If your chronic fatigue is preventing you from doing the things you want to do, consider your lymphatic system and its role in your health. Do you often feel swollen and bloated, making you not feel like yourself? Is your skin dry and itchy? Do you suffer from other chronic ailments or always feel like you have a cold or the flu?
The lymphatic system is a key player in your immune system and detoxification system, but it is frequently overlooked when searching for the root cause of chronic disease. You may find that getting your lymphatic system optimally working might just be the thing you have been missing in your health protocols.
The 411 On Your Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is considered your body’s drainage system, and it includes your lymph nodes, lymph vessels, lymph, spleen, tonsils, adenoids, and thymus. The bone marrow is often included in the lymph system as well because lymphocytes (a type of immune cells) mature there.
Lymph is fluid, circulating through your body in vessels and lymph moves similarly to your blood, although lymph movement is squeezed rather than pumped, which makes it more susceptible to stagnation.
It (lymph) also contains waste products as well as your white blood cells – key elements of our immune system to defend against pathogens. Lymph nodes, which are located throughout the body at the neck, armpit, groin, center of the chest, and the abdomen, produce many immune cells to fight infection. They also act as a filter to remove foreign substances and waste. Your body has about 600 lymph nodes, and when you have an infection or some foreign substance is threatening you, they may swell due to an increase in the immune cells and lymph fluid. Certain other conditions, including certain cancers (e.g., leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma) and autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus and rheumatoid arthritis) may also cause swollen lymph nodes.
Your lymphatic system is also the way in which fats move through your body, specifically immediately after digestion and absorption, including your fat-soluble nutrients and cholesterol. As such, there may be a link between lymphatic dysfunction and obesity. Furthermore, many toxins and metabolic waste, especially those bound to fat, move through the lymph system to be processed and eliminated. Your lymph system also ensures that your body fluids remain in balance, and issues may lead to edema and swelling.
Lymphatic movement is a key aspect of most proper detox protocols. This is due to lymph’s role in moving toxins and waste throughout the body. When lymphatic movement becomes sluggish, it becomes more difficult to eliminate toxins in the body, whether exogenous toxins from the environment or metabolic waste.
Thus, without a healthy lymphatic system, you may be at a higher risk of chronic disease. For some, this is due to oxidative stress and/or chronic inflammation, both of which are associated with many chronic diseases as well as their association with lymphatic dysfunction.
There is an association between increased oxidative stress due to excess free radical formation and lymphatic congestion and lymph disorders such as chronic lymphoedema. Additionally, inflammation is known to increase lymph accumulation, which may contribute to a more sluggish lymph system or other problems.
Lymphatic System Detox Plan
Because of the important role the lymphatic system plays in both your immune system and detoxification, it is vital to keep it healthy and moving so it can continue to act as your body’s drainage system. A few key elements to add to any lymphatic system detox plan include:
- Lymphatic drainage massage
- A healthy, whole-food, colorful, plant-based diet
- Minimally processed foods
- Hydration
- Reduce toxins in your environment (e.g., pesticides, plastics)
- Exercise
- Deep breathing
- Dry brushing
- Mindfulness and yoga
- Herbs that support detox and lymph movement, such as what you find in Morpho Topical Hemp.
Synergizing Botanicals & Plant Compounds: 8 Ways Morpho Boosts Lymphatic System
There are many herbs that support the lymphatic system, but using a product that incorporates several that work synergistically can help take your experience to the next level. With a product such as Morpho liniment, each different herb acts on different aspects of lymphatic health, and together, they work to provide more comprehensive support. The key ingredients that make Morpho effective are hemp extract, CoQ10, Angelica sinensis, Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed), Salvia miltiorrhiza (Red Root Sage), Panax notoginseng (Tienqi ginseng), Boswellia errata (Boswellia), and ginger EO.
Let’s see how these herbs benefit the lymphatic system, and thereby your health.
1. Hemp Extract
Hemp oil has become a popular topic in wellness circles, especially after the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill made it legal to grow and sell hemp products in all 50 U.S. states. The purported benefits of Hemp seem to address almost every chronic issue people deal with today, such as pain relief, mood disorders, chronic fatigue, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, asthma, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, IBD, and more. Topical application of Hemp reduces oxidative stress and inflammation.
Hemp also supports your lymph system and aids lymphatic movement, something essential to overall health as well as your detox capacity.
Hemp has been found more in lymph than in plasma, with the immunomodulatory effects reflected in the levels of Hemp in the lymph rather than the plasma. Many components of the lymphatic system, including the spleen, tonsils, and leukocytes, have a CB receptor, which may account for the beneficial effects of hemp oil on the immune system. One study found that administering CB with lipids increased the efficacy, at least in oral delivery methods.
Many of the studies on hemp oil look at oral administration, but topical application of hemp oil has also demonstrated similar benefits, especially for arthritis and skin disorders.
For enhanced bioavailability, choose a product that utilizes liposomal delivery (such as Morpho liniment). Liposomal is a type of delivery system that uses fat-like particles that increase bioavailability and bypasses digestion and metabolism, frequently relying on the lymphatic system for delivery.
