Best Herbs for Lymphatic Drainage: System Detox & Support

Sharing is caring!

Best Herbs for Lymphatic Drainage: System Detox & Support

​These are the best herbs for lymphatic drainage and to help the system to detox and support it. I will first discuss what the lymphatic system is, its function in the body, and diseases related to the lymphatic system. Once there is a general understanding of this, I will go into which herbs work the best with the lymph system and how to take them. 

What is the lymphatic system?

Your lymphatic system is organs, vessels, and tissues that work together to move a colorless, watery fluid (lymph) back into your circulatory system (your bloodstream). 

Your lymphatic system consists of:

• Bone marrow
• Lymph nodes
• Thymus
• Spleen
• Lymph
• Lymphatic vessels
• Collecting ducts
• Tonsils and adenoids

Function of the lymphatic system

Think of your lymphatic system as a filter for your body while aiding in the circulatory and immune system. 

• It collects excess fluid from your tissues and returns it to your bloodstream. 
• It helps your body to absorb fats.
• Aids in immune function. It performs a vital role by producing and releasing lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) and other immune cells into the bloodstream.

Health issues

Many conditions can affect the various parts of your lymphatic system.

• Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)
• Lymphedema (swelling or accumulation of fluid)
• Lymphoma (cancer)
• Lymphangitis (inflammation of your lymph vessels)
• and many more!

Best herbs for lymphatic drainage, support, and healing!

Lymphatic herbs can help to support the lymphatic health and swollen glands throughout the body. You can use lymphatic herbs for only a day or so and not only move the white blood cells, but it can help to flush out toxins and waste that had been accumulating in the lymph glands.

We give our cars oil changes, so consider supporting your lymphatic system in the same aspect. We have to do maintenance on our cars to help them work at their best and prevent the engine from breaking. The same is true for our lymphatic system to promote optimal health. Promoting a healthy lymphatic system is one of many ways to increase your overall health and wellness. 

The best herbs for lymphatic drainage, detox, and support are:

• Lobelia
• Red clover
• Cleavers
• Red root
• Ocotillo
• Poke root
• Stillingia
• Violet
• Echinacea
• Blue flag
• Bogbean
• Elecampane
• Lovage

This is not meant to be medical advice. Speak with your healthcare provider before taking any herbs medicinally. Herbal medicine can have contraindications with medications or other diseases. 

​Everyone is different and will have different needs and preferences when taking herbs. Read the best herbs for lymphatic drainage below to help make the best decision for yourself. There is no one right answer as we all have a unique body and circumstances. 

See my resources page for more sourcing of herbs and DIY items.

Lobelia

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) helps to clear lymphatic congestion by promoting circulation. It works so well at promoting circulation that it’s recommended for those with chronic cold hands or feet. Those with Reynard’s disease can benefit from this herb as well. Lobelia can relax blood vessels which allows the warmth of the blood flow throughout the body. This will also promote lymphatic flow throughout the entire body.

This herb should not be taken by those who have hypertension or are pregnant. It is also used as an emetic (induces vomiting) if consumed in large doses. 

The best way to take this herb is by tincture or capsule. Tincture take 5-20 drops as needed. By capsule take 100-400 mg per dose, but may not need an entire dose, and may use as little as 1/4 dose. It is also recommended to be taken with a stimulant herb like peppermint a few minutes before taking lobelia. 

Red clover

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is known as a blood purifier (alterative) and can be used in conjunction with other blood purifiers to help with swollen lymph glands. This herb helps to rid the body of toxic build-up and excessive waste. With this, it helps to purge the lymph nodes of congested materials to reduce hard, swollen, and painful nodules. 

Due to its phytoestrogen content, some herbalists do not recommend taking this herb while pregnant. 

Taken as an infusion or tincture. Infusion take 1-2 teaspoons per cup, steep for about 10 minutes, and drink 1-3 cups per day. As a tincture take 1-3 ml 1-3 times daily.

Cleavers

Cleavers (Galium aparine) is a gentle lymphatic tonic and alterative (blood purifier). It also works on the bladder and kidneys as a diuretic. They help to relieve congestion in swollen lymph glands and nodules in the body by promoting lymphatic circulation. It is similar to poke root but gentle and more mild. Their action promotes cleansing and the elimination of waste products while purifying the blood. 

Cleavers can be used both externally and internally. 

Taken as a standard infusion of 4-8 oz up to 3 times a day. Tincture take 5-10 ml 3 times a day. 

Red root

Red root (Ceanothus americanus) is traditionally used for an inflamed spleen (part of the lymphatic system). It is a powerful lymphatic cleanser as it helps to shrink swollen lymph nodes and reduce the large inflamed spleen. It is even more useful when paired with echinacea as it works well for tonsillitis, cysts, and infections in the lymph glands. AIDS patients can use this with good results as well. 

Rarely does it cause an allergic reaction, but when it does, it is a swollen tongue most often. 

Taken as a standard decoction is 2-4 oz 3 times a day. As a tincture take 1-3 ml 3 times a day.

Ocotillo

Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) is used for glandular and lymphatic inflammation. It helps to move the lymphatic fluid through the system and can work stronger on the lymphatic vessels of the abdomen and sexual organs than most other herbs. 

Do not use it during pregnancy. 

Take in tincture form 10-30 drops no more than 4 times a day.

