Ask the doctor

Better Nutrition, Nov, 2004 by Frank Ervolino

What supplements should one take for a lymphatic system that does not function well? I am a 40-year-old female.

--LM via email

Herbal remedies work in freeing up the flow of lymph and detoxifying fire lymphatic system. Herbs such as iris versicolor, mullein, red root bark, burdock, echinacea, cleavers, red clover, ginger, yellow dock, sarsaparilla, elder flower and yarrow are good lymph movers and detoxifiers.

Because lymph, unlike blood, doesn't have a heart to pump it through the body, it relies on muscle movement. Walking and jazzercise, for instance, actually milk lymph or push it through the lymphatic vessels. Using a dry skin brash to brush the body gently in the direction of the heart is also good for freeing up stagnant lymph flow. There are massage therapists who specialize in manual lymph drainage massage, and this is a wonderful technique for lymph health.

Avoid caring sugar- and flour-based foods, red meats, greasy and fatty foods, alcohol, vinegar and pickles, dairy products, artificial additives, preservatives, colorings and flavorings. Although a 2- to 3-day fasting diet that consists of eating only fruits and vegetables with high water consumption would be best, you may also eat white meat and fish, fresh green vegetables and fresh fruits with an emphasis on oranges, grapes and apples. Reintroduce other foods gradually after you've completed your cleanse.

As for herbs, one preferred formula for lymph detoxification is 4 ounces each of dried red clover and lemon peel, 2 ounces each of dried red root and echinacea root, and I ounce of dried ginger. Combine these, and simmer 1 part herb blend in 5 parts water for 20 minutes. Strain, and drink half a cup of warm tea twice per day.

Another herbal formula for a healthy lymphatic system is 1 part of phytolacca tincture with 3 parts of echinacea tincture and 1 part of astragalus tincture. The dose is 40 drops three times per day, with a small amount of distilled water added. Use commercially prepared formulas unless you are a trained herbalist. Take Phytolacca americana (commonly known as poke root) carefully because it can have a cumulative toxic effect. For this reason, I advise not using phytolacca tincture for more than 2 weeks at a time. (An indication that you are using too much is diarrhea.) Avoid phytolacca if you are pregnant.

Finally, one other dried herb formula blends 2 parts echinacea, 1 part cleavers, 1 part goldenseal and 1 part phytolacca. Mix, then simmer one heaping tablespoon in 1 1/2 cups of water for 15 minutes. Drink half a cup of warm tea three times per day.

Frank Ervolino, ND, lives in Palm City, Florida. He's on the staff of Jupiter Medical Center Hospital as an acupuncturist. He received his doctorate of naturopathic medicine and a master's of science degree in acupuncture from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. In 2003, he was appointed by the governor to the Florida State Board of Acupuncture.

Dr. Ervolino is happy to answer your health questions. Email him at askdre@adelphia.net.