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Herbs for Lymphatic Drainage: 6 Herbal and Nutrition Remedies

Herbs for Lymphatic Drainage: 6 Herbal and Nutrition Remedies 

Herbs for lymphatic drainage: you may have heard about the importance of detoxification when it comes to your overall health, but what role can they play in this process? The lymphatic system is a crucial player in the detoxification of the body, influencing waste removal behind the scenes. 

In this article we will dive into the vital function of the lymphatic system, its role in detoxification, and how these functions contribute to overall health and well-being through a focus on herbs for lymphatic drainage and some information on nutrition and lifestyle to support lymphatic detoxification. By supporting the movement of lymph this can have widespread benefits whether that be energy levels, hormonal health, skin health, or managing inflammation. 

What is the Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system acts as your body’s internal sewage system. It is made up of your lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, tonsils, and adenoids which carry lymph, a clear fluid that collects waste products, toxins, pathogens, and other unwanted material which is crucial for preventing buildup in the body. 

This helps support immune function and fluid balance and unlike the circulatory system which has the heart to pump blood, lymph moves throughout the body via muscle contractions, deep breathing, and movement. This makes it more susceptible to stagnation without this central “pump” to support movement.

Signs of a Sluggish Lymphatic System

Sometimes our lymph needs a bit more support when the lymphatic system becomes sluggish, aka congested lymph. This is when herbs for lymphatic drainage and other strategies can be useful. Some common signs and symptoms of a sluggish system include swollen lymph nodes, water retention, puffiness, brain fog, fatigue, frequent colds or infections, and skin issues to name a few.

Factors that might increase the needs for lymphatic support include recent surgery which disrupts the lymphatic pathways, medications, exposure to environmental toxins including mold, sedentary lifestyle, and chronic illness or inflammation.

The Lymphatic System’s Role in Detoxification

The lymphatic system plays an immense role in detoxification protocols and strongly influences hormonal balance. When trying to clear anything out of the system, whether that be toxins or hormones an efficient lymphatic system is necessary for effective detoxification. If someone is trying to enhance detoxification but the lymph is stagnant, this can allow toxins to recirculate and get stuck, potentially worsening symptoms. 

This can be especially impactful on estrogen dominance. The lymphatic system helps clear excess estrogen and its byproducts. Congestion can lead to build up and estrogen dominance symptoms. 

Thyroid health can also be heavily influenced because proper lymphatic drainage is needed for delivering nutrients and hormones while removing waste. Congestion can lead to impairment of thyroid function, potentially leading to the inability for the body to produce adequate thyroid hormones (T3, T4). Trapped accumulation of immune cells can also mistakenly attack the thyroid leading to the development or worsening of hashimoto’s. 

Herbs for Lymphatic Drainage

3 Herbs that can be used as targeted support to help with lymphatic movement:

  1. Cleavers: Cleavers are traditionally known for helping promote lymph flow and cleansing lymph. It’s often used to reduce swollen glands and fluid retention. 
    • Uses: For tea use 1-2 tsp dried herb per cup of hot water, steep 10-15 minutes, drink 2-3 cups daily for best benefits.
  2. Calendula: Calendula is known for its lymph-moving, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. It can be used to gently stimulate lymphatic drainage and is particularly helpful for skin-related lymphatic congestion and swollen nodes.
    • Uses: For tea use 1-2 tsp dried herb per cup of hot water, steep 10-15 minutes, drink 2-3 cups daily for best benefits. For a tincture opt for 15-30 drops (which can be roughly 0.75-1.5 ml if 1 dropperful is 1ml) taken 2 to 3 times daily. For a topical salve or oil add sparingly to the affected areas, gently massaging into the skin 1-3 times daily.
  3. Red Root: Red root is a powerful herb for lymphatic drainage and is particularly useful for deeper lymphatic congestion where stagnation of lymph is more significant and widespread. Red root possess the ability to tone and tighten tissues which can increase the integrity of vessels and the ability to move lymph from deeper congested areas. 
    • Uses: Typically used as a tincture due to its potency, 1-4 mL (approx. 20-30 drops per mL), 2 to 3 times per day. It is advised to go slow with this potent herb and work with an experienced herbalist or healthcare practitioner to monitor progress as needed.

Nutrition Remedies to Support Your Lymphatic System

3 Nutrition remedies that can play a role in lymph health and movement:

  1. Optimal Hydration: Lymph is primarily made out of water so dehydration thickens the fluid and makes it harder to move through the system.
    • Strategies: Aim for ½ your bodyweight in ounces of filtered water each day and include hydrating foods (cucumber, celery, watermelon) and herbal teas.
  2. Adequate Protein: Protein helps draw fluids from tissues into the lymphatic system ensuring waste can be taken away effectively. Antibodies (made from proteins) are carried by lymph and are crucial for immune function.
    • Strategies: Include high-quality protein sources – fish, poultry, beans, lentils, eggs, grass-fed meats – and ensure sufficient intake, especially when active or healing.
  3. Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Rich Foods: Reducing inflammation can lessen the work of the lymphatic system. Antioxidants can help reduce the impact of oxidative stress.
    • Strategies: Implement more colorful fruits and vegetables (berries, leafy greens, citrus) healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds), and fiber. Include foods like ginger, turmeric, and garlic.

 

General lifestyle recommendations that can also support the lymphatic system include deep breathing, exercise (rebounding, walking), dry brushing, and lymphatic massage.

The lymphatic system’s role in detoxification, immune health, and overall well-being is interconnected. By supporting the body with herbs for lymphatic drainage, alongside nutrition and lifestyle strategies, you can significantly improve your body’s natural detoxification system  and support many functions in the body including hormonal balance and energy levels. 

 

Are you experiencing signs of inflammation, hormone imbalances, or feel your body’s natural detoxification pathways need dedicated support? Sign up for the waitlist for our upcoming Inflammation Hormony! In this program, we dive deep into supporting your body’s detoxification systems, with a special focus on enhancing lymphatic drainage to help you reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and reclaim your vibrant health. 

 

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