Into the Mountains Apothecary

05/10/2025

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“Step by Step: How the Lymphatic System is Cleansed”
By Bianca Botha, CLT, RLD, MLDT

(This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.)

Your lymphatic system is one of the most underestimated detox pathways in the human body. Unlike the circulatory system—which is pumped by the heart—the lymphatic system relies on movement, hydration, and muscular activity to stay active and clean.

Here’s a detailed, step-by-step explanation of how the lymphatic system naturally cleanses itself, and how you can support the process.

Step 1: Interstitial Fluid Enters Lymph Capillaries

Every cell in your body releases waste into the interstitial fluid that surrounds it. This includes:
• Cellular debris
• Pathogens (viruses, bacteria)
• Inflammatory cytokines
• Excess proteins and fluid

Lymphatic capillaries, which are highly permeable, absorb this fluid and its contents. Once inside the capillary, the fluid is now called lymph.
💧🦠

Step 2: Lymph Travels Through Vessels and Valves

The absorbed lymph travels through a vast network of lymphatic vessels. These vessels are lined with smooth muscle and valves to keep the lymph moving in one direction—toward the heart.
Movement is encouraged by:
• Skeletal muscle contractions (walking, stretching)
• Respiratory movements (deep breathing)
• Body position and posture
• External stimulation (manual lymphatic drainage, dry brushing)

🩵 Lymph does not circulate on its own—it needs your movement to keep it flowing.

Step 3: Filtration by Lymph Nodes

Lymph passes through hundreds of lymph nodes, which act as biological filters.
Inside the nodes:
• Macrophages digest cellular debris and pathogens
• Lymphocytes (T and B cells) initiate immune responses
• Harmful materials are trapped, neutralized, and removed

This is where the immune system can recognize, respond to, or “tag” foreign invaders.
🛡️💥

Step 4: Lymph Is Drained into the Bloodstream

Once filtered, lymph continues to flow through larger lymphatic vessels, eventually entering one of two major ducts:
• Thoracic duct (drains 75% of the body)
• Right lymphatic duct (drains the upper right quadrant)

These ducts empty lymph into the subclavian veins, where it re-enters the venous blood system—clean, detoxified, and ready for circulation.
🫀🧬

Step 5: Waste Is Excreted by the Body’s Detox Organs

The final step of cleansing happens when waste removed by the lymph is processed and eliminated by:
• Liver (metabolizes toxins and hormones)
• Kidneys (filter and excrete waste via urine)
• Skin (sweat)
• Colon (f***l elimination)
• Lungs (release carbon dioxide and acidic gases)

The lymphatic system is the courier, but your excretory organs are the exit gates.

How You Can Support Lymphatic Cleansing Daily

Here’s how to help your lymph “self-clean” more efficiently:
1. Hydrate generously – lymph is 95% water 💧
2. Move your body – walking, rebounding, stretching 🏃‍♀️
3. Deep belly breathing – activates thoracic duct 🫁
4. Dry brushing – stimulates surface lymph vessels 🪥
5. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) – clears stagnant flow
6. Anti-inflammatory nutrition – reduce the lymph’s toxin burden 🥦
7. Epsom salt baths or sauna – supports excretion through the skin ♨️
8. Limit chemical and endocrine disruptors – less work for lymph! 🚫

Fascinating Facts
• The lymphatic system transports 2–4 liters of fluid daily
• You have over 600 lymph nodes in your body
• The glymphatic system (lymph in the brain) only activates during deep sleep 🧠💤
• Unlike blood, lymph moves slowly—about 120 mL/hour

Final Thought

A clean lymphatic system is a clean communication line between your cells and your immune system. By understanding and supporting your lymph flow, you unlock a natural detox rhythm designed by your body for healing, defense, and vitality.

So move, breathe, brush, and flow—because your lymph is quietly working for you every moment of the day.
💚🌿✨

©️

05/06/2025

🌿💖 Why Your Lymphatic System Should Be Your First Priority

In a world rushing after heart rates, sugar levels, and body fat percentages,
there lies a silent river inside you...
whispering, flowing, healing — always at work. 🌊✨

It’s called your lymphatic system,
and it deserves to be seen, cherished, and protected. 🌸

🌼 A Soft Poem to Your Silent Healer:

Beneath your skin, a river runs,
🌊 A quiet stream kissed by the sun.
It carries hope, it sweeps away,
The broken pieces of your day. 🌞

It bathes each cell, it guards each door,
It cleans the wounds you never saw. 🌿🩹
It fights for you when you are weak,
It whispers strength you do not seek. 🌟

Without its flow, the fields grow dry,
The heart grows tired, the bones ask why. 🥀
But when it dances, pure and bright,
The body sings, the soul feels light. 🎶

So honor it — this silver thread,
This healing song beneath the bed. 💖
Drink deep, breathe slow, move free, stay kind —
And let your rivers clear your mind. 🦋

✨ Why Your Lymphatic System Matters:

🌿 It removes waste:
Every cell in your body creates waste — your lymphatic system takes out the trash.

