In our modern world, it is essential to alleviate swelling from lymph fluid build up in order to maintain a good overall health. Just as your circulatory system constantly moves blood around your body, your lymph system moves lymphatic fluid around to clear away excess fluid, harmful substances, and toxins from the body. This helps to keep our lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, and vital organs in top shape!! Incorporating the best teas for lymphatic drainage into your daily routine can be a natural and effective way to support lymphatic health, improve immune function, and promote a sense of well-being.
Here are our top picks for the best teas to keep your lymphatic system flowing beautifully:
1. Yaupon Tea
Yaupon tea, a unique herbal tea made from Ilex vomitoria, is a fantastic option for lymphatic drainage. Unlike traditional teas made from Camellia sinensis, yaupon contains no tannins, so you can steep it for as long as you like without worrying about bitterness. This makes it perfect for sipping throughout the day. Also, yaupon is rich in rutin, an antioxidant also found in apples and lemons, that has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Scientific evidence suggests that the bioavailability of rutin in yaupon is higher than in other food sources.
If you want to get some for yourself, we have a collection of the best teas for your lymph system right here in tea bags, loose leaf, or iced tea pouches.
Benefits:
- A boost for your immune system from antioxidant activity that remove free radicals in your body.
- Enhance blood flow with the help of rutin which can help strengthen and improve flexibility of blood vessels.
- Decreased chronic inflammation via chlorogenic acid (CGA) that has anti-inflammatory properties.
Side Effects:
- May cause sleeplessness due to caffeine if large amounts of yaupon are consumed all at once.
Try our CatSpring Yaupon tea to calm an upset stomach. It’s organic, non-gmo, kosher, sustainably grown, and naturally caffeinated.
2. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea has a long history of use throughout Asia and is made by steeping ginger root, one of the most common ingredients globally. As many who fly know, ginger is often used as a remedy for motion sickness (check out all those passengers ordering ginger ale). Though further research is needed to confirm the effect and extent of the effect, some studies have shown that ginger may block a receptor in the brain responsible for vomiting, thus helping combat the symptoms of motion sickness.
Additionally, this herbal tea is a great choice for supporting lymphatic health due to its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce lymphatic congestion and support the immune system.
Benefits:
- Support a healthy immune system with the powerful antioxidants to remove lingering toxin buildup.
- Reduce inflammation naturally because it contains antioxidative, anti-inflammatory phytochemical compounds.
Side Effects
- May cause gas and bloating if you consume too much.
3. Cleavers
Found across the globe, cleavers are often classified as a weed or wildflower, growing up to 6 feet tall and producing small white flowers in springtime. They have small bristles on their leaves that often catch on clothes and fur. Cleavers have been used to treat a variety of symptoms ranging from skin issues to UTIs. However, they also have the ability to enhance lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling in lymphatic vessels, making them a valuable addition to your detox tea collection.
Benefits:
- Enhance lymphatic health as cleavers improve the ability to wash out toxins and decrease swelling in lymphatic vessels.
- Boost immune system with the help of a more efficient lymphatic system.
4. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is primarily brewed from one of two daisy-like species of flower and commonly known for its stress-relieving properties. It’s long been believed to have health benefits though many are still under research. One benefit is supporting a healthy heart through the compound flavones which has the potential to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Benefits:
- Its anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to boost your immune system.
- Get stress relief due to the powerhouse compound apigenin that can also relieve symptoms including fatigue.
- Sleep easier thanks again to apigenin that binds to GABA receptors in your brain and releases signals that have a calming and relaxing effect.
Side Effects
- Potential drowsiness that may worsen fatigue from a hangover.
5. Peppermint Tea
A refreshing tea with strong menthol essential oils that are nearly impossible to miss, peppermint tea is a great pick me up the morning after drinking. Beyond its abilities to combat more severe symptoms of a hangover, perhaps the fastest benefit to notice is its ability to freshen breath. While improving the smell of your breath, it can also kill germs that cause dental plaque.
Benefits:
- Ease headaches as peppermint relaxes your muscles and mitigates the tension caused by inflammation and vasodilation.
- Easy to complement the flavor with ginger, honey, or fruits to find a delicious cup for anytime.
Side Effects
- Can worsen acid reflux by relaxing the muscles around the stomach sphincter.
6. Echinacea Tea
Native to North America, Echinacea tea is a member of the daisy family and has been used for centuries to remedy many ailments including the common cold. It’s made by infusing the leaves and bright colored flowers in hot water, resulting in a floral aromatic brew. It can ease lymphatic congestion and reduce swollen lymph nodes to relieve many of the symptoms of poor lymphatic flow.
Benefits:
- Promotes the flow of lymphatic fluid to improve circulation and drainage, reducing swelling.
- Improve your immune system with the vitamin C and antibacterial properties of echinacea tea.
- Reduce pain thanks to echinacea’s ability to reduce the sensation of pain.
Side Effects:
- May cause nausea due to strong floral aroma.
The Bottom Line
These amazing detox teas are some of the best natural remedies for enhancing lymphatic drainage. Alongside regular exercise, they can help soothe the symptoms of swelling, especially at lymph nodes, while also bolstering your immune system and ensuring you get plenty of water. It's a good idea to incorporate these teas into your daily routine, along with healthy eating and regular exercise, is the best way to maintain a healthy lymphatic system and overall well-being.
If you want to get our best tasting tea for lymphatic drainage, check out our organic, naturally caffeinated CatSpring Yaupon tea here.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. If you have serious health-related issues you should reach out to a health care provider. While we have studied the scientific research available, this is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
