The Lymphatic System
A healthy lymphatic system is very important to keep our bodies safe and free of illness. The lymphatic system assists both the cardiovascular system and the immune system in their functions … almost like a security check for your blood. Lymphadenopathy, Lymphoma, enlarged spleen, cysts, fibroids, mononucleosis, and swollen lymph glands are all problems of the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is a vast interconnected network similar to the circulatory system’s veins and capillaries. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to help rid the body of toxins and unwanted materials through the lymph, which is a fluid inside lymphatic vessels that contains white blood cells to fight infections in the body. These vessels are connected to lymph nodes, and these lymph nodes are the sites where the lymph is filtered.
The tonsils, adenoids, spleen and thymus are all part of the lymphatic system. The spleen is the biggest lymphatic organ. The spleen controls the amount of red blood cells in the body. If it finds any harmful or infectious organisms, it pumps out white blood cells to fix the problem. The lymph nodes produce these white blood cells too. These white blood cells are also referred to as lymphocytes, which then produce the antibodies to attack the invaders. The lymphatic system is pretty much the first line of security before your immune system comes into play. The immune system is more like the police.
The thymus holds premature lymphocytes which will soon become active T cells. These will also fight off infection. The tonsils inspect what goes into your mouth right away. They try to make sure that nothing harmful gets passed them. This is why doctors always check your neck and throat right away.
To make sure you maintain a healthy lymphatic system, you want to keep your blood free of toxins. You want to keep your immune and cardiovascular system healthy and strong. You even want to make sure that you patch up any damaged organs like your intestines that may leak toxins into your blood stream. Luckily enough, we have help from nature to also keep our lymphatic system strong and healthy. Here are some herbs that can help.
Burdock Root
Burdock root is truly a master blood and lymph cleanser. It has been used as a detox herb for centuries and has many benefits for the body. It stimulates lymph flow and improves lymph drainage. It helps treat all lymphatic issues especially swollen lymph nodes, ovarian cysts, and fibroids. It also treats most skin problems and well as infectious diseases like herpes. This herb should always be included in lymphatic formulas.
Echinacea
This is a well-known herb known as the king of blood and lymph cleansers. Throughout history caretakers always recommended Echinacea on the first onset of any sickness or cold like symptoms. This is because it works so well to cleanse the blood and support the immune system. It works great for any kind of lymphatic infection, as well as other types of infections. It also works to reduce the size of swollen lymph nodes.
Goldenseal
This herb treats 9 of the bodies systems for a wide variety of support. It helps treat tonsil inflammation and infection, colds, flus, respiratory conditions, and sinus infections. It also cleanses the blood and stimulates the circulatory system. Goldenseal is a mild antibiotic. It kills gram positive bacteria, increases the activity of immune cells and improves blood flow through the spleen, which assists immune functions and lymphatic congestion which could be an underlying cause for low energy levels. You only want to use this herb in small amounts when it pertains to lymphatic issues.
Sarsaparilla
This is another great blood and lymph cleanser. It works especially well for the lymphatic system. It treats chronic, swollen lymph nodes, cleanses and purifies the lymph, and helps treat lymphatic cancers. It even helps to fight infections in the lymph. Many herbalists find this to be a great ingredient to add to spleen building formulas.
Barberry
Barberry is known mostly as a digestive aid and liver tonic. It also greatly diminishes the size of swollen lymph nodes and acts as a tonic to the lymphatic system. This is a good herb to take because the added liver support keeps the blood cleaner for less risk of invaders.
Red clover
This herb is used as a blood and lymph purifier. It encourages lymph flow and reduces the size of swollen glands. This is a great herb for women and works especially well for breast lymph congestion.
Blue violet
Blue violet is yet another great lymphatic cleanser. Usually, this herb is combined with above herbs because it has a lighter effect on the body. It’s great for lymphatic congestion and swollen lymph nodes, especially in the breast, jaw, and armpit.
Thyme
Thyme is a great thymus support herb. It increases the production of T cells which in turn helps the body battle any unwanted intruders.
Ceanothus (Red root)
Works well for the lymphatic system but is mostly used as a spleen medicine. This herb works great for an enlarged spleen.
The lymphatic system is usually overlooked by many but as you can see it is very important. We shouldn’t have to rely solely on our immune systems for defense from harmful microorganisms. We need to support all of our bodies systems if we want it to run properly and efficiently.