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Home > Articles
The Lymphatic
System: Detox with
Gentle Herbal Methods
LYMPLEX LYMPHATIC DETOX,
HIV/AIDS, CANCER, HEART, INFLAMMATION AND INFECTION
Watch our Inflammation and Infection Detox Video…
The Lymphatic System helps Digestion, The Heart Function,
Inflammation, Auto-immunity, Infection/HIV, Cancer, Digestion,
Immunity and Spread of Infection, Fluid, Protein Balance and More.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
Lymplex Lymphatic Detox
Enlarged Lymph Node Disorders
The lymphatic system is often associated with cancer, so I
thought it would be good to alert my readers to some TLC (tender
loving care) methods that may prevent some of the more serious
disorders that come with toxic lymph glands.
The importance of keeping the lymph glands healthy applies to just
about all of us: men and women, the young, the middle aged, and the
elderly. Yes, anyone can develop cancerous cells! Without going into
a deeper scientific understanding of this complex system, let’s
nevertheless get a better grip on why it’s important to learn the
basics. I also want to discuss some outstanding herbs, whole food
supplements, and herbal recipes that will provide a gentle and
continual method to keep the system healthy in the long term.
Understanding the lymphatic system is like trying to understand the
immune system, which I discuss at length in my blog post “Healing
the Immune System.” When visualizing the lymph system, you may
imagine that it looks like a hollow tube that runs down our sides,
under our arms, and past the breast area. However, at this point our
brain seems to go blank, and we think to ourselves, “Huh? And then
what?” To be fair, that mental visual is to some extent correct.
Nevertheless, the lymphatic system is much more than a long, hollow
tube running down the sides of our bodies!
Where and What Are My Lymph Glands?
“The lymphatic system is a system of capillaries, vessels, nodes,
and other organs that transport a fluid called lymph from the
tissues as it returns to the bloodstream. The lymphatic tissue of
these organs filters and cleans the lymph of any debris, abnormal
cells, or pathogens. The lymphatic system also transports fatty
acids from the intestines to the circulatory system.”
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Personal note: We can therefore see from the diagram in the link
above that the lymphatic system is a network of capillaries, blood
vessels, and lymph nodes running throughout the entire body! Yes,
our precious lymphatic system is an intricate part of the immune
system. As such, it’s worthy of some very special care.
Major Sites of Lymph Tissue
Lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are bean-sized collections of lymphocytes
and other immune system cells throughout the body, including inside
the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. They are connected by a system of
lymphatic vessels.
Spleen: The spleen is an organ under the lower ribs on the left side
of the body. The spleen makes lymphocytes and other immune system
cells. It also stores healthy blood cells and filters out damaged
blood cells, bacteria, and cell waste.
Bone marrow: The bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside certain
bones. This is where new blood cells (including some lymphocytes)
are made.
Thymus: The thymus is a small organ behind the upper part of the
breastbone and in front of the heart. It’s important in the
development of T lymphocytes.
Adenoids and tonsils: These are collections of lymph tissue in the
back of the throat. They help make antibodies against germs that are
breathed in or swallowed.
Digestive tract: The stomach, intestines, and many other organs also
have lymph tissue.
What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes?
Lymph nodes often swell in one location, particularly when an
injury, infection, tumor, or other condition develops nearby.
Identifying which lymph nodes are swollen can help you address the
problem.
The glands on either side of the neck, under the jaw, or behind the
ears commonly swell when you have a cold or sore throat. Glands can
also swell following an injury, such as a cut or bite, near the
gland or when a tumor or infection occurs in the mouth, head, or
neck.
Glands in the armpit (axillary lymph nodes) may swell from an injury
or infection to the arm or hand. A rare cause of axillary swelling
may be breast cancer or lymphoma.
The lymph nodes in the groin (femoral or inguinal lymph nodes) may
swell from an injury or infection in the foot, leg, groin, or
genitals. In rare cases, testicular cancer, lymphoma, or melanoma
may cause a lump in this area.
Glands above the collarbone (supraclavicular lymph nodes) may swell
from an infection or tumor in the areas of the lungs, breasts, neck,
or abdomen
Could Your Bra Be Killing You?
