Your lymph system is the primary repository for your immune system. It's responsible for removing infections from your body, as well as dead cells, metabolic wastes and diseases cells such as cancerous cells. It can easily get overloaded by its detoxification activity, especially if you've been exposed to infections or environmental toxins. Many holistic practitioners recommend a lymphatic cleanse twice a year to help restore the lymphatic system's function.
Echinacea
Echinacea is justly famous as an immune system booster, so it's no surprise that it acts strongly on the lymphatic system. Echinacea reduces swelling and congestion in the lymph system by increasing the activity of immune cells, a task for which it combines well with astralagus. The root can be taken as a tea or tincture, or in capsule form. Echinacea should not be taken by those with autoimmune diseases, cancer or allergies to the ragweed or daisy family.
Astralagus
Astralagus has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to stimulate "life energy." It has been shown to reduce swelling and congestion in the lymph system by increasing the production of immune cells. Specifically, astralagus boosts the production of the immune cells called "Th-1" cells, which target infections that have gotten inside cells such as viruses. However, Th-1 cells are also responsible for organ rejection and can increase the chances of miscarriage, so astralagus shouldn't be taken by those who are transplant recipients or pregnant. As with echinacea, astralagus should not be taken by those with autoimmune diseases. Astralagus is generally taken in capsule form.
Cleavers
The aerial parts of cleavers are considered to be a strong lymphatic cleanser, clearing congestion and reducing swelling in the lymph glands. Traditionally used as a blood cleanser, cleavers boosts the immune system and cleanses the lymphatic system by stimulating the production of immune cells. Cleavers is best used fresh and drunk as a juice, but tinctures made from dried leaves are also effective. Cleavers combines well with pokeroot.
Pokeroot
The dried root of pokeroot is used as a lymphatic cleanser, often in conjunction with cleavers. Pokeroot increases the circulation of the lymphatic system, flushing toxins and boosting the immune system.
One third of a teaspoon of the root can be made into a decoction, or one fourth of a tincture taken three times a day, but the dose shouldn't be increased because the herb can be harmful in large quantities. Pokeroot should only be taken dried, as the fresh herb is toxic.
References
- "The Complete Medicinal Herbal", Penelope Ody, 1993.
- "Herbs Demystified", Holly Phaneuf, 2005.
- "The Herb Companion": Love Your Lymph.
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