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The lymphatic system is a series of vessels whose job it is to return inter- and intra-cellular fluid back to the blood stream from whence it came. However, in the process of this apparently passive job of transport, much vital work goes on. It is through the lymphatic drainage of the cells, tissues and organs that cleansing largely occurs. The proper flow and coherence of the lymphatic system is thus vital to the body function and must be considered when approaching the body from a holistic point of view. A second major function of this system occurs in the lymphatic glands, as the anti-microbial activity of the body is partially located there. This function has been considered in various parts of the book, but especially in the chapter on ears, nose, throat and eyes. Swollen glands may occur wherever there are lymph glands, common sites being the throat, under the arms, the breasts and the tops of the legs in the groin. Herbs like Cleavers, Echinacea, Golden Seal, Marigold and Poke Root may be considered to be lymphatic cleansers and may be used as such wherever they are needed.

Golden Seal

A cleansing diet is called for wherever there is any suspicion of lymphatic trouble. A fruit-based cleansing diet would be best. In such a diet, the following sources of food should be avoided or kept to a minimum. This will give the lymphatic system a rest from overload with inappropriate foods:

—Red meats

—Greasy, fatty foods and fried foods

—Cheese, butter, cream, milk

—Vinegar and pickles

—Alcohol

—Sugar and sugar-based products

—Artificial additives, preservatives, colourings, flavourings.

Avoidance of these foods will help the body, but with the use of the right foods, an active cleansing through the diet can take place. Fresh fruit and vegetables provide the basis here. For a thorough cleansing, it is best to go on a fruit diet for a while and then reintroduce other foods. The following is a short list of appropriate foods:

—Fresh fruits, especially oranges, grapes and apples

—Fresh green vegetables

—White meat and white fish if desired

A herbal mixture that will aid the lymphatic system wherever the problem arises is the following:

Echinacea	2 parts
Cleavers	1 part
Golden Seal	1 part
Poke Root	1 part

This should be drunk three times a day.

This sort of mixture could be used in other conditions wherever it is thought that the lymphatic drainage needs support.

* For an explanation of this symbol see here