“Over and over, C.J. McDaniel has observed stagnant lymph vessels,
re-routing lymph, lymph enlargement and swollen glands in her
patients at exactly the areas where bra elastic tightens and
squeezes. She says, ‘Without a doubt, we do see breast lymph
congestion and connective tissue restrictions exactly where the bra
line hits and above and below the breast including the armpits. Bras
cross major lymph vessel pathways and may act like a tourniquet.’
This is especially true for large-breasted women, whose breasts are
large enough to put considerable strain on the straps and bands,
causing breast pain. It’s even more true for those women choosing to
wear thin strapped bras and underwires.
“Breast tissue has poor lymph flow to begin with because the muscle
is under the gland instead of on top of it. Why should you care?
Well, the lymph system is designed to keep the body’s fluids in
balance and evacuate toxins, proteins, and excess fluid from the
extra-cellular spaces. In addition to trash collection, the lymph
system transports hormones and immune cells throughout the body.
It’s a vital piece of your immune system. And much of the lymph
system is located in and around the chest and armpits (axillas).”
Lymphatic Drainage Massage Technique
Personal note: After reading numerous cautions like those above for
many years, I eventually switched to a soft camisole. Not only do I
feel less fatigued, but there’s also no sagging. The breast is a
muscle, and if you remove that extra support, those muscles become
stronger rather than sag. My personal opinion is that bras are
unnatural! Seriously, try a camisole. (Smile) Oh, and by all means
remember that exercise, especially brisk walks, are a crucial means
of keeping the lymph fluids moving.
A Chiropractic Solution
On my recent visit to Dr. Joe Givan, DC, here in Colorado Springs,
CO, I asked him if he could suggest an easy, ongoing method for
keeping the lymph glands from becoming toxic. He said that your
chiropractors should be checking your K27 meridian at every visit.
This is outlined in the book Your Body Can Talk by Susan L. Levy and
Carol Lehr.
Dr. Givan then began to utilize the acupressure technique close to
my left and right clavicle. It was a bit painful but very effective.
During that brief treatment, he told me that having this done by our
chiropractor or learning to do it ourselves would go a long way as
would eating the right foods and whole food supplements toward
maintaining a healthy lymphatic system.
By manually stimulating the lymphatic system, you:
Increase the carrying capacity of the lymph system, allowing it to
process up to 10 times more fluid than normal.
Increase the flow through the lymph nodes, filtering out waste
products, dead cells, excess proteins and toxins from the tissues.
Increase the production of lymphocytes, thereby increasing the
body’s ability to fight infections.
Activate the parasympathetic response, producing a body-wide
relaxation effect.
Best Herbals for Lymphatic Health
In a recent study of herbs, Wintergreen Botanicals founder Maria
Noel Groves, RH (AHG), outlined some wonderful, gentle herbal
methods to keep this vital system in tip-top condition in the Spring
2017 Herb Quarterly. Here are her recommendations and some nice
formulas to get you going on lymph detoxification and ongoing
maintenance.
Best Lymph Cleansing Herbs
As recommended by clinical herbalogist Maria Noel Groves
Burdock (Arctium lappa, A.): According to Noel Groves, this is the
most profound detoxification herb. The roots, she says, support
detoxification via both the liver and the lymph. Burdock root also
acts as a mild bitter, encouraging digestive function while it
supplies useful nutrients to the body. (Note: I use lots of burdock
in my medicinal bone broth. To learn more, ready my post titled
“Medicinal Bone Broth for Winter’s Woes.”)
Violet (Viola spp.): This leaf and flower offer gentle yet profound
lymph-moving activity. Noel Graves says the plant is highly
nutritious and slightly mucilaginous, giving it a soothing demulcent
and healing activity for the body, and it has a very mild laxative
property.
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): These blossoms earned their
reputation as “blood cleaners” more for their activity on the lymph
than the blood. Not only does red clover effectively move lymph (as
do its relatives white and yellow clover), but it also serves as a
weak source of phytoestrongens.
