Clever Cleavers

Yesterday I talked about the structure and function of the lymphatic system and how dry skin brushing can help to stimulate and cleanse this system. Today, I’d like to discuss one herb that can also assist with issues of the lymphatic system, cleavers.

Cleavers (Galium aparine) is, in my opinion, one of the best and most effective lymphatic tonics. It has a slightly bitter, sweet and salty taste and is cold and dry. Cleavers’ hairy stems have downward pointing hooks that cling to neighboring plants and/or people or animals that my pass by. The above ground plant can help to promote detoxification by resolving damp and dissolving deposits. This action takes place through the body’s waterways.

Cleavers is a wonderful lymphatic tonic and cleanser. By reducing lymphatic congestion, cleavers can be safe and effective for swollen lymphatic glands especially the tonsils and adenoids. Cleavers also has an affect on the urinary tract, acting as a diuretic. This action makes cleavers a well rounded herb in the detoxification process because it cleanses the lymphatic system, which helps the body collect toxins from the tissue, and then releases the toxins through the urinary system. Its action on the kidneys also makes it a wonderful herb for water retention and edema, stones, gravel, burning urination and kidney inflammation.

This herb is also helpful for heat toxins of the skin, including boils, sores, ulcers and acne, and its high mineral content makes it great for hair growth and tooth decay.

Cleavers is often found growing next to chickweed. This is nature’s way of telling us they should be used together because these two herbs complement each other in formulas. Together they are both mild diuretics that are helpful for kidney and urinary irritation.

As far as a dosage goes, Hoffmann suggests 4-8 ml three times a day (1:5 in 25% alcohol). An infusion can be made of 8-16 grams of herb or 2 tablespoons of the fresh juice can be added to pineapple juice for a tasty beverage. The fresh greens can also be added to salads and eaten like spinach. This herb is most effective for chronic conditions when it is taken over a long period of time, at least 6 weeks to 3 months. Cleavers do not store well once they are dried, so if you would like to save it for future use it is best to tincture the herb fresh. There have also been no side effects or drug interactions reported.

I find cleavers to be the most efficient herb for the lymphatic system. Its actions on the kidneys, as well as the lymphatic system, help the body to effectively collect and excrete toxins and foreign debris from our bodies.

Sources:

Duke, J. A. (2000). The green pharmacy herbal handbook: your comprehensive reference to the best herbs for healing. Emmaus, Pa: Rodale Reach.

Gladstar, R. (2001). Rosemary Gladstar's family herbal: a guide to living life with energy, health, and vitality. North Adams, Mass.: Storey Books.

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism: the science and practice of herbal medicine. Rochester, Vt.: Healing Arts Press.

Holmes, P. (2007). The energetics of Western herbs: a materia medica integrating

Western and Chinese herbal therapeutics (Rev & enl. 4th ed.). Cotati, Calif.: Snow Lotus Press.

Levy, J. d. (1997). Common herbs for natural health (Rev., expanded ed.). Woodstock, N.Y.: Ash Tree Pub..

Mars, B. (2007). The desktop guide to herbal medicine. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications.

The health Benefits of Dry Brushing

Dry skin brushing is something that I have found beneficial and very invigorating. This simple action can be helpful to the lymphatic system as well as the skin, assisting with issues of arthritis, cellulite, high blood pressure, depression, skin issues and also helping to keep your immune system functioning optimally.

The skin is the largest organ in the body and plays a role in elimination by releasing up to 2 pounds of toxins a day. Dry brushing helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, unclogging the pores and allowing the body to more easily release toxins. Dry brushing also increases circulation to the skin making it look healthier and more vibrant.

But the benefits of dry skin brushing extend beyond skin deep. It also helps to cleanse the lymphatic system. Because I feel the lymphatic system is one part of the body that is rather unknown, I would like to take a moment to talk about the function and structure of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a one way drainage system going from bodily tissue to the circulatory system. It consists of a network of lymphatic capillaries and vessels that carry away excess fluid, protein, toxins and material that is too large to be absorbed directly into the capillaries of the circulatory system (mainly fats). This fluid, called lymph, is drained from the tissue to veins near the heart, where it can be transported to the circulatory system and excreted from the body. Also contained in lymph are lymphocytes and other cells related to immunity. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that help to destroy foreign organisms.

One issue with the lymphatic system is that, unlike the circulatory system which has the heart, the lymphatic system has no pump. It, therefore, relies totally on the movement and contractions of skeletal muscles to drive the movement of lymph forward. Strategically placed lymph nodes are located in major joints, including the neck, armpits, groin, elbows and knees, so that when we move the joint, also inadvertently encourage movement of our lymphatic system as well. In a society where being sedentary has become the norm, it is so important to do what we can to help our lymphatic system, and dry brushing is simple and effective at moving our lymph.

So now that you know why it is helpful to dry skin brush, let me tell you how to do it. You will first want to purchase a natural bristle brush with a handle. They are inexpensive and can be found in the health and beauty section of most stores.  I like to do it in the morning before I take a shower. During the night our bodies have a chance to process out toxins, and with the limited movement of sleep, dry brushing can really help to detoxify and energize the body. Start brushing at the feet. With long and soft sweeping strokes, move up the leg to the torso. Do one leg, and then the other leg, always moving in the direction of the heart. Move up the torso to the heart and then move to the hand, brushing up the arm to the heart and then do the other arm. Once you are done, take your morning shower. This will help to wash off any dead skin cells and really revitalize the body.

At first, the brush may feel harsh, but you will get used to it. If you have any skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis, do not brush over areas where the skin is broken. When you first start dry brushing, it may cause the skin to break out in tiny pimples. This is just the body’s way of detoxifying and it will soon pass. Dry brushing should be done at least once a week and can be done every morning is you like. I do suggest giving you body a rest from dry skin brushing for a week every other month. If you become to accustom to it, I feel that it loses its effectiveness.  

I hope you have learned something new about the lymphatic system and find this information helpful. Give dry brushing a try and let me know what you think.

Sources:

Battaglia, S. (2003). The complete guide to aromatherapy (2nd ed.). Brisbane: International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy.

Cohen, B. J., Taylor, J. J., & Memmler, R. L. (2009). Memmler's structure and function of the human body (9th ed.). Baltimore, MD: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott William & Wilkins.

http://www.holistichealthlibrary.com/dry-skin-brushing-and-the-lymph-system/