Certain herbs may be helpful in decreasing your lymphatic congestion and improving your lymphatic drainage. According to the National Cancer Institute, your lymphatic system comprises tissues and organs that generate, store and transport white blood cells that ward off infections and other diseases. Your lymphatic system includes your bone marrow, spleen, thymus gland, lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels. Before taking herbs to help improve your lymphatic drainage, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Calendula
Calendula, also known Calendula officinalis, is an herb that may be helpful in improving your lymphatic drainage. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, calendula, a member of the Aster family, has been used medicinally for centuries. Calendula is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region and the Middle East, although it is now grown as an ornamental plant throughout the world. Calendula has a salty and slightly bitter taste and possesses drying tendencies. The flowers of the plant are used for medicinal purposes, including stimulating lymphatic drainage. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that calendula is an anti-inflammatory and antiviral. Calendula is also a lymphagogue, or a substance that supports your lymphatic organs and stimulates your lymph system.
Poke
Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that poke, also known as Phytolacca decandra, is a lymphagogue, alterative, anti-inflammatory, emetic and anti-fungal that helps remove metabolic waste products from your body. Tilgner notes that poke is specifically for your congested lymphatic system, especially if you have hard, swollen lymph nodes. Poke may also be helpful in treating tonsillitis, breast pain, mumps, boils, stomatitis, eczema and psoriasis. Poke, a member of the Pokeweed family, is a perennial plant native to North and South American, East Asia and New Zealand. Poke has an acrid taste and possesses cooling tendencies. Practitioners of botanical medicine use the root of the plant, and sometimes the berries without seeds, for medicinal purposes, such as sluggish lymphatic drainage.
Wild Indigo
Wild indigo, a member of the Legume family, is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows throughout the eastern part of the United States, from Minnesota south to Florida. Wild indigo, also known as Baptisia tinctoria, has an acrid, astringent taste and possesses cooling tendencies. The fresh root of the plant is used to help treat numerous health problems, including lymphatic system congestion. Smith states that wild indigo is a stimulating alterative -- a substance that cleanses your blood and lymph -- that especially influences your glandular and lymphatic systems. According to Tilgner, wild indigo is a lymphagogue, anitmicrobial and immune system modulator that promotes normal cellular metabolism and assists your body's natural resistance to toxins and microorganisms. If you are pregnant, cautions Tilgner, you should avoid taking wild indigo.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Lymphatic System
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Calendula
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
