Lymphatic System and Burdock Root

Several years ago, I was informed by my doctor that the large lumps under my armpits were not due to cancer, thank goodness, but due to clogged lymph nodes.  I was told to stop using deodorant, especially antiperspirants immediately.  Well that was easy, I didn't use any.  I didn't sweat, period.  That raised some concern with the doctor.  He then told me to increase my daily water consumption and make sure I drink 8-10 glasses of water daily, not counting any other juices, milk etc.  I don't remember what all else I was asked to do, but I did notice that within a couple of weeks, the lumps under my armpits had significantly diminished.

Over the years, I have come to realize that my lymphatic system was not functioning like it should since I was a very little girl.  From about age two, I was a very sickly child.  I got all of the childhood diseases, plus a few more.  About the only thing I didn't get was polio.

Needless to say, I've been on a quest to clean my lymphatic system most of my adult life, but especially as of late.  I've made great progress.  I've been reading and studying up on it, and have realized just how important this system is. The lymphatic fluid rests just below the skin; if it is toxic or sluggish (from processed foods, smoking, chemical body products, lack of exercise), the skin simply won’t look good. A healthy glow comes from the inside out. Even the fluid in the eyes is lymphatic fluid. The cleaner your are inside, the brighter and clearer your eyes will be – truly a window to your health!

The following is by Reuben Chow, reported in the Natural News. "The lymphatic system is part of the body's immune system and functions as the body's "drainage" system. While it often doesn't get as much attention as the cardiovascular system, it actually plays vital roles in maintaining good health and combating disease."

Below are key points regarding the functions of the lymphatic system:

• Lymphatic vessels remove blood proteins and excess water from spaces surrounding bodily cells - this allows the cells to receive critical oxygen. A congested lymphatic system results in oxygen-deprived cells, which in the long-term can lead to various pains and diseases.
• Lymph fills spaces between bodily cells, bringing nutrients to the cells as well as removing unwanted materials from them - these include dead cells, bacteria, heavy metals, fatty globules, and other waste products.
• Bringing toxins away from cells is actually the lymphatic system's main function. Lymph circulates through the lymphatic system, carrying waste materials away from various parts of the body.
• The lymph nodes then filter the lymph, neutralizing and dumping bacteria and other pathogens, as well as neutralizing and getting rid of other toxins. They then bring these materials to the bloodstream, while the lymphocytes are allowed to pass through.
• Thereafter, the unwanted toxins are brought through the blood to the kidneys and liver, organs of detoxification, where they are dealt with and then excreted from the body. Some of the lymph is also dumped straight into the large intestines, where it is excreted with the feces.

Knowing this, I now needed to find ways to clean my lymph and strengthen it so it would function properly.  Key points to help with this task are:

• ·         exercise regularly, especially rebounding (mini-tramp)
• ·         dry skin brushing
• ·         eating healthy, especially more fruits and vegetables
• ·         drinking the right amount of water for your body
• ·         deep breathing to increase oxygen to your cells
• ·         lymphatic massage

Burdock Root (Powder)

Herbs also play a vital part in healing and cleansing the lymph system.  They include:

• ·         Cleavers
• ·         RedClover
• ·         BurdockRoot
• ·         Astragalus
• ·         Echinacea
• ·         Goldenseal
• ·         Pokeroot
• ·         Wild Indigo Root

These are all excellent herbs that will help cleanse the lymphatic system and flush out toxins accumulated in the lymph. All herbal products should be taken in conjunction with an organic food diet or food which is free of any and all chemical products and substances.

Burdock Root is especially good for:

• Detoxing Blood and Lymph (It is a blood purifier.)
• Relieves liver and gall bladder ailments
• Acne
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Promotes Perspiration
• Has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties
• Releases Water retention
• Aids in circulation

1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon daily

As I have been taking a combination of several of the above herbals, and constantly strive to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily, exercise daily-especially those that stimulate the lymph such as rebounding and jump roping, doing the dry skin brushing etc., I have noticed a big improvement.  I see it in my eyes, and I feel it in my legs, as well as the lymph nodes under my arms.  My eyes are becoming greener every day, the orange haze is disappearing.  My legs, specifically my calves, do not swell as much.  I now sweat which keeps my underarm lymph nodes from swelling.  I rarely get sick, but when I do, I feel it is more a detox cleanse type of being sick, rather than catching the next virus going around.  I am more healthy today than I was during my childhood.

Like I've mentioned before in other posts, Bulk Supplements are a great place to obtain many of the herbs listed above.  They offer the cleanest, purest forms of dry herbs and supplements.  I have recommended them to friends and family. 