Red Root (Ceanothus americanus): Perhaps our most supreme lymph
herb. Red Root aids in all functions of the lymph, and we often call
on it during times of infection, which include swollen lymph nodes
to promote detoxification, lymph drainage, and healthy immune
function.
Echinacea (Echinacea spp.): Echinacea may be more famous as an
immune herb, but it’s also a potent lymphagogue. It helps us by
mobilizing the immune army into battle and clearing the battlefield
debris.
The first two lymph recipes below are adapted from the Spring 2017
Herb Quarterly.
Nutri-Detox Tea
The author of this recipe calls it a “great general well-being tea
that combines the light, earthy flavors of some of our favorite
herbs.”
Ingredients
1 teaspoon violet leaf
1 teaspoon nettle leaf
1 teaspoon red clover blossoms
1 teaspoon mint of choice
Instructions
Steep all ingredients for 30 minutes or longer in 12 oz. of hot
water (I recommend filtered or spring water). Drink daily, as much
as you like.
Herbal Root “Coffee”
“These herbs support general detoxification via the liver, lymph,
and kidneys,” the author explains. “And they taste a wee bit like
coffee.”
Ingredients
2 parts burdock root
1 part dandelion root
1 part roasted chicory root
½ part cocoa powder (optional) (I recommend carob powder)
½ part cinnamon (optional) (I only use Ceylon cinnamon)
Instructions
Simmer or steep for 20 minutes. If you like, add sweetener and milk
of choice. (This tastes great, but it will dampen some of the detox
benefits.)
Lymph Cleansing Herbal Infusion Recipe
Adapted from Healthy and Natural World
Ingredients
2 parts calendula
2 parts cleavers
1 part mullein
Instructions
Place the herbs in a small saucepan and cover with cold water.
Heat slowly and simmer, covered, for 20–45 minutes. The longer you
simmer the herbs, the stronger the tea will be.
Drink 2–3 cups a day for 2–3 weeks.
Whole Food Supplements for Swollen Lymph Nodes
Thymex. Supports the thymus gland with bovine thymus Cytoso extract.
Indicated for inflammatory conditions, skin conditions, infections,
chronic lesions, slow healing response, allergic reactions, and
stress.
Linum B6. Linum B6 contains flaxseed oil, a natural source of alpha-linolenic
acid (which is a precursor of EPA and DHA). It’s used for lymphatic
drainage due to how light it is. Linum B6 is light enough to flow
through the lymph and rinse away the thick viscous buildup that
often congests the lymphatic system.
Calcium Lactate. Primarily indicated for fevers, infections, cramps,
hyperthyroidism, and soft tissue repair.
Cataplex A-C. Supports cardiovascular health, immune system response
function, and the maintenance of cells and tissues, and also
supports vascular integrity.
Afterthoughts from the Traditional Cook…
Lymphatics and Laughter
The Lymphatic Mystery Will Now Be Exposed.
What Are Those Lil’ Nubbins? The Question’s Been Posed.
Hundreds Of Lymph Nodes Ceaselessly Cleaning
In Neck, Arms And Groin Send Invaders Careening.
Without These Nodes, Our Immune Systems Won’t Work.
Lymph’s Filtered Through Them So Our Bodies Will Perk.
Flowing Non-Stop In An Upward Direction,
The Faster Lymph Moves, The Less The Infection.
Traveling Upward Without Aid From A Pump,
What Can Be Done To Prevent Lymphatic Slump?
Creating Negative Pressure Is One Mighty Way,
Of Moving More Lymph, Keeping Illness At Bay.
Working Constantly to Keep Us Free From Disease,
Lymph Travels Upward When Our Muscles We Squeeze.
Exercise Is Important, That Is For Sure.
Deep Breathing And Belly Laughs Can Be A Cure.
With Every Guffaw, Lymphatics Will Wiggle,
From A Big Belly Laugh Or A Wee Little Giggle.
Enliven The Flow, That’s The Ultimate Goal.
Laughter’s Fantastic For Body And Soul.
Our Minds And Our Spirits Will Benefit Too.
So Bring On The Laughter And Take Care Of You!
Source
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