hampered.
Burdock Root
This stubborn herb has found its way to different parts of the world by hitching a ride on animals. The burrs on this herb help transport these seeds, which is why the plant can be found in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Burdock Root is a herb for blood circulation and can promote lymphatic flow. It is also used for skin issues, though that is due to its effect on the lymphatics.
Burdock Root is anti-inflammatory and also helps with liver detox.
Cleavers
This is another important herb with great benefits. Cleaver is a popular herb for lymphatic drainage, often being called a 'lymphatic spring cleanse.'
Thanks to its advantages to lymphatic drainage, it helps in many other aspects. Cleaver enhances the body’s immune function, supports wound healing, and has a diuretic action.
This sturdy plant is usually fresh under hedges, beside paths, or on roadsides. However, you could easily purchase supplements to aid in your daily usage.
Amla
All the other herbs on this list were shriveled-looking herbs, but this one is a juicy superfruit. Amla is also known as Indian Gooseberry. As is evident from the name, the fruit originates from India. This fruit has been used to aid lymphatic and immune function in Ayurvedic medicine.
The traditional medicine men knew their stuff because studies have shown that Amla does have immunomodulating properties. The herb is also filled with antioxidants to protect the red blood cells from oxidative stress that might cause them to break down.
Calendula
This herb is one of the most popular herbs for lymphatic drainage on this list. The pharmacological properties of Calendula have been well-documented in studies that have yielded positive results.
This herb increases lymphatic drainage, stimulates phagocytosis (how white blood cells 'eat' germs), and has antioxidant properties. The popularity of this herb makes it one of the easiest to find on this list. Just make sure to avoid the tea because Calendula tastes very bitter.
Conclusion
These herbs for lymphatic drainage aid in restoring optimal lymph function in times of disease. With their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties, they will leave your lymphatics feeling refreshed and detoxified.
Incorporating these herbs into your daily routine would give you excellent lymphatic drainage at cheaper costs than the doctor's. Most of these plants can be taken with tinctures and teas, but the most advisable way is the supplements. These allow easy regulation and tracking of herb intake.
Remember, detoxification is a continuous process, so patience is key. Keep at these herbs and do some exercises to complement them. With consistency, you can build for yourself vibrant health from the inside out.