How to Support the Lymphatic System and Its Vital Functions

Lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system consisting of lymphatic organs, network of lymphatic vessels, and the circulating lymph. Lymphatic system is very important in regulating the interstitial fluid (Fluid within the cells and tissues) and the Immune system. In this Article you will find information on the crucial functions of the lymphatic system and how to optimize it health with natural medicine.

Lymphatic tissues and organs provide all the necessary structures to produce Lymphocytes. These organs include bone marrow, lymphatic nodes, Spleen, Thymus, Tonsils, and the lymphatic tissue related to the digestive system.

Texture of the circulating lymph is similar to the blood plasma. Lymph contains different white blood cells primarily consisting of lymphocytes, waste products from cells and cellular debris, bacteria and proteins.

Lymph gets to move though network of lymphatic vessels with the help of slow and steady contractions throughout lymphatic passages or by external compression on lymphatic vessels such as contractions of skeletal muscles.

There are three main functions related to the Lymphatic system including; drainage by balancing the interstitial fluid, Immune health, and lymphatic transportation method for those cells, nutrients, and molecules not carried by blood circulation.

Blood circulation brings nutrients and oxygen close to the tissues and cells, then plasma through micro filtration gets into the intra-cellular space where nutrients and wastes are exchanged. Usually 85% of this plasma is reabsorbed to the blood; but, the remaining amount along with bigger molecules of wastes, damaged cells, and debris are transported by lymphatic system. Interruption in lymphatic drainage results in occurrence and/or increase of swelling, pain and inflammation.

Primary Lymphatic organs of Bone Marrow and Thymus are involved in production and maturation of Lymphocytes like B cells and T cells. Mature and functional lymphocytes get to the secondary or peripheral lymphatic organs such as Lymph Nodes, Spleen, Tonsils, Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT), etc. Then on these sites lymphocytes get activated by specific antigens such as bacteria, viruses, and allergens to fight infections and produce antibodies.

Lymph carries pathogens, debris, and allergens from food and other sources to the secondary lymphatic organs around the body to get filtered and destroyed before reaching the blood circulation. Inflammation and swelling of the Lymph nodes is indication of high activity on that site. Usually the closest lymphatic sites to the place where the pathogen or allergen has come in contact will get involve first.

There is an extensive network of Lymph Vessels around the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. This network not only is very important to modulate our immune system, but also it is Important in absorption and transportation of lipids. While carbohydrate and protein parts of the food are absorbed and transported by blood circulation, fatty part that is not water soluble should be transported and processed in different way via lymphatic system. Lipids are brought to the liver by lymphatic transportation. Lipids after being processed in the liver and attached to the protein will form lipo-proteins which then will be able to be transported by blood in form of cholesterol, triglycerides, etc.

Since Lymphatic System is wide spread in the entire body and directly or indirectly impacts crucial functions, it is important to always improve and support its health specially when detoxifying the body, during infections, In occasions of chronic and acute inflammation, when exposed to pathogens or allergens, and after injuries due to physical activities, surgeries or intensive treatments. Usually the lymphatic system is very active during the childhood as children are developing their immune system. In some children this causes frequent colds, earache, swelling of the mucus membranes and difficulty in breathing. Lymphatic Support has shown to speed up recovery and reduce the unwanted symptoms such as recurrent infections, pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Depending on the location of affected lymphatic system, the severity and the type of signs and symptoms may differ. There are wide range of natural medicines and treatments available to improve the lymphatic function. While some of the herbs and treatments are designed for general improvement of lymphatic drainage and Immune system, others often in homeopathic preparation and with more specific combinations provide gentle and targeted therapeutic benefits to those affected tissues and organs.

Common herbs used for lymphatic support include: Calendula which is used in herbal medicine to relieve the inflammation of mucus membranes. Echinacea is used to relieve symptoms of upper respiratory infections and sore throat. Burdock Root (Arctium Lappa) is well known in herbal medicine for its blood purifying and lymph stimulating effects by increasing the elimination of metabolic wastes form kidneys, intestine, and skin.

Homeopathic treatment offers wide range of remedies and potencies from mother tinctures to higher dilutions unique to the symptoms and the patient; however, commonly used ingredients in homeopathic preparations for lymphatic health include: Chelidonium Majus, Lycopodium Clavatum , Carduus Marianus, and Leptandra all of which target digestive health in particular biliary and liver function; Berberis Vulgaris to address symptoms associated with the urinary system; Ingredient like Apis melifica is used to reduce symptoms of inflammation in joints, skin, or other organs; Condurango (connium 9459) for symptoms associated with inflammation, ulceration, and constriction; Phytolacca decandra for Inflammation, congestion, and effects of mammary glands. Scrophularia nodosa 15753 in homeopathy is used for those with recurrent ear and throat infection and inflammation.

A healthy diet including organic vegetables, fruits, and nuts provide antioxidants and nutrients which is necessary for better lymphatic flow and Immune health. Avoiding synthetic and chemical beauty products, food preservatives, artificial additives, pesticides and other chemicals will also reduce the possibilities of lymphatic and immune disturbances. Our lymphatic system benefits from drinking clean water, deep breathing , lymphatic massage , and exercise.

Articles and products featured by Health Palace are collected from a variety of sources and are provided as a service by Health Palace. These newsletters, while of potential interest to readers, do not necessarily represent the opinions nor constitute the advice of Health Palace. Presented materials are only for information purposes and do not intent to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References:

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5.lymphoid tissue at Dorland's Medical Dictionary

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7.Fanous, Medhat YZ; Anthony J Phillips; John A Windsor (2007). "Mesenteric Lymph: The Bridge to Future Management of Critical Illness". Journal of the Pancreas (Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITY OF BOLOGNA) 8 (4): 374–399. PMID 17625290. Retrieved 2008-07-11.

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16.Gabsik Yang; Kyungjin Lee; Mi-Hwa Lee; So-Hyung Kim; In-Hye Ham; Ho-Young Choi (2011). "Inhibitory effects of Chelidonium majus extract on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice". Journal of Ethnopharmacology 138 (2): 398–403. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.09.028. PMID 21963561.

17.Gabriela Mazzanti; Antonella di Sotto; Antonio Franchitto; Caterina Loredana Mammola; Paola Mariani; Sabina Mastrangelo; Francesca Menniti-Ippolito; Annabella Vitalone (2009). "Chelidonium majus is not hepatotoxic in Wistar rats, in a 4 weeks feeding experiment". Journal of Ethnopharmacology 126 (3): 518–524. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2009.09.004. PMID 19761826.

18.GHP 2008: German Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia, Volume 1.Stuttgart (DE): MedPharm, 2008.

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Pascoe Lymphdiaral Drop 50 Ml			Biomed Lymph A Drop 50 Ml				Unda Chelidonium Plex 30 Ml
Homeopathic remedy used to relieve symptoms of swelling, inflammation and infection, such as pain, fever, sollen lymph nodes due to recurrent conditions including otitis media, tonsilitis, and sinusitis... Read more			Lymph-A-Drop™ work on the body's elimination organs and pathways, including the lymphatic system, the liver, the biliary tract, the skin... Read more				Homeopathic Preparation Helps treat skin discolouration and skin blotches... Read more
Biomed Carduus 50 Ml			Pascoe Juniperus Smiliaplex 50 ml				St Francis Phytolacca 250 Ml
Carduus contains liver tonic herbs for excellent liver support. It is used for acute, subacute, or chronic diseases of the liver and gallbladder... ...Read more			Homeopathic remedy. For additional information consult with a healthcare practitioner.  Read more				Used in traditional Herbal Medicine as an alternative for the glandular and lympahatic system... Read more