Liver & lymph Nourishment
I mentioned yesterday that we brought back a few more of our remedies that have been requested. One being the Liver & Lymph tincture! I'm not sure why it didn't make it on the original list when we downsized because it's such an important tincture.
This tincture is crafted with Red Root, Cleavers, Calendula, Burdock, Nettle Seeds, Milk Thistle Seeds, Dandelion root and Reishi.
Over the years, I've learned just how interconnected the liver and lymphatic system is. You cannot have one functioning without the other. They work together to remove waste, bacteria and viruses, dead tissue, toxins and so on. Let’s call it the Liver and Lymph connection. If your liver is suffering, your lymphatic system is also suffering and vice versa. The liver is the largest lymph producing organ. So, this tincture is intended to support and nourish both systems, through supporting liver function, regeneration and lymph flow.
Let's meet the plants!
Red Root is the first herb in this synergistic tincture. This is one that has gotten a lot of attention in recent studies as a lymphatic healing agent, but it's not at all "new". Red Root has a long and impressive history supporting the entire lymphatic system as well as supporting and stimulating liver function for thousands of years, most commonly used for medicine in Asia. When you have a sluggish lymph, removing dead tissue and stimulating circulation is important and that's what Red Root has been shown to do. It's a wonderful anti-inflammatory herb that increases cellular growth and even supports the immune system in more ways than one. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties but also by increasing lymph flow. The lymphatic system is the heart of the immune system. So, when you have a sluggish lymph, your immune system is affected. While not only does it help the body clear toxins, but it's also been shown to aid with some discomforts commonly present like diarrhea and digestive upsets. There have even been studies showing its ability to support the body to rid itself of parasites.
Cleavers is next in this blend and is probably best known as a lymphatic cleanser. Its ability to enhance the lymphatic function is unmatched. It has an incredible ability to move and dissolve lymphatic congestion and reduce swollen glands. These beautiful Spring greens, as well as most other Spring greens, are highly revered for containing nourishing minerals and phytochemicals that we normally lack in winter diets. These early greens help to renourish and replenish us. Cleavers have also been traditionally used to remove mucus from the body, making this plant especially helpful in supporting respiratory congestion. It's also considered a blood purifier, removing toxins and toning the entire circulatory system. It's wonderful support for the liver as its hepatoprotective properties have been confirmed in modern studies.
Calendula is one of my favorite herbs for healing, both internally and externally. Most know it for its wonderful skin healing properties, but it's also one of the best herbs for lymphatic drainage. Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar recommends Calendula over most over herbs for supporting the lymph network. Calendula also helps with decreasing inflammation and mobilizes white blood cells. Some say this beautiful herb "cleans you from the inside out" because of its tissue healing abilities. Like Red Root, Calendula is also helpful in aiding with some of the symptoms that tend to present themselves, like diarrhea and indigestion.
Burdock & Dandelion root are next, and I almost feel bad for putting them together in this write up because they both offer unique healing qualities to the blend, but they also have so much in common. Both Burdock and Dandelion root are the most well-known gentle liver tonics and have been used for centuries. They support the liver in doing what it's made to do while also protecting it from oxidative stress. They also both have regenerative properties that tend to focus on the liver. There's been a lot of studies on both over the last decade showing success in supporting healing and reversal for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic induced fatty liver. Of course, there are many other benefits from these two herbs that go beyond the liver. As with most roots, they're considered bitters which support your digestive system.
Nettle Seeds, like Nettle leaves, are incredibly nutritive. Nettle Seeds though contains a macronutrient called choline which is a major factor in protecting, repairing and restoring the liver. Like most herbs in this blend, Nettle Seeds also lends anti-inflammatory properties which can be incredibly helpful if you're dealing with colitis. Nettle seeds also support the endocrine system and adrenals, which is so incredibly needed when you're dealing with a sluggish liver and lymph. Another unique quality Nettle Seeds have compared to the leaf is that they've been found to contain Urtica dioica agglutinin- basically a superantigen!
Milk Thistle Seeds have also proven themselves, not just in a time-honored way, but in recent scientific studies. They’ve found them to be an effective therapeutic herb for treatment in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. They've been shown to reduce oxidative stress and free radical damage to the liver and are capable of rebuilding of liver cells.
Reishi is last but certainly not least. While Reishi supports every system in our bodies. Reishi is an incredible adaptogen, allowing us to better respond to stress, they support our immune system, circulatory system and so much more. For this write up though, we'll focus on its role in this tincture. This incredible mushroom has some of the best results in studies showing its ability to upregulate liver enzymes. It's commonly used in TCM practices to support the liver. However, preparation is important with this one. For liver support avoid powdered preparations and only stick with remedies that have gone through an extraction process