Integumentary & Lymphatic Systems
The integumentary system includes skin, hair, nails, and their associated glands. It serves as the body's primary barrier against the outside world. The lymphatic system produces, stores, and carries white blood cells used to fight infection, and it plays a central role in moving waste from tissues back into the bloodstream.
These two systems are closely linked. Many herbs that support lymphatic drainage also benefit the skin, and vice versa.
Lymphatic Cleansing
- Burdock — Stimulates lymphatic drainage. A reliable alterative for moving lymph and supporting both liver and skin.
- Calendula — Supports the movement of lymph. Gentle and safe; traditionally used in lymphatic formulas and topically on children and infants.
- Red Clover — Traditionally used for blood and lymphatic system cleansing.
- Yellow Dock — Traditionally used as a lymphatic and liver alterative, supporting the movement of waste through the body.
- Chickweed — A gentle lymphatic herb traditionally used to support the movement of lymph and ease skin conditions.
- Oregon Grape — A liver and lymphatic alterative with a specific affinity for chronic skin conditions.
- Goldenseal — Traditionally used for lymph conditions and immune-related skin issues. Source ethically; goldenseal is at risk in the wild.
Skin Conditions
- Burdock — Traditionally used internally for chronic skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
- Plantain — Used externally. Soothes skin irritation, draws out splinters and stings, and promotes healing.
- Oats — Used externally. Eases skin conditions including dry, itchy, or inflamed skin. Gentle enough for daily use.
- Calendula — Used externally for a wide range of skin conditions. Gentle enough to use on children and infants.
- Yellow Dock — Chronic skin condition support, including psoriasis, herpes, eczema, and acne.
- Sarsaparilla — Traditionally used for psoriasis, eczema, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
- St. John's Wort — Traditionally used topically for nerve pain, bruising, and mild skin irritation.
- Marsh Mallow — Demulcent action soothes inflamed, irritated skin when used externally.
Cuts, Bruises & Wounds
- Yarrow — Used topically to help stop bleeding and assist in wound healing.
- Calendula — Supports wound healing by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the affected area.
- Plantain — Applied externally to wounds, stings, and bites.
- Slippery Elm — Traditionally used as a poultice for wounds and skin inflammation.
Burns
- Calendula — Increases blood flow and oxygen to the affected area. Traditionally used for minor burns and skin damage.
- Marsh Mallow — Soothing demulcent that can be applied externally to reduce irritation from minor burns.
Skin & Hair Health
- Rosemary — Traditionally used to stimulate scalp circulation and support hair growth. Also used topically as a rinse for oily scalp.
- Oats — Soothes and nourishes skin. Traditionally used in baths and topical preparations for dry or sensitive skin.
- Mugwort — Traditionally used externally for skin conditions and as a wash.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are under the care of a health care provider or taking prescription medication, check with your provider before using any herbal supplement.