🌿 It supports your immunity:
Your lymph nodes are battle stations, sending out armies of immune cells to protect you.

🌿 It balances your fluids:
It prevents swelling, puffiness, and fluid retention, keeping your tissues light and vibrant.

🌿 It detoxifies naturally:
Forget harsh cleanses — your lymph is the original, daily detox system.

🌿 It nurtures healing:
Every wound you heal, every infection you fight, every toxin you clear — your lymph is behind it.

🌿 It lifts inflammation:
By clearing stagnant fluid, it reduces chronic inflammation, the root of so many modern illnesses.

🌿 It connects your body and soul:
When your lymph flows, you feel it — lighter, clearer, calmer... more you. 🌸🦋

🌟 How to Honor Your Rivers:

💧 Drink pure water.
🚶‍♀️ Move your body with love — walking, stretching, bouncing.
🧘‍♀️ Breathe deep into your belly.
💆‍♀️ Enjoy gentle lymphatic massage or dry brushing.
🌸 Rest in gratitude for the silent work happening within you.

Because when your lymph flows,
life flows. 🌿✨

💖 In Closing:

🌸 Your lymphatic system isn’t just a “nice-to-have” —
It’s the very foundation of your healing, your vitality, and your freedom.

To honor your lymph is to honor the hidden miracles inside you.
Today, choose to flow. Choose to heal. Choose to glow. 🌿💫

Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new health practices.

©️

05/05/2025

Let’s Talk About Armpit Lymph Nodes!
The Mighty Axillary Warriors of Your Immune System 🌿🦠🩷

Your armpits aren’t just for deodorant and razors — they’re home to some of your body’s most powerful immune protectors: the axillary lymph nodes!

What Are Axillary Lymph Nodes?

Axillary lymph nodes are bean-shaped structures located in the armpit (axilla) that form a key part of the lymphatic system — your body’s drainage, detox, and defense network. These nodes filter lymph (a fluid rich in white blood cells) and trap harmful substances like bacteria, viruses, toxins, and even cancer cells.

There are typically 20 to 40 lymph nodes in each armpit. These nodes are grouped into five anatomical levels, each with distinct drainage responsibilities.

The Five Groups of Axillary Lymph Nodes:
1. Pectoral (Anterior) Group
• Location: Along the lower border of the pectoralis major muscle
• Drainage Area: Breast, anterior thoracic wall
• Fun Fact: These nodes are key in breast cancer monitoring!
2. Subscapular (Posterior) Group
• Location: Along the lower margin of the scapula (shoulder blade)
• Drainage Area: Upper back, posterior shoulder, and neck
3. Humeral (Lateral) Group
• Location: Along the humerus (upper arm bone)
• Drainage Area: Upper limb
• Fun Fact: These are the ones that may swell when your arm is injured or infected!
4. Central Group
• Location: Near the base of the axilla (deep in the center)
• Drainage Area: Collects lymph from pectoral, subscapular, and humeral groups
5. Apical Group
• Location: At the top of the axilla near the clavicle (collarbone)
• Drainage Area: Receives lymph from all the other axillary groups and drains into the subclavian lymphatic trunk

Where Does the Lymph Flow?
• After filtration through the axillary groups, lymph travels to the apical nodes, then drains into the subclavian trunk, and finally enters the venous circulation near the heart (via the right lymphatic duct or thoracic duct on the left side).
• This allows your body to return filtered lymph to the bloodstream while neutralizing any harmful intruders.

Why Are Axillary Lymph Nodes Important?
• Immune Defense: Full of lymphocytes (B and T cells), they identify and destroy pathogens.
• Cancer Monitoring: Oncologists often biopsy or remove axillary nodes to check for cancer spread, especially in breast cancer staging.
• Detox Drainage: They assist in the drainage of waste products, inflammatory debris, and excess interstitial fluid.

Signs of Swollen Axillary Nodes:
• Tenderness
• Swelling or a lump in the armpit
• Fever or signs of infection
Swollen nodes often indicate your immune system is actively fighting something!

Fun Lymph Facts:
• Lymph has no pump! It relies on movement (like walking, deep breathing, and rebounding) to flow — which is why dry brushing and lymphatic massage can help!
• You have more lymph than blood! Your lymphatic system contains about 1.5 times more fluid than your circulatory system.
• The word “lymph” comes from the Latin lympha, meaning water — a perfect name for a fluid that brings life-giving immunity!

Takeaway:
Your armpit lymph nodes are immune superheroes — silently working day and night to filter, defend, and drain. Keeping them moving and healthy is a big step in supporting overall wellness. So next time you move your arm, remember the little green defenders in your underarm working hard for you! 💪🌿✨

Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, or health regimen.