Miracles of Magnesium Citrate

For about a year and a half now, I have discovered the miracles of magnesium citrate.  At first I didn't realize just how important magnesium is to the body, yet I know how I and my plants have benefited from the magnesium in Epsom Salts.  After having an opportunity to review magnesium citrate, I got to experience first hand all the benefits it can do for me.  When I ran out, I went searching online for the best magnesium citrate I could find, as well as the best value.

According to Natural News, the best form of magnesium is magnesium citrate. It is not only inexpensive but easily absorbed.  They also recommended Bulk Supplements as having one of the purest forms of herbs offered. I ordered my next supply of magnesium citrate from them.  They shipped quickly and this was very affordable.  Best of all, it works.  

Their supplement does not have a taste, unlike my first experience with magnesium citrate which had a citric acid type flavor.  I didn't mind drinking it mixed in water, but since the product from Bulk Supplements does not have any flavor, I find it best to mix it in something.  I've tried cereal, yogurt, applesauce, main dishes, soup, etc.  I prefer yogurt and applesauce best.  

I find that between 1/2 to 1 teaspoon daily is sufficient for me to take.  I base the amount on how much my restless legs respond.  I do have restless leg syndrome and magnesium citrate has been the best thing to quiet them down. I also find when I have a hard time sleeping at night, I need to up my dose of magnesium.  One other thing I know when I need to take more, is when I have a hard time swallowing.  Often times while eating, I can have a bite of food in my mouth, and my throat won't allow me to swallow the chewed food for up to 30 seconds or more.  This is caused by magnesium deficiency.

Many times I find that within 15-30 minutes of taking my magnesium I notice results.  I usually take it with my dinner meal, even though that's about 6 hours before I head off to bed.  I still feel the results of the magnesium helping my legs to quiet down and my sleep is so much more improved.

My mother-in-law swears by magnesium in keeping her bowels regulated, and helping her to absorb the calcium tablets she needs after having gone through cancer treatments.  I've seen a dramatic improvement in stress relief from both myself and husband as we are enduring a difficult trial right now.  It has been said to think of magnesium as the relaxation mineral.  Anything that is tight, irritable, crampy and stiff, including body part or mood, is a sign of magnesium deficiency.

You can read here the various symptoms that indicate you are magnesium deficient.  However, I caution you to be sure to order your purest form of the most easily absorbable form of magnesium from Bulk Supplements.

Proven Way To Help Sleep and Stay Calm

I've tried a variety of natural remedies to help me sleep and stay calm, and I finally found a proven way to do so. Magnesium is a vital mineral for our bodies.  It it needed for at least 300 different body functions to take place.  Magnesium Citrate Powder is the most easily absorbed magnesium for the body.

Bulk Supplements Magnesium Citrate

I love this product.  I suffer from mild insomnia, and restless leg syndrome.  My husband makes sure I take this every day so I can sleep at night.  When I miss, I'm up all night.  And I usually miss when we are on vacation, or on the weekends.  Magnesium brings balance and controls stress hormones. That's one of the major reasons why people don't sleep well in the first place. Magnesium is a precursor for neurotransmitters like serotonin, which help provide healthy sleep patterns.

I find that taking this right after lunch is the best time for me.  It won't keep me up all night, and allows time for this to work through my system.  The magnesium citrate offers laxative benefits as well.  An added bonus, if you will.

Normally my legs are constantly moving.  Doesn't matter if I'm standing or sitting, they are moving. That is, unless I've had my Magnesium for the day.  I love to walk, and that's because my legs can move.  When we go on vacations, it's real easy for us to walk at least 5 miles a day, and I love every minutes of it.  My legs are happy legs. :)

When I do not take my magnesium, my legs are bouncing and moving.  My husband hates it when we get in bed and my continuous moving legs keep him awake.  Wasn't so bad with a water bed, that just rocked him to sleep.  Now I keep him awake.

In addition to the above, I find that I'm more calm throughout the day when I get my daily dose of magnesium citrate.  It helps relax my mind.  Right now that is critical.  Magnesium relaxes the nervous system and elevates mood.  I have heard that it is very beneficial for those who suffer from seizures.

There are so many wonderful benefits from taking magnesium.

Below are just a few more:

1. Helps with diabetes and regulates sugar levels
2. Helps hydrate body
3. Helps enzymes work better
4. Keeps bones healthy
5. Treats back pain and cramps
6. Helps with migraines
7. Remineralizes Teeth (I use this is my homemade toothpaste. No more sensitivity.)
8. Keeps bones healthy

I have never experienced any side effects from taking magnesium citrate.  I have been so impressed with the results I have received in helping me to sleep and stay calm.  It is a regular in my daily diet. There is no flavor. This dissolves quickly in water. Makes it easy to mix with juices, smoothies, green drinks, etc.  My husband and I highly recommend this product.