Try These Herbs for Deep Cleansing
The following six herbs are my top picks for cleansing the lymphatic system. They can be taken alone or in a combination of two or more herbs in a tea or tincture, for about three weeks at a time.
Echinacea (Echinacea spp.). Not only a powerful immune-boosting herb, echinacea combines well with astragalus to lessen congestion and swelling in the lymphatic system. Make a decoction using 2 teaspoons of dried echinacea per cup of water. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 15 minutes. Drink 1 cup, three times a day. Or take 1 teaspoon of tincture three times daily.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus). The Chinese have been using astragalus, which they refer to as huang qi, for more than 2,000 years. “Huang qi” means “life-force strengthener.” In addition to strengthening the life force, astragalus is an excellent lymphatic system cleanser. Alongside echinacea, it alleviates congestion and swelling in the body. Astragalus is primarily available as a tincture, or in capsule or tablet form. Because potency can vary greatly with this herb, it is best to follow the package directions for the optimum dose.
Cleavers (Galium aparine). Known primarily as a blood and urinary tract cleanser, cleavers also enhances the function of the lymphatic system and decreases congestion and inflammation in the tissues. This herb improves the capacity of the lymphatic system to deal with toxins and combines well with pokeroot (see below). For cleavers tea, use 2 to 3 teaspoons of the dried herb (stems and small leaves) per cup of water. Drink 1 cup three times daily. Alternatively, use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of tincture three times daily. Avoid using cleavers if you suffer from diabetes or have diabetic tendencies.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). In addition to having anti-inflammatory properties, goldenseal encourages lymphatic cleansing. Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried herb per cup for an infusion. Drink 3 cups daily or take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of tincture three times a day.
Pokeroot (Phytolacca americana). Pokeroot is a useful herb for improving the flow of lymph. It works well with immune- and lymph-related conditions, such as adenitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, swollen glands, mumps, mastitis and fibrocystic breast disease. Take 1/3 teaspoon of the dried root per cup of water and simmer on the stove for 15 minutes to make a decoction. Alternatively, take 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of the tincture, three times a day. Do not increase the dose — the herb has powerful laxative effects that can be harmful in larger doses.
Caution: Pokeroot can be toxic. The herb should be used only under the supervision of an expert qualified in the appropriate use of this herb. Pokeroot should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women or in people who have lymphocytic leukemia or gastrointestinal irritation.
The following six herbs are my top picks for cleansing the lymphatic system. They can be taken alone or in a combination of two or more herbs in a tea or tincture, for about three weeks at a time.
Echinacea (Echinacea spp.). Not only a powerful immune-boosting herb, echinacea combines well with astragalus to lessen congestion and swelling in the lymphatic system. Make a decoction using 2 teaspoons of dried echinacea per cup of water. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 15 minutes. Drink 1 cup, three times a day. Or take 1 teaspoon of tincture three times daily.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus). The Chinese have been using astragalus, which they refer to as huang qi, for more than 2,000 years. “Huang qi” means “life-force strengthener.” In addition to strengthening the life force, astragalus is an excellent lymphatic system cleanser. Alongside echinacea, it alleviates congestion and swelling in the body. Astragalus is primarily available as a tincture, or in capsule or tablet form. Because potency can vary greatly with this herb, it is best to follow the package directions for the optimum dose.
Cleavers (Galium aparine). Known primarily as a blood and urinary tract cleanser, cleavers also enhances the function of the lymphatic system and decreases congestion and inflammation in the tissues. This herb improves the capacity of the lymphatic system to deal with toxins and combines well with pokeroot (see below). For cleavers tea, use 2 to 3 teaspoons of the dried herb (stems and small leaves) per cup of water. Drink 1 cup three times daily. Alternatively, use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of tincture three times daily. Avoid using cleavers if you suffer from diabetes or have diabetic tendencies.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). In addition to having anti-inflammatory properties, goldenseal encourages lymphatic cleansing. Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried herb per cup for an infusion. Drink 3 cups daily or take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of tincture three times a day.
Pokeroot (Phytolacca americana). Pokeroot is a useful herb for improving the flow of lymph. It works well with immune- and lymph-related conditions, such as adenitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, swollen glands, mumps, mastitis and fibrocystic breast disease. Take 1/3 teaspoon of the dried root per cup of water and simmer on the stove for 15 minutes to make a decoction. Alternatively, take 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of the tincture, three times a day. Do not increase the dose — the herb has powerful laxative effects that can be harmful in larger doses.
Caution: Pokeroot can be toxic. The herb should be used only under the supervision of an expert qualified in the appropriate use of this herb. Pokeroot should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women or in people who have lymphocytic leukemia or gastrointestinal irritation.
Wild
indigo root (Baptisia tinctoria). Wild indigo helps destroy damaging
microbes in the body and cleans up the lymphatic system, improves lymph
flow and reduces swelling in lymph glands. For a powerful herbal
cleanser, combine wild indigo root with cleavers and pokeroot. You can
take it as a decoction using 1/3 teaspoon of the dried root per cup of
water. Simmer 15 minutes and drink 1 cup three times a day. Or take 1/4
to 1/2 teaspoon of tincture three times daily. Do not use wild indigo if
you’re pregnant or nursing.
MOVE YOUR BODY: EXERCISE IS VITAL
There is three times more lymph fluid in the body than blood, yet the body has no organ like the heart to pump lymph. That means lymph relies on deep breathing and exercise to move. While cleansing the lymphatic system, be sure to increase aerobic exercise — try brisk walking, rebounding on a mini trampoline or jogging. Also, it’s important to take time to practice deep-breathing exercises to help pump the lymph with fresh oxygen.
Thoroughly cleansing the lymphatic system is the key to long-term and efficient weight loss and great health. It is also the key to experiencing great health and living without pain.
(800) 688-2444
www.AriseAndShine.com
EcoNugenics
(800) 308-5518
www.EcoNugenics.com
San Francisco Herb & Natural Food Company
(800) 227-2830
www.HerbSpiceTea.com
Michelle Schoffro Cook is an award-winning author, doctor of natural medicine, doctor of acupuncture, holistic nutritionist and author of the books The 4 Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan (John Wiley & Sons, 2004) and Healing Injuries the Natural Way (Your Health Press, 2004). Visit her website at www.EnergyEffect.com.
MOVE YOUR BODY: EXERCISE IS VITAL
There is three times more lymph fluid in the body than blood, yet the body has no organ like the heart to pump lymph. That means lymph relies on deep breathing and exercise to move. While cleansing the lymphatic system, be sure to increase aerobic exercise — try brisk walking, rebounding on a mini trampoline or jogging. Also, it’s important to take time to practice deep-breathing exercises to help pump the lymph with fresh oxygen.
Thoroughly cleansing the lymphatic system is the key to long-term and efficient weight loss and great health. It is also the key to experiencing great health and living without pain.
Resources
Arise & Shine(800) 688-2444
www.AriseAndShine.com
EcoNugenics
(800) 308-5518
www.EcoNugenics.com
San Francisco Herb & Natural Food Company
(800) 227-2830
www.HerbSpiceTea.com
Michelle Schoffro Cook is an award-winning author, doctor of natural medicine, doctor of acupuncture, holistic nutritionist and author of the books The 4 Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan (John Wiley & Sons, 2004) and Healing Injuries the Natural Way (Your Health Press, 2004). Visit her website at www.EnergyEffect.com.
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