02/07/2025

Things have been quiet over here lately but that doesn't mean things aren't happening. I am neck deep in school assignments as I make my way through my third year of studies:
- I am planning the medicine garden for this year
- I am working on case assignments for my certificate
- I am taking new clients currently at a deeply discounted rate ($50 for initial consults and $40 for follow-ups, this will increase in July)
- I am ordering dried herbs from reliable sources and creating magic in the apothecary
- Designing classes and courses to help my community find healing both physically and mentally.

If you are wanting to explore alternative health options, get familiar with homeopathy or looking to expand your knowledge, please reach out!

I am here. I am interested. I am looking forward to helping you.

www.intothemountainsapothecary.com
𝒮𝒶𝓈𝒽𝒶 𝑀𝒶𝓇𝒾𝑒 - 𝘛𝘏𝘌 𝘎𝘙𝘈𝘚𝘚𝘙𝘖𝘖𝘛𝘚 𝘉𝘐𝘙𝘛𝘏 𝘒𝘌𝘌𝘗𝘌𝘙

12/04/2024

09/24/2024

You can find some of our tea blends for retail locally 🥰🙌 🌱

Open today 11:00 - 4:00 pm ✨

Now carrying a selection of Into the Mountains Apothecary herbal tea blends.

* Vitamin C Mix
* Holy Basil
* Elderberry
* Mullein

The perfect blends to consume coming into the winter months and when your feeling under the weather.

05/30/2024

Anyone wanting Mullein Tincture?

Benefits:
•Lung & Respiratory
-Hoarseness
-Tonsillitis
-Cough and cold
-Asthma
-Bronchitis
•Ear Disorders
•Burn & wound Healing
•Pain & Inflammation
-Gut inflammation
-Liver inflammation
-Swelling due to broken bones
-Inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
•Diarrhea

Mullein contains flavonoids, saponins, and other actives that are individually proven to be:
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-cancer
Anti-hypertensive (lowers blood pressure)
Antiseptic and antimicrobial
Astringent (constricts pores, limits sebum production)
Diuretic (promotes urine production)
Pain-relieving
Emollient (moisturizing)
Expectorant (clears mucus from airways)
Spasmolytic (relieves muscle spasms)
Wound-healing

Small bottle: $10
Large Bottle: $15

05/13/2024

𝐻𝑜𝓂𝑒𝑜𝓅𝒶𝓉𝒽𝓎 𝟣𝟢𝟣

The beautiful thing about homeopathy is that it is very individualistic. These suggestions are just the first thought of remedies but they are not the only options.

There are so many remedies that can cover and treat acute ailments.

The best thing you can do is to book into an acute or chronic consult with our in-house homeopath: Sasha Marie! We also offer Homeopathy workshops and classes so be sure to check out our education options!

www.IntoTheMountainsApothecary.com

05/01/2024

| RETREAT |

{𝘔}𝘢𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯 {𝘔}𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 {𝘔}𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵
I am thrilled to announce our upcoming all-inclusive retreat! This special event is tailored for mothers and daughters to unite, strengthen, and nurture their relationship.

At our retreat, you can look forward to a weekend filled with bonding activities, mindful mending, and relaxation. It's a perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and give the time to create lasting memories with your loved one. From nature walks and deep discussions to healing arts and crafts, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Our goal is to provide a safe and welcoming space for mothers and daughters to connect on a deeper level, share experiences, and build a stronger bond that will last a lifetime.
Join us for this unforgettable retreat and embark on a journey of love, understanding, and growth.

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟕-𝟐𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭: $𝟔𝟓𝟎.𝟎𝟎/𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧
𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Nature's Getaway Nordegg
𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐲: Halcyon Havens Experiences

www.SashaMarieBirth.ca/MMMRetreat
Booking: https://www.sashamariebirth.ca/event-details/maiden-mother-mending

04/24/2024

Come Learn the Wonders of Herbalism with Us!

Calendula ~ Common Marigold

Calendula health benefits have been valued by numerous herbal traditions around the world, and the herb has been particularly used as an antimicrobial and digestive agent. Healing wounds and skin problems and alleviating digestive upset.

Some preliminary studies have suggested that calendula properties may also be of use for:
Preventing dermatitis.
Reducing gingivitis and dental plaque.
Reducing menopause symptoms and PMS.

Full sun is ideal, though some shade is tolerable. Calendula prefers cool weather and performs best in early summer and late fall. It has a year-long flowering cycle in regions with average temperatures between 59 - 68°F (15 - 20°C).
Calendula is a hardy plant that can thrive in all kinds of soils, but it prefers well-drained soils, within a pH range of neutral to slightly acidic.

Because of their bright and vivid hue, calendula flowers are thought to lift one's spirits and are associated with cheer and joviality.
Calendula plays an important role in many religious ceremonies and holidays, notably in Hindu culture as well as in Mexico's día de los mu***os, which honors the dead.
This plant is also a part of the Ayurvedic and Unani medicine systems, which list it as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antimicrobial.

Cautions:
Calendula should not be used in the two weeks prior to a surgical operation. It can interact with medications used during surgery.

www.IntoTheMountainsApothecary.com

04/24/2024