Cole Herbals Blog Articles

The lymphatic system works quietly every day to help move fluids, support natural cleansing, and maintain balance throughout the body. When it feels heavy or stagnant, gentle support through movement, herbs, and massage can make a meaningful difference.

For our Master Formulator, Linda Hammer, the lymphatic system isn’t just something she studied. It is something she lived. This cream was created from a personal journey of survival, lifelong learning, and a friendship that reshaped her path.

A Meeting That Changed the Course of Her Life

I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1995,” Linda shares. “So keeping my immune system strong has always been important.”

But Linda’s wellness journey began even before her diagnosis. After moving to Northern Arizona in 1994, she began exploring natural ways to support her health. A local herbalist guided her through a two-week rice and fruit cleanse, created a special tincture blend for her, and strongly encouraged her to receive two colonics during that period. The experience made a deep impression, and Linda continued receiving colonics regularly as part of her detoxification routine.

It was during this time that she became a client at a colonic practice that would soon be taken over by someone who would profoundly shape her life: Dr. Janell Cole, founder of the original MOBU brand, herbalist, teacher, and friend.

Dr. Cole had just completed training in lymphatic massage, and the timing could not have been more meaningful.

“I think that pretty much saved my life,” Linda recalls. “She really helped to get my system opened up and detoxified.”

What began as simple appointments became mentorship, then friendship, and eventually legacy. Dr. Cole introduced Linda to herbs like cleavers and red clover, taught her hands-on lymphatic massage techniques, and even created an early lymphatic support cream specifically with Linda in mind.

“She used to have me drinking red clover tea daily,” Linda remembers. “She would have me put red clover in everything I did.

When Everything Swelled

In 2011, Linda faced another challenge when she was diagnosed with an osteomyelitis infection in her spine. As the infection came under control, something unexpected happened.

“Every lymph node in my body swelled,” she recalls. “I looked like the Michelin tire man with slits for eyes. It was that bad.”

Her oncologist recommended 13 rounds of chemotherapy, but Linda wasn’t comfortable with that plan. She asked for a PET scan before starting treatment and another after completing two rounds. When the second scan came back completely clear, she chose not to continue with the remaining rounds or the maintenance therapy that was offered. Instead, she moved forward under her doctor’s care while continuing the natural support practices that had been part of her wellness routine for years.

Nearly 30 years after her initial diagnosis, Linda is thriving. Her oncologist eventually became one of her biggest supporters.

“He has me share my story with other people when they don’t want to do chemo,” she says.

Honoring Dr. Cole by Creating a New Formula

When Linda became the formulator for Dr. Cole’s Herbal Remedies, she knew she wanted to create a lymphatic support cream that honored Dr. Cole’s early work while expanding it with everything she had learned over decades.

“This formula is probably the one that’s most meaningful for me,” Linda explains. “I kept all my notes as I was developing it, and I can pretty much tell you why I chose each herb.”

Her approach to formulation is grounded in humility and continuous study.

“I start as though I know nothing. I redo all the research. I look at my materials. I study the latest herbal practices. Herbs evolve, and how people use them evolves too. So I learn and then I build.”

The result is a formula crafted with intention, tradition, and lived experience.

The Herbs Behind the Formula

This cream blends herbs that have long been valued for their traditional use in supporting natural flow, cleansing, and balance.

Cleavers

Traditionally used to encourage gentle movement and natural flushing.

Red Clover

A favorite of Dr. Cole’s, traditionally used to support natural lymphatic flow.

Yellow Dock

Known for its role in traditional detoxification practices.

Astragalus and Echinacea angustifolia

Traditionally used together for vitality and harmony.

Golden Seal

Historically used for cleansing tissues.

Mullein Leaf

Traditionally used to support clear flow through lymphatic pathways.

Calendula

Long used to support skin and tissue comfort.

Dandelion Root

Used traditionally to support waste pathways.

Burdock Root

A classic herb for supporting circulation and lymphatic movement.

Poke Root

A strong herb used sparingly in traditional lymphatic preparations.

Red Root

Valued for its traditional use in supporting the lymphatic ducts and internal flow.

Ocotillo Bark

Used by herbalists for supporting the abdominal and pelvic lymphatic regions.

Juniper Berry, Lemon and Grapefruit Essential Oils

Traditionally used to encourage movement and natural cleansing.

Mastic Essential Oil

Chosen for its history of use in supporting circulatory flow and balance.

How to Use the Lymphatic Support Cream

Apply to areas where lymph nodes are concentrated:

Neck and under the jawline

Chest and breast area

Abdomen and ribcage

Underarms

Backs of the legs

The Technique Dr. Cole Taught

Linda recalls this instruction from Dr. Cole:

“She wanted you to pull up under your armpit and pump five times. Then you massage from the middle around to the bottom and up and out to your armpit to get it into the pumps that are under your arms.”

In this context, “pump” refers to a gentle, rhythmic pressing motion used in lymphatic massage. Some practitioners casually call the lymph node areas “pumps” because this light pumping action helps encourage natural movement through the lymphatic pathways. After applying the cream, these soft, gentle presses can be used on the underarm lymph nodes as part of a simple, supportive wellness routine.

Beyond the Cream

“Your lymph system doesn’t have a pump like your circulatory system does,” Linda explains. “You need movement: walking, rebounding, staying active. And deep breathing helps open the chest muscles and get everything flowing.”

Combined with hydration, mindful movement, and daily wellness routines, this cream can be part of a supportive approach to natural balance.

A Formula Born From Love and Legacy

This cream carries the wisdom of Dr. Janell Cole, the dedication of Linda Hammer, and nearly 30 years of lived experience.

It represents friendship, survival, research, tradition, and the belief that the body responds beautifully when supported gently and consistently.

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