The Herb Stop Blog
Top 3 Supportive Herbs for the Cleansing Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is one of the body's most important and frequently overlooked systems. You may have heard of lymphatic massages before, but what exactly does the lymphatic system do, and how can you support this system’s cleansing processes?
In this guide, we’re sharing all about the lymphatic system, how it cares for our bodies, and how you can support it through healthy lifestyle choices and supportive herbs.
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and is essentially a “garbage disposal” for our bodies. The primary functions of the lymphatic system include filtering blood, producing white blood cells, returning protein to the cardiovascular system, and protecting against disease.
Parts of the lymphatic system include the thymus, spleen, tonsils, adenoid, Peyer’s patches, appendix, and bone marrow.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the lymphatic system’s key functions include:
- Maintaining the fluid levels in your body: The lymphatic system is responsible for gathering excess fluid that drains from tissue and cells throughout your body. This fluid is then returned to your bloodstream and recirculated.
- Protecting your body from foreign invaders: As part of the immune system, the lymphatic system contributes to your immune system by creating and releasing lymphocytes (white blood cells) and other immune cells. These cells identify and destroy foreign invaders like viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi.
- Absorbing fat: Fluids from your intestines with fats and proteins are processed by the lymphatic system and transported back into the bloodstream.
You can see why the lymphatic system is so important! The Cleveland Clinic lists just a few ways we can support this cleansing system through healthy lifestyle choices:
- Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated allows your lymph to move through the body quickly.
- Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, like those in cleaning products or pesticides. When you have a buildup of these chemicals in your body, your lymphatic system has to work overtime to filter waste.
- Give yourself a massage. Gentle massage, dry brushing, or a steam bath with Epsom salt can improve your lymphatic system’s circulation and support decreased congestion. Check out our previous article on the benefits of facial massage for a demonstration of how to do a facial massage.
- Get moving. When you move, your muscles “massage” your lymphatic system as you work out, walk, fold laundry, jump on a trampoline, etc.
In addition to these tips, certain herbs can help you support your lymphatic system even more.
Supportive Herbs for the Lymphatic System
Red Clover
Red clover is a beautiful deep-pink herbaceous plant. Traditionally, red clover has been used as a blood-cleansing herb because of its believed ability to eliminate unwanted toxins in the body by stimulating the lymphatic system.
A 2021 study concluded that red clover promotes both antioxidant and anti-cancer effects. The study also mentions that red clover supports cardiovascular function and encourages improved symptoms during menopause.
Another study recorded exciting results about red clover’s effect on hair and skin. This study was on a group of 109 postmenopausal women. After 90 days of taking red clover extract, participants noted a significant improvement in their scalp, hair, and skin quality and texture. Researchers also recorded that participants experienced better sleep, mood, energy levels, and libido. Many of these effects could be the result of a more effective lymphatic system!
Interested in trying red clover? Try these supportive herb choices:
For a lymphatic-supporting herbal blend, we recommend our Decelleration Tea, a tea designed specifically to support and energize the body’s cleansing systems, including the lymphatic system, kidneys, and liver. Your lymphatic system, kidneys, and liver are critical for clearing out built-up toxins in the body. In this tea, we’ve included red clover herb, wild harvested chaparral leaf, buchu leaf, tea tree essential oil, flax seed oil, liquid lecithin, and sesame seed oil to promote healthy, natural detoxification.
Some have even reported experiencing increased energy after drinking this tea - likely due to its supportive ingredients that encourage the elimination of toxins and improved nutrient absorption.
Red Clover Capsules are another excellent choice for anyone interested in supporting the lymphatic system and encouraging better cleansing of the blood. These capsules may contribute to improved skin and hair and decreased nervous energy.
Echinacea
A study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences demonstrates that Echinacea is an effective, wide-spectrum immunomodulator that helps with both adaptive and innate immune responses in the body. Certain types of echinacea have also been noted to have anti-inflammatory potential.
These findings aren’t surprising to us as herbalists have long recognized echinacea root for its powerful immune-stimulating properties, which is why it’s often recommended for supporting the body during infection, viral disease, colds, and more. Many herbalists also incorporate echinacea into blood cleansing formulas.
If you’re especially interested in stimulating your immune system, try our Lymph Drain Extract, which promotes improved drainage to stimulate the immune system. This extract contains echinacea root, wild harvested red root, and rosehips to support a healthier and faster immune response and improved movement within the lymphatic system.
Calendula
Researchers recognize that chronic inflammation combined with overactivation of the immune system may contribute to certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndromes. As a result, reducing chronic inflammation in the body may help prevent the chances of developing certain diseases or reduce the overall symptoms.
Calendula is believed to possess significant anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive effects, which have been demonstrated in multiple studies.
One animal study showed that calendula extract had a potent anti-inflammatory effect after being given orally. Another study demonstrated that calendula was effective against all 23 clinical fungi strains, showcasing its antifungal properties - another vital aspect of the lymphatic system.
As a result, we’ve included calendula in some of our lymphatic-supporting herbal remedies because it may encourage an improved immune response.
Our Lymphatic Cleanser Tea is a fantastic choice for supporting gentle cleansing because of its fragrant blend of organic calendula, cleavers, jasmine flowers, red clover, mullein leaf, spearmint, and lady’s mantle. These herbs promote gentle cleansing of the body so that your body can naturally detox via the powerful lymphatic system.
Another option is our Colon Cleanser Capsules, made with calendula and many other herbs that support cleansing the small and large intestines.
We know that was a lot of information! Still, we hope you found our article on the lymphatic system and supportive herbs helpful, as it is such a critical component of cleansing the body and keeping it healthy.
Well Wishes,
Herbalist Natalie & Herbalist Leilah