We have two networks of pipes in the human body.  One is the Cardiovascular System and the other is the Lymphatic System.  Blood flows through the Cardiovascular System.  Blood consist of Plasma ( colourless fluid ) and solid particles.  Plasma flows through the arteries and veins.  It goes right upto the cells, but does not enter it.  The Blood, red in colour, carries oxygen, pumped by the heart......blah,  blah,  blah.  The other type is called Lymph;  A colorless fluid, containing infection fighting white blood cells.  The Red Blood is pumped out by the Heart through Arteries.  The white Blood ( Lymph ) is sucked back into the heart through the Viens.  But before the lymph reaches the Viens it is collected form the cells through the Lymphatic Vessels.  Consider the Lymphatic Vessels to be a system of capilaries that join to form larger pipes which drain into the Viens. They carry the white Blood cells from the peripheral tissues to the cardiovascular veins.  This system of pipes has valve like mechanisms called Lymph Nodes.  The function of the nodes is to protect the vital cardiovascular system from harmful microorganisms.  They swell, they become sick, they fight and sacrifice themselves, but they wont let the enemy within.  

Part of our immune system, it provides defense against disease-causing organisms. When the lymphatic system becomes sluggish our tissues become congested, organ function is impaired and our health sufferThese vessels carry lymph— a clear, watery fluid containing protein molecules, salts, glucose, urea, and other substances — throughout the body.  Let us compare your lymphatic system  to an expressway.  When congested, nothing moves, stagnant it is.  The same thing can happen in your body.  Your lymphatic system affects every organ and cell in your body. The lymphatic system consitutes Lymph and  the Lymphoid organs :
Thymus –  a small gland under your breastbone that helps produce white blood cells.
Spleen –   the organ connected with lymph system that produces lymphocytes.
Bone marrow  – where lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) are born.

How does it Work
This  one way system returns lymph fluid via vessels to the cardiovascular system. Then  eliminates  toxin via Kidney, Colon, Skin, Liver and Lungs. The lymphatic system  drains lymph  from tissues and empties it back into the bloodstream.  Other functions of the Lymphatic system are :
Removal of interstitial fluid from tissues,
Absorption and transport fatty acids and fats from the digestive system,
Transport white blood cells to and from the lymph nodes into the bones,
Maintain fluid levels in the body
Collect bacteria and microbes and deliver them to the Lymph Nodes for destruction.  

What Can go Wrong with the System
Our intention here is not to scare you .  We only intend to make you aware of the  abnormal conditions. The lymph nodes (especially in the neck) often swell with bacteria , when the body is fighting against common illnesses like colds and influenza.
If the lymph is not flowing well, the cells are poisoned from their own waste and the lymph fluid becomes toxic. This results in
Fatigue, Swelling, Inflammation and other diseases. Some symptoms of an impeding disorder in the Lymphatic system are;
Fatty deposits or cellulite
Aches and Pains
Rings get tight on fingers
Soreness and/or stiffness in the morning
Fatigue
Bloating
Itchy skin
Breast swelling or soreness with each cycle
Dry skin
Brain fog
Cold hands and feet

The above conditions are an indication that somethng is about to go wrong.  A compromised Lymphatic System will manifest itself in diseases like Lymphadenopathy,   Adenitis,  Lymphomas,  Splenomegaly,  Hodgkin’s disease,  Oedema,  Tonsillitis,  Cancer.

Causes that might derange the Lymphatic System are ;

Chronic constipation
Physical and Emotional Stress
Environmental Toxins
Heavy metals and Chemicals
Inflammation
Infections, Injuries, Bruises and Traumas

Food allergies, Poor diets, Tight clothing, Lack of exercise
Hormonal imbalances
Structural misalignment,

Normal aging, Genetic Predisposition
Bottled up emotions like anger, fear, or resentment

Note : The lymphatic system drains best in a more alkaline environment.

The effort should be to ensure a smooth and continuous flow of the Lymph.  Do not let it stagnate. 

Change the sluggish lymph flow to an active, mobile flow  is what helps to prevent the Lymphatic related disorders. This will help in maintaining vibrant health and vitality. This can be done by the following : 

• Herbs to improve the Lymphatic Health ---

Red Clover is a great herb for the lymph, increasing flow, which helps to detoxify the body and reduce inflammation.

Cleavers is another herb to try.  It is  one of the best tonics to stimulate and help drain the lymphatic system.

Manjistha is an herb that is primarily utilized for its ability to de-stagnate lymph. It does this by detoxifying the tissue and supporting lymph flow.

