Your lymph system is a collection of nodes, organs, ducts and vessels that synthesize and move lymph, which is a white-blood-cell-containing fluid, throughout your body. Your lymph system is a significant part of your immune system, which guards against pathogens, states MedlinePlus. Some herbal remedies may help improve your lymphatic drainage, allowing your lymph to flow more freely throughout your body. Ask your doctor if herbs are appropriate for you.
Lymphatic Obstruction
Lymphatic obstruction, notes the National Center for Biotechnology Information, occurs when your lymph vessels become blocked, impairing the flow of immune cells to locations where they are needed. In some cases, states the center, lymphatic obstruction may lead to lymphedema -- a condition involving swelling in your lymph passages. Possible causes of lymphatic obstruction include parasitic infections, injury, radiation therapy, cellulitis, surgery and tumors. The most commonly experienced symptom associated with lymphatic obstruction is chronic swelling of your arms or legs.
Commonly Used Herbs
Herbs that possess lymphagogue action are among the most commonly used remedies in treating lymphatic obstruction and improving your lymph drainage. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner reports that some of the most powerful lymphagogues include burdock, calendula, cleavers, flag, mullein, poke root and red clover. Not all herbal remedies used for this health purpose may have been subjected to rigorous scientific research studies and their mechanisms of action may be unknown.
Herb in Focus
Poke root may be one of the most commonly used lymphagogues in treating your lymphatic obstruction and improving your lymphatic drainage. According to Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician, herbal medicine expert and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," poke root may be one of the most effective herbal remedies in treating lymphatic stasis -- a condition in which your lymph drainage is sluggish and your lymph nodes are palpable. Mitchell suggests combining poke root with dandelion, flag and lobelia for optimal health effects.
Considerations
Because there are many possible causes of lymphatic obstruction -- some minor, some serious -- visit your doctor as soon as possible if you develop the characteristic symptoms associated with this condition. Your physician can detail helpful treatment approaches. In most cases, a combination of conventional and alternative treatment methods, including herbs, may be most effective in improving your lymphatic drainage. Review all herb-related topics with your doctor before using these powerful natural substances.
References
- MedlinePlus: Lymph System
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Lymphatic Obstruction
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
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