The lymphatic system is a series of vessels and nodes, or glands, throughout your body. Lymph glands filter toxins from your cells and tissues and trap foreign particles. If you experience swollen lymph glands, it could mean you have an infection or other disorder. Herbs are a natural way to cleanse your lymph system and relieve its toxic burden. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs that cleanse your lymphatic system work in different ways. Herbs with diuretic actions assist with lymphatic drainage and the elimination of toxins. Anticatarrhal and astringent herbs help eliminate excess mucus from lymph glands, such as your tonsils, thus aiding the cleansing of your lymph system. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbs that cleanse your lymphatic system.
Cleavers
Cleavers, or Galium aparine, is an annual European herb with sticky leaves that cleave to your clothes, hence the name cleavers. Traditional healers use the aerial parts to treat lymph gland problems, wounds and skin disorders. Active ingredients include tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids and iridoid glycosides, and the plant has astringent, diuretic and anti-inflammatory actions. In her 2009 book "The Holistic Herbal Directory," herbal consultant Penelope Ody notes that cleavers is an important lymphatic cleanser, used traditionally as a spring tonic, and is helpful for treating enlarged lymph nodes. Before using this herb, check with your doctor, as enlarged lymph nodes may indicate a serious underlying disorder.
Poke
Poke, or Phytolacca americana, is a North American perennial with greenish flowers and purple berries. Herbalists use the roots and berries as a lymphatic system stimulant and tonic and to treat skin diseases, rheumatism and tonsillitis. In his 2003 book "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG, explains that poke alleviates inflamed mucous membranes and supports the cleansing of the lymphatic system, especially in cases of tonsillitis, swollen glands and mumps --- all disorders involving lymph glands. Do not use this herb in large doses, as it could result in diarrhea and vomiting.
Burdock
Burdock, or Arctium lappa, is a large European biennial with purple flowers. The roots are a traditional remedy for eczema, psoriasis, skin infections, wounds and acne. Burdock is rich in essential oil, polyacetylenes, inulin and triterpenes, and the plant has diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Burdock helps cleanse the lymphatic system through its diuretic and excretory actions. In their 2001 book "Herbal Remedies," naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli state that burdock drains lymphatic fluid, thus enhancing the elimination of toxins and waste products. Avoid this herb if you have allergies to plants in the Aster family.
References
- "The Holistic Herbal Directory"; Penelope Ody; 2009
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Herbal Remedies"; Asa Hershoff, N.D., and Andrea Rotelli, N.D.; 2001
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