Poke root

Poke root (Phytolacca decandra) is an antiviral, immune stimulant, and lymphatic drainage herb. The oil can be used topically for lymph nodes that are swollen and inflamed. Small doses of a tincture are taken internally for severe lymphatic congestion. 

This herb can become very toxic and cause severe adverse reactions such as paralysis, bradycardia, decreased respiration, and decreased skeletal muscle coordination. Stop taking immediately if any toxic effects are noticed such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, dizziness, hypotension, and headaches. This should only be taken under a medical professional’s direct care and supervision. Do not use it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. 

Speak with a professional on dosing as a tincture. Can be applied topically as an oil. If making the oil yourself, make sure to wear gloves while chopping up the herb. 

Stillingia

Stillingia (Stillingia spp.) is also known as queen’s root and is primarily used to improve lymphatic drainage and stimulate the immune system from chronic infections. 

There are no known warnings for this herb. 

Taken as a tincture 5 drops to 1 ml 6 times a day.

Violet

Violet (Viola odorata and related species) is good for relieving congestion in the lymphatic system. 

There are no known warnings for this herb.

Taken as a standard infusion 4-8 oz 3 times a day. Tincture 1-5 ml 3 times a day.

Echinacea

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) is widely used for many different reasons today. One of its uses is for the lymphatic system as it helps to strengthen and clear the lymph nodes. It is also an alterative (blood purifier), antiseptic, antivenomous, antiviral, and immune stimulant.

Use very cautiously if you have an autoimmune disorder, but otherwise, it is nontoxic and mostly harmless. 

Take as a standard decoction of 2-4 oz 3 times a day. Tincture take 1-5 ml 3-6 times a day. Capsule take 400-1200 mg 3-4 times a day.

Bogbean

Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) is a bitter-tasting herb used to clean out the lymphatic system. It can help the body purge waste for effective symptom relief. 

Bogbean can thin the blood and moderate doses can cause diarrhea. 

As an infusion (herbal tea) put 1-2 teaspoons in each cup of water and steep for no less than 10 minutes. Drink 1-3 cups daily. If made into a syrup, take 1 teaspoon as needed. If using a tincture take 10-30 drops 1-3 times daily.

Elecampane

Elecampane (Inula helenium) has sweet and bitter compounds. This herb provides a cleaning effect to the lymph system while also supporting the digestive system. This will help improve your immune response as so much of your health resides in your lymphatic and gut. 

This should not be taken during pregnancy on its own. 

As a decoction use 1 tablespoon per cup of water and simmer no less than 10 minutes. Take 3 cups per day. Asa tincture take 30 drops 3-4 times a day. Syrup take 1 teaspoon 1-3 times per day. 

Lovage

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a bitter and sweet herb that works on the kidneys, stomach, lymph system, cardiovascular system, and reproductive system. Although this herb is not used as often today, it was once used often to help stimulate lymph circulation and lymphatic support. It also warms the stomach and digestive tract to increase circulation and help improve digestion. 

Can cause photosensitivity if taken often. Should not be taken during pregnancy. 

As a decoction take 1-5 tablespoons per cup of water and simmer for 5 minutes uncovered. Take 1-3 cups per day. As an infusion (herbal tea) take 4 tablespoons in 1 quart of cold water, steep overnight, and consume 1-3 cups daily. Tincture take 1-3 ml 1-3 times per day.

Herbal remedies

Lymphatic cleansing formula

This formula is to help with swollen lymph nodes, sore throats, chronic earaches, and congestion. This will help to promote lymphatic drainage, decrease the size of swollen lymph nodes, and help to fight infection. 

Ingredients:

• 2 parts red root
• 2 parts echinacea
• 1 part mullein
• 1 part lobelia
• 1/2 part yarrow
• 1/2 part calendula

Prepare these herbs as a tincture or glycerite. 

Directions:

• Add all the herbs into a jar with an airtight lid.
• Cover herbs with alcohol (tincture) or glycerine (glycerite).
• Apply lid and shake herbs. Add more solution to cover if needed as herbs can sometimes soak it up.
• Shake at least once a day for the first several days. Then leave in a windowsill or other sunny spot for 4-6 weeks.
• After 4-6 weeks, strain the herbs with a mesh strainer and bottle the liquid into a dropper bottle.
• Store in a cool place for up to a year or longer.

Notes:

• If using alcohol, it must be at least 80 proof. 

• Glycerin needs to be non-GMO food-grade quality.

Inflamed Lymph Nodes Tea

This tea is to help relieve swollen lymph nodes in the lymphatic system.

Ingredients:

• 1 part pipsissewa leaf
• 1 part cleavers
• 1/2 part white willow leaf
• 1/2 part calendula flower
• 1/2 part hibiscus fruit
• 1/2 part lemongrass

Directions:

• Mix all of the herbs into an airtight container, usually a mason jar. 
• Steep 1-2 teaspoons in 10 oz of hot water for no less than 15 minutes. 
• Drink while hot 2-3 times a day for 4-5 days.

Notes:

• Make tea as needed in cup sizes.

Let me know

If you have ever done a detox for your lymphatic system, let me know how it went and what you used in the comments below. I always like to hear about others’ experiences. What would you consider to be the best herbs for lymphatic drainage for you?

Best herbs for series

Check out the rest of the series for other ailments and healthy practices.