Discover the power of herbs for lymphatic system. Boost your health naturally with these potent herbs. Learn how they support detoxification and immune function.
Vital for your immune system, the lymphatic system is key in protecting you from infection.
The key functions of the lymphatic system include: collecting excess fluid from your body’s tissues, helps your body absorb fat and protects your body against invaders such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. (Source)
The main function of the lymphatic system is to drain out the fluid that leaks out of your blood vessels.
There are herbs that can not only assist in your health but that also can help your lymphatic system promote the necessary drainage that boosts your immune system.
Understanding The Lymphatic System
Most people don’t have a lot of knowledge about the lymphatic system, despite its great importance in the body.
The lymphatic system is a network of nodes, vessels, ducts, and organs that help collect and circulate fluids in your body.
As listed above, there are a few main functions of the lymphatic system.
These are:
Balancing Fluids
About 90% of your plasma, otherwise known as the liquid part of your blood, is returned into your system through your capillaries and veins, while the remaining 10% travels through the lymphatic system.
Tiny vessels, called lymphatic capillaries, pick up all the fluid that is left behind. This fluid is now referred to as “lymph” instead of plasma.
These vessels then move the lymph to either your right lymphatic duct or your thoracic duct where the lymph then re enters your bloodstream.
Fat Absorption
The lymphatic system also plays an important role in your intestinal functions. (Source)
One of these functions includes absorbing fat and fat soluble vitamins.
From here, it forms a milky-white fluid that contains lymph, emulsified fats, or free fatty acids.
This allows it to deliver nutrients to your body indirectly which is good for your health.
Immune System Support
One of the most important functions of the lymphatic system includes supporting your immune system.
The lymphatic system produces white blood cells that travel through the lymphatic system and come in contact with viruses, bacteria, and other foreign particles in your body.
Once contact is established, the white blood cells begin to form antibodies and start to defend the body from the intruders.
They can even create antibodies from “memory” if they have been in contact with that pathogen in the past.
Signs Of A Compromised Lymphatic System
There are a few simple signs to look out for when it comes to identifying a compromised lymphatic system.
These signs include: (Source)
- Swelling
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Increased or frequent infections
- Fever
- Chills
- Issues breathing
- Pain while swallowing
- Pain while talking
These symptoms could also be signs of a larger chronic issue, so if you have any of these signs, you should visit your doctor.
Role Of Natural Remedies In Lymphatic Health
While there are other ways to support your lymphatic system, such as diet, exercise, and your sleep patterns, you can also look to herbs to boost your lymphatic health.
Herbs have been used all throughout history as a means to assist the lymphatic system and maintain an individual’s health.
These remedies are still used today.
Top Herbs For The Lymphatic System
If you are looking to assist your lymphatic system via herbs, there are a few you can choose from. These include:
Cleavers (Galium aparine)
Native to Europe, North America, and Asia, Cleavers – a long, sticky weed with small white flowers – was historically used to treat skin ailments, small wounds, and burns.
People also used to turn Cleavers into a pulp to relieve poisonous bites and stings.
Cleavers is also an herb that has been known to help your lymphatic system.
It does this by improving its ability to flush out toxins, decreases your congestion, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Calendula Officinalis (Pot Marigold)
Among its many purposes, calendula is often used for swollen lymph nodes, cleansing body tissues, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Red clover belongs to the legume family and contains isoflavones which is a compound that is similar to estrogen.
Historically, red clover was used to help asthma, whooping cough, cancer, and gout.
Red clover can also assist the lymphatic system by helping with mumps, salivary gland congestion or excess secretion, lymphatic congestion, and other swollen glands.
Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
Also known as a purple coneflower, echinacea is a widely known remedy for the common cold or even a flu.
Related to sunflowers and ragweed, you can find echinacea in the Rocky Mountains in the United States.
Used as both an anti-inflammatory and immune booster, echinacea can reduce the risk of an upper respiratory tract infection by approximately 22%. (Source)
This is not the only use for echinacea.
Other treatments include:
- Pain treatment
- Inflammation
- Migraines
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
Used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, Astragalus is often looked at for how it can help with your immune system, liver, and cardiovascular system.
Astragalus offers many cleansing and healing benefits. These include easing congestion and swelling as well as promoting overall health.
Dandelion (Taraxacm officinale)
Small, yellow dandelions sprout up all over in the spring and summer months.
Most people believe these are pesky weeds and don’t realize that they actually come with their own health benefits.
Dandelions can survive in polluted environments which means it resists harmful substances both inside and outside the body.
Knotted Figwort (Scrophularia nodosa)
Often found in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, Knotted Figwort has many immune boosting properties.
Historically used to treat both swelling and inflammation, knotted figwort can help with the reduction of swelling in your lymph nodes, ears, nose, and respiratory system.
Wolf’s Foot Clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum)
Wolf’s foot clubmoss, while globally spread, is getting harder to find.
Wolf’s foot clubmoss is used to relieve swollen lymph nodes and tonsils as well as treating ear infections, inflammation, and liver support.
Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)
Thought to be a very cleansing herb, burdock root can help stimulate your circulation, lymphatic flow, and can clean out toxins and cool inflammation.
Burdock root can be used very effectively in conjunction with red clover.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Goldenseal is often used for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and it used both internally as well as topically.
The bitter compounds found in goldenseal that can stimulate and cleanse the digestive tract as well as promoting lymphatic circulation.
Safety And Precautions
In general, you have to be careful when it comes to taking herbal supplements.
This is especially true if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
You also need to be sure that if you are taking other supplements or medications that you talk to your doctor before beginning to take a new herb.
Integrating Herbs Into A Healthy Lifestyle
Integrating herbs into your daily lifestyle is very important.
In addition to taking herbs, you also want to maintain a balanced diet, proper hydration, and exercise regimen.
If you are not sure how to get herbs into your lifestyle, there are supplements you can take, or you could even try a greens powder. (Source)
Conclusion
It is important to know that when you are looking into herb supplements to assist you with your health, you should only use them as a supplement and not the entire solution.
It is also important for you to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
If you want to start taking herbs but are unsure about it, you should consult with your doctor.
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