Lymphatic Drainage Rooted in Vermont: Red Clover’s Healing Journey with Herbalist Nick Cavanaugh

The Railyard Apothecary is filled with dried herbs, welcoming vibes, and brimming with knowledgeable, friendly staff.  In a quiet room off to the side, I sat down with Nick Cavanaugh to seek Lymphatic Drainage and Herb guidance from a local trusted resource. 

“A popular Lymphatic herb is Red Clover. It is nutritive and has vitamins and minerals to promote lymph flow.” What sets Red Clover apart from the rest isn’t the fact it’s our state flower; its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, particularly its coumarins, which aid the lymphatic system in getting rid of the body of toxins and waste from tissues. “Basically the way that coumarins work in plants, like Red Clover, is that they help the white blood cells remove waste material, which contributes to changes in the osmotic gradient of extracellular fluid, promoting flow.” This humble wildflower promotes lymph flow by cleansing the blood, relieving mild allergies, and easing inflammation. “It’s also one of the more gentle of the Lymphatic simulating herb family.”  For more information on Lymph Drainage Stimulating Herbs, head on over to the Railyard Apothecary.

Thrilled with our conversation with him, I picked up a fresh bag of dried Red Clover to try myself.  When I steeped it into tea and meditated with her, I found her presence to be soft, feminine, and profoundly cleansing.  Red Clover offers a more subtle, systemic approach. It soothes inflammation and quietly encourages the lymph to move with ease.

I HIGHLY recommend heading over to The Railyard Apothecary to get some.

The Railyard Apothecary

Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am -6 pm; Sat 9 am-5pm

Location: 28 Howard St, Unit 101-A, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

Website: https://www.railyardapothecary.com/

Herbal Consultations: here

Red Clover Tea and Lymphatic Drainage and Meditation

Making Tea Recipe: 

Tea: ½ cup dried Red Clover

Quart of water (slightly cooled down from boiling)

Meditation:

A Simple Meditation to Meet Red Clover

1. Find a comfortable seat — either upright in a chair or sitting cross-legged on the ground.

2. Take a few slow, deep breaths. Allow yourself to arrive fully.

3. Set a quiet intention: To connect with Red Clover.

4. Gently call to her in your mind or heart. You might speak her name softly, or simply reach for her with your inner awareness.

5. (She may not arrive right away, but like any relationship, it may take a few visits. Be patient, be kind. Sweet-talk her as you would a cherished elder or wise friend.)

6. When she comes, just sit with her. Let her energy move through you. You may feel warmth, gentleness, or an unexpected tenderness.

7. Take notes on the impression you got from her.

It’s not uncommon to be overcome with emotion in her presence — I’ve wept more than once. She brings a kind of love that’s ancient, unconditional, and profoundly healing.

Remember, when diving into the world of herbs, it's best to talk to a herbalist to ensure you're safe. 

Enjoy!