Love that lymphatic system!

Have you given much thought to giving your lymphatic system some special attention?  Do you know what your lymphatic system does?  I personally had not given much thought to this system and did not even know where it was for most of my life. As we approach the cold and flu system of the year, I thought you might enjoy a few ideas for "treating" the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system works in close cooperation with other body systems to perform these important functions:

1. It aids the immune system in destroying pathogens and filtering waste so that the lymph can be safely returned to the circulatory system.
2. It removes excess fluid, waste, debris, dead blood cells, pathogens, cancer cells, and toxins from the cells and the tissue spaces between them.
3. The lymphatic system also works with the circulatory system to deliver nutrients, oxygen, and hormones from the blood to the cells that make up the tissues of the body.

The lymphatic system does not have a pump to aid in its flow, instead this system is designed so that lymph only flows upward through the body traveling from the extremities (feet and hands) toward the neck.

As it travels through the body, lymph passes through lymph nodes (600-700 average in body) where it is filtered. At the base of the neck, the lymph enters the subclavian veins and once again becomes plasma in the bloodstream.

When the lymphatic system becomes blocked, lymph nodes may become swollen. The system may then fail to remove the body's toxins and this can affect white blood cell counts.

“Maintaining lymph circulation is one of the keys to keeping the immune system adequately functioning.”  (Essential Oil Desk Reference)

Young Living users have discovered a lymphatic system recipe for helping to relieve sore lymph nodes.  Combine 3 drops cypress, 1 drop orange, and 2 drops grapefruit. Use topically neat or diluted 50/50 with a pure carrier oil on sore lymph nodes. This mixture can also be taken internally:  1 capsule, 5 drops of blend, twice a day.

Other Young Living products that can help boost the lymph system are Immupro, Super C, Multigreens, Cel-Lite Magic Massage Oil, Myrtle oil, Lemongrass oil, Tangerine oil, and Di-Gize blend.

You can help your lymph system along by doing a lymphatic pump anywhere, at any time by simply push up on balls of your feet to stand on tip toes and lower again.  Do this 50 – 100 times. This will help get the lymph system flowing.

You can also check out lymphatic dry skin brushing on various websites.  I personally do this 2-3 times a week.  It feels great, improves skin quality and helps the lymphatic system circulate better. 


Do you have any favorite practices for caring for your lymphatic system?