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Most people have never heard about the lymphatic system but it is a super important system in the body made up of lymph, lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymphatic cells, and a variety of lymphoid organs. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance within the body by collecting excess fluid from tissues and returning it to the bloodstream where the other organs of elimination (like the liver and kidneys) can process and excrete those wastes. It also serves as a key part of the immune system by filtering out foreign substances and harmful cells through lymph nodes.
Signs your lymphatic system needs a little love:
Fluid retention
Rings or clothing feeling tight in a short period of time
Swelling in extremities
Skin issues like acne
Swollen lymph nodes
Swollen tonsils or sore through(unrelated to an infection)
Bloating
Puffy face or eyes in the morning
Brain fog
Feeling inflamed
Fatigue
The lymphatic system does not have its own pump so it relies mainly on movement, gravity, and muscle contractions to move lymph through the body. These are some of the most important tools or strategies to helps support lymphatic flow in the body.
Hydration- focus on 2L of good quality filtered water daily- you need more if you are exercising and sweating
Gua sha and face rolling- these are ways to physically move the lymph in your face and neck.
Dry brushing-A dry brush works by using coarse bristles to physically exfoliate the skin, which can result in smoother, softer skin by stimulating blood circulation and promoting lymphatic drainage when brushed in the direction of the heart.
Exercise in any form significantly improves the function of the lymphatic system by stimulating muscle contractions which act as a "pump" to move lymph fluid through the lymphatic vessels, effectively draining waste products and helping to reduce swelling throughout the body; essentially, the more you move your muscles, the better your lymphatic system flows.
Sauna and sweating- The heat from the sauna causes the body to sweat, which in turn can stimulate the lymphatic system and promote lymphatic drainage. My favourite place in Perth for a sauna & ice bath is The Melt Haus in Scarborough.
Hot and cold therapy- eg sauna & ice baths or simply alternating hot and cold showers. The alternating vasoconstriction and vasodilation creates a type of “pumping” action that enhances venous and lymphatic removal of oedema.
Rebounding, jump rope, vibration plate- jumping on a trampoline (or jumping of any kind) activates lymphatic vessels to open and close aiding the transport of lymph through the vessels. It also uses muscular contraction and gravitational pressure to assist in movement.
Lymphatic massage- works by using very gentle, light pressure to stimulate the movement of lymph fluid throughout the body, effectively pushing excess fluid towards lymph nodes where it can be reabsorbed. My favourite place in Perth for lymphatic massage is The Soul Nurture Sanctuary
The lymphatic system and skin health
Lymphatic congestion can manifest on the skin as puffiness, dullness, acne, and even conditions like eczema or rosacea. There are lymphatic capillaries located within the dermis (middle layer of the skin) and subcutaneous tissue in the skin.The way I explain it is that if the lymphatic system is sluggish or poorly functioning then it won’t effectively be draining waste products from the skin tissues, leading to a compromised environment and inflammation. In addition to not draining cellar wastes away from the skin, the body will not efficiently be able to deliver nutrients to skin. So this can be a barrier to healthy and glowing skin.
In theory most of my skin patients can benefit from lymphatic support but these are commons signs that will prompt me to consider it for a patient:
-Congestion under the skin ie breakouts that never really come to the surface and just linger under the skin
-Swelling or puffiness in the body and/or face
-Complains of swollen lymph nodes frequent that are not associated with an active infection
-When normal treatments are working as I would normally expect them to be
As a Western herbalist & naturopath, my favourite tool to support the lymphatic system, is with…. You guessed it… herbs…
Lymphatic herbs: are herbs that aid in lymphatic flow and lymph movement. The stimulate the movement of lymph and wastes away from tissues, whilst promoting the flow fresh lymph fluid to tissues to aid in the delivery of nutrients and oxygen.
How do lymphatics work?
The mechanism is not fully known however a few constituents within the herbs are thought to promote lymphatic movement via;
-increased capillary perfusion
-decreasing inflammation
-stimulation of lymphocytes (immune activation)
-improving the elimination of wastes via other organs of elimination such as kidneys and the liver
In my experience, lymphatic herbs can feel like hey are working like magic within hours or days!
Lymphatic herbs examples:
Clivers (Gallium aparine)
Poke root (Phytolacca americana)
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Echinacea (Echinacea spp)
Blue flag (Iris versicolor)
Wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria)
Red Root (Ceanothus americanum)
Depuratives are herbs that support detoxification processes and aid the elimination of wastes in the body via the liver, lungs, kidneys, lymphatic system, skin, and large intestine. There is a large overlap between lymphatic and depurative herbs
Depurative herb examples:
Burdock (Articum lappa)
Blue flag (Iris versicolor)
Yellow dock (Rumex crispus)
Sarsaparilla (Smilax ornata)
Thuja (Thuja occidentalis)
Red clover (Trifolium pratense)
Nettle leaf (Urtica diocia)
How to use lymphatics
Lymphatics can still be incredibly effective when used in smaller doses such as herbal teas. But the right combination for each person will vary on their needs, health conditions, and current medications. For stronger effects herbal tablets or liquid extracts can be prescribed by a qualified herbalist, again based on individual needs and safety.
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Chels x
Disclaimer
Not intended as health advice. Do not self-prescribe herbs. Some herbs are contraindicated in certain conditions or states eg pregnancy and lactation, or underlying health conditions . Herbs can interact with prescription medications.
Speak to a qualified herbalist before taking herbs.
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