Certain dietary supplements may be helpful in improving your lymphatic drainage. According to MedlinePlus, lymph is a clear or white fluid comprised of intestinal fluid and white blood cells that attack bacteria in your blood. Your lymph system, a major component of your body's immune system, is a network of nodes, ducts, vessels and organs. Before taking supplements to help improve your lymphatic drainage, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Burdock
Burdock, also known as Arctium lappa, is an herbal supplement that may be helpful in improving your lymphatic drainage. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, burdock, a member of the Aster family, has been used to help treat numerous health conditions, including microbial infection. Burdock is a plant native to certain parts of Europe and Northern Asia, although it is now widespread throughout the United States. Burdock's taste is sweet initially, yet bitter later. The root of the plant is used medicinally and possesses cooling tendencies. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that burdock is a powerful blood and lymph cleanser that promotes the elimination of metabolic byproducts from your body. Burdock, notes Smith, also improves your immune system function. Supplements containing large doses of burdock may cause aching in your lower back and kidneys.
Wild Indigo
Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that wild indigo, also known as Baptisia tinctoria, is an antimicrobial, immune system modulator and lymphagogue, or a substance that supports your lymphatic organs and stimulates your lymph system. Wild indigo, notes Tilgner, is also an alterative, or a substance that cleanses your blood and lymph, and assists your body's natural resistance to micro-organisms and toxins. Wild indigo is an herbaceous perennial plant native to North America, belongs to the legume family, has an acrid, astringent taste and possesses cooling tendencies. Practitioners of botanical medicine use the fresh root of the plant for medicinal purposes, including sluggish lymphatic drainage. If you are pregnant, cautions Tilgner, you should avoid taking supplements containing wild indigo.
Red Clover
Red clover, a member of the legume family, is an herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe and certain parts of Asia and Africa, although it now grows in many other regions throughout the world. Red clover, also known as Trifolium pratense, has a sweet taste, possesses cooling tendencies and has dark pink flowers. The flowers of the plant are used medicinally to help improve your lymphatic drainage. According to Tilgner, red clover is a lymphagogue, antispasmodic, sedative, expectorant, blood thinner and mild alterative. Dr. William A. Mitchell, Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that red clover is a known blood and lymph purifier, or a substance that enhances the quality and function of your blood and lymph. If you are pregnant or are taking blood thinning medication, you should avoid consuming supplements that contain red clover.
References
- MedlinePlus: Lymph System
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Burdock
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Plant Medicine in Practice: Using the Teachings of John Bastyr"; William A. Mitchell, Jr., N.D.; 2003
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