Bupleurum and Rehmania are herbal tonics known to treat lymphatic conditions

Other Herbs are -
Sweet Wormwood
Pokeweed
Indian Madder
Butcher's Broom
Black Walnut
Echinacea
Goldenseal
Astragalus
Wild Indigo Root

The combination of Herbs which work for eliminating the toxins from the body and cleansing the Lymphatic system have been mentioned below :

The  Herbs  in conjunction, have a strong anti-inflammatory action and a strong affinity towards Lymphatic system.  The combination is  also used for treatment of  disorders like, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome,Uterine Fibroids and Endometriosis.

1) Kanchnar ( Bauhinia Variegata ) - It reduces and resorbs Cystic Formation, reduces swelling of Uterine Fibroids. 

2) Triphala –  A combo  of Terminalia Chebula ( Harad ), Indian Gooseberry ( Amla ) and Terminalia Belerica ( Baheda ).
 The herb is known to have 20 times more Vitamin C than orange.  It boosts the Immune System. 

 3) Trikatu - It is a combination of Black Pepper ( Piper Nigrum ), Pippali (Piper Longum) and Ginger ( Zingiber Officinale ).
Black Pepper :  It reduces Cholesterol and increases the Metabolism.
Pippali : It stimulates the functioning of Gastrointestinal tract, increases the Appetite.
Ginger : It removes toxins from the Intestines and burns fat.

 4)Guggul ( Commiphora Mukul )- It reduces the Cholesterol, increases Thyroid function, eliminates Toxicity, Arthritis, Joint Pain, Hemorrhoids and various disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract.
5) Varuna ( Crataeva Nurvala ) – It improves the Kidney function.
6) Cardamom ( Elettaria Cardamomum )
7) Cinnamon ( Cinnamomum Zeylanicum )
8) Indian Bay Leaf ( Cinnamomum Tamala )

Buy Capsules containing all the above herbs.  Consume it twice daily after meals with one glass of lukewarm water.

•  Eat Well for a Clean Lymph System 

Foods can either help or hinder the flow of lymph in the body.  To cleanse the lymphatic system, avoid “chemical foods” that contain artificial preservatives, flavors, colors and stabilizers — most prepared, packaged and fast foods. The further away from the natural, whole fruit, vegetable, grain or bean that a food has moved, the more likely it is to clog your lymphatic system.

Avoid foods that are difficult to digest, including fatty foods, excessive animal protein, simple sugars and simple carbohydrates. Sweet foods and the “whites,” which include white rice, white bread, white pasta and any white-flour products, require enormous amounts of energy to handle the resulting rapid blood-sugar fluctuations. This energy is better served to cleanse your lymph system.

• Lymphatic Drainage Massage

It is a technique for the purpose of reducing swelling in the body and increasing the flow of lymph.  It also enhances the immune system.

Method -- Lymphatic drainage massage uses very light pressure of the fingers and hands, just slightly moving the skin, a technique quite different from the long deeper flowing strokes of regular massages.  Massage all the major lymphatic areas of the body, for an hour thrice a week.

The pattern of strokes in lymphatic drainage massage is very small and precise, moving very slowly and rhythmically, and repeating over and over. Because of this, lymphatic drainage massage is very relaxing and therefore excellent for reducing the effects of stress and tension.

• Drink plenty of purified water-Dehydration is a major cause of impaired lymphatic function.  Drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of water. For example, if you are 100lbs, you would drink 50 oz. of water daily.
  
• Exercise-The lymphatic system relies on activity and muscle contraction to move lymph around the body.  

• Rebounding method

It is one of the easiest ways to pump the lymph.  Rebounding is the practice of jumping on a trampoline.  This  will move  the lymph while stimulating the circulation of blood throughout the body. A number of studies have proven its efficacy. this technique has shown  to improve muscle tone as well.

Don’t be afraid to sweat!  A weekly sauna or steam bath is a pleasant way to facilitate a healthy sweat, and sweating helps detoxify the body and so supports lymphatic function. Avoid aluminum-based antiperspirants (they block sweating and add to your toxic load) and choose natural deodorants instead.

Consider acupuncture.  Chinese medical doctors are far ahead of their Western counterparts when it comes to “unsticking” the lymph system. As a treatment or preventative, acupuncture can be a great way to keep things moving. It can also help alleviate discomfort that may arise while you are detoxing.

Yoga works in multiple ways to increase the flow of the lymph, relieving congestion and encouraging its detoxification. To start, inversions such as handstands, headstands and shoulder stands, and even placing the legs up the wall, reverse the effect of gravity. Much like the inversion table, this helps to drain the lymph towards the heart, escalating the rate in which it’s cleaned and filtered. Twists are also a great way to stimulate lymphatic flow. Through the practice of twisting the abdomen, the organs and muscles are squeezed, forcing the lymph out of the tissues. Finally, the natural dynamic flow through the yoga poses cause the muscles in the body to contract and relax, which is the primary way lymph moves through the body. This allows for a free flow of lymph, which prevents its stagnation and accumulation of toxins.