This type of delivery system enhances the permeation of hemp oil, delivering higher amounts to cells thanks to the reduced particle size as well as being encapsulated in a phosphatidylcholine vesicle, which better allows movement through cellular membranes. The enhanced delivery also boosts the additional benefits of hemp oil beyond reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, including providing pain relief.
2. CoQ10
CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant, that provides protection against lipid peroxidation, which is the damage the free radicals make to the cell membranes, which subsequently causes further damage to the cells. If you don’t have healthy cells, then you won’t have healthy tissues and organs, ultimately contributing to health problems.
CoQ10 also plays a key role in the production of energy in the cell. For any cell, tissue, and/or organ to optimally function, it must have enough energy, making CoQ10 an important component to overall health, including that of the lymphatic system.
Additionally, CoQ10 also promotes healthy immune system function and reduces inflammation. As with the hemp extract, topical delivery greatly increases delivery to the cells not just in the surface level of the skin but also in the epidermis, stimulating cellular energy production and improving antioxidant potential.
3. Angelica sinensis (Dang gui)
Dang gui is a common medicinal plant in many traditional Asian medicine practices, including for blood deficiency or anemia, angina and menstrual cycle irregularities as well as modulation of lymphocyte activity in cancer patients. It has also been shown to stimulate wound healing and has the potential to increase the antioxidant potential and reduce inflammation. Additional uses include the promotion of blood circulation and immune system regulation, making it a beneficial addition to promote lymphatic health.
4. Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese Knotweed)
One reason for the efficacy of Japanese Knotweed is its high levels of resveratrol, a known antioxidant. Resveratrol has been shown beneficial for a range of health benefits, including protection against cancer, help with endometriosis, and the reduction in the risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and more. Many of its benefits relate to not just the antioxidant effects but also anti-inflammatory properties, which also work on topical application. In one study on topical application of resveratrol, the antioxidant effects were not just on the skin but also had systemic effects, making this a powerful ingredient.
5. Salvia miltiorrhiza (Red Root Sage):
Red root sage, or Danshen, is frequently used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. It also promotes blood circulation, removes toxins, and reduces swelling, all of which demonstrate a positive effect on the lymphatic system.
One key component of its use is its immunomodulatory effects, especially that attributed to Th1-dreived cytokines (a particular immune system category associated with inflammation), which can also aid in lymph system health. It is also anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. Additionally, in one rat study, the lymph nodes were protected in those with severe acute pancreatitis and obstructive jaundice, thanks in part to its anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Panax notoginseng (Tienqi ginseng):
Tienqi ginseng has long been used to treat blood disorders, inflammation, and microcirculatory disorders, as well as facilitating immune homeostasis. Some of its benefits can be traced to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
In one study, Panax notoginseng demonstrated protective properties in rats with severe acute pancreatitis on the small intestine as well as the thymus and spleen, key immune organs in the lymphatic system. This herb has also been shown to stimulate lymphatic movement and enhance the transport of toxins, such as silicone. The promotion of lymphatic function may also lead to anti-edema activity.
7. Boswellia errata (Boswellia):
Boswellia has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits as well as the potential for immune system modulation. It is often used for treating musculoskeletal conditions, thanks in part to its anti-inflammatory effects as well as its capacity to stimulate tissue regeneration. In Morpho Topical Hemp oil, we use exceptionally significant amounts of boswellic acids, which can act directly on the immune system. There are several boswellic acids, all of which have slightly different effects on the body, including increasing the production of lymphocytes and regulating the immune system.
8. Ginger EO
Ginger is a warming vasodilator and protector, improving circulation of blood and lymph. The terpenes (linalool, a-pinene, and b-caryophyllene) are all anti-inflammatory and potent permeation enhancers. This means that the ginger aids in the absorption of the product, enhancing the overall effect.
Using Morpho Topical Hemp oil
As a blend of hemp oil and herbs imparting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, immune system modulation, and lymphatic movement, Morpho Topical Hemp oil aids in the modulation of your lymphatic system for enhanced health. The enhanced absorption (thanks to the liposomal delivery system) increases the potential for the hemp oil and botanicals to impart their wide-ranging potential health benefits beyond what hemp oil alone may do.
Massage, especially the specialized lymphatic massage known as manual lymphatic drainage, stimulates lymphatic movement, so next time, add some Morpho Topical Hemp Oil for enhanced lymphatic movement stimulation. Be sure to talk with your physician and/or healthcare practitioner about using Morpho beforehand. Everyone reacts differently to these botanicals, and there may be some interactions with certain medications.
One thing to note is that many studies on botanicals and hemp oil use oral intake, animal studies, and/or mechanistic studies, which means that they cannot directly apply to real-world scenarios using a topical application. However, the numerous promising benefits shown in study after study demonstrate the potential for Morpho Topical Hemp Oil to aid in boosting your health through similar mechanisms mentioned above, especially the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties.
Kendra Whitmire is the nutritionist at and owner of Sunshine Nutrition & Wellness. She has her master’s degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States. In addition to her work as a nutritionist, she is also a freelance writer. You can follow her on Facebook. Submit your story or essay to Buzzworthy Blogs
