The lymphatic system and blood is involved collecting, transporting, and removing toxic materials from the body specifically the connective tissues. The lymphatic system contains lymph nodes where the toxins are delivered for the immune system to use and destroy invading organisms and chemicals. If the lymphatic system and blood is not cleansed properly, the immune system can be impaired, which leaves the body open to attach from invading organisms.

Lymph nodes are filled with a clear liquid called lymph. This fluid is comprised of proteins, waste, and other nutrients to feed cells and remove waste. This fluid surrounds every cell in the body and travels in the lymphatic vessels and or blood vessels and is vital for elimination of waste material. Lucky for us there are herbs that can be used to help cleanse both the lymphatic and blood system.

Red clover has been used for years as a lymphatic and blood cleanser. Traditionally, red clover has been used as a liver, nerve, and lung detox as well. Many herbalists recommend red clover when doing a whole body cleanse. Cleansing the blood is important because the blood transports oxygen and nutrients to the vital organs and tissue of the body.

Red Root has also been traditionally used as a cleansing herb by herbalists. This herb can stimulate lymph function and aid in the transport of waste material from the lymph to the liver. Red root has also shown to boost the liver and its vital functions.

Echinacea is another herb research has discovered to be an effective lymphatic and blood purifier. Echinacea extracts can boost the production of interferon and has interferon properties which help fight vital infections. Echinacea is also known to equalize white blood cell count and boost the activity of leukocytes (white blood cells) helping the body fight and destroy toxic invaders in the body. It has shown to boost red blood cell count which helps the body detox and it has antiseptic properties which help cleanse and reduce pain in the body from injury.

Yellow dock is considered a blood purifier by herbalists. Yellow dock can also aid in boosting skin health and can be useful with leprosy, psoriasis, and cancer of the skin. Yellow dock is recommended by herbalists if a person is experiencing anemia, liver problems, skin problems, toxemia, infections, lymph congestion, ulcers, or have wounds that need healing. Some say yellow dock is the best blood builder in the herbal kingdom.

Burdock is a good blood purifier herb and highly valued in the herb kingdom. Burdock can help strengthen the liver, kidneys, stomach and lungs. Burdock’s active constituents have been known to help cleanse the blood of excess waste and uric acid. Burdock is mild diuretic. This herb can also help with problems such as acne, boils, psoriasis, and canker sores.

Along with these herbs mentioned above, one should begin a cleansing diet at the same time. Before starting a cleansing diet, one should consume whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables to help prepare the body. The first step in a cleansing diet is to eliminate all processed foods, coffee, white sugar, alcohol, tobacco, and red meat. Second, add some cleansing herbs mentioned above either in single or combination formulas made to cleanse the bodies systems. Follow this plan listed below:

First day - Eat only fruits like apples, pears, an assortment of berries, watermelon, cherries, prunes and apricots. Make sure you do not eat bananas for they are high in sugar.

Second day - Drink only pure water and herbal teas for cleansing. Recommended are teas as described above as well as chamomile, raspberry leaf, spearmint, hyssop, and pau d’arco.

Third day - Prepare all the vegetables you want, you can steam them or eat them raw, do not boil them, boiling destroys all the valuable vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients the body needs to cleanse itself.

On the fourth day - Make a big pan of vegetable broth using only cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, onion, green peppers, and parsley. Season the broth with natural salt that contains all the trace minerals naturally accruing in salt. You can find this type of salt at your local health food store or season with vegetable salt or salt alternatives. Drink more pure water, herbal tea and broth throughout the day and repeat diet as desired.

If you are considering a lymphatic and blood cleansing diet, make sure the herbs you take do not conflict with the current medications you may be taking, always consult your health care practitioner before starting an herbal cleanse while on medication. All the above mentioned herbs can be found at your local or internet vitamins store.