Lymph nodes are also known as lymph glands. They are found throughout our bodies. Lymph nodes are one of the most important parts of our immune system.
Lymph nodes help the body to recognize and fight germs and other foreign substances. Common areas where the lymph nodes are located include the back of the head, the armpits, the groin, behind the ears, under the jaw and chin, and the neck. When our lymph nodes become swollen, then they can cause a problem known as lymphadenitis or lymphadenopathy.
A swollen lymph node can vary from the size of a peat to an egg. Swollen lymph nodes are signs that something is wrong somewhere in your body.
The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is an infection, which includes skin infections, gingivitis, tonsillitis, mononucleosis, measles, common cold, ear infection, and an abscessed tooth. Also, there are some immune or autoimmune disorders, such as HIV, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, which can lead to swollen lymph nodes.
At times, certain medications and cancer can cause swollen lymph nodes. In addition to increasing in size, the swollen lymph nodes can be painful and tender. Depending on the cause, symptoms can include general weakness, night sweats, swollen limbs, cough, fever, sore throat, and runny nose. Treatment for this condition depends on the cause.
There are some cases when the swelling will reduce with time. Also, you can incorporate home remedies and lifestyle changes to treat swollen lymph nodes. But if the swelling lasts or continues to enlarge for more than a couple of weeks, you should seek medical help. Talk with your doctor if you have swollen lymph nodes for the best treatment for you.
11 Home remedies for swollen lymph nodes
Contents
Honey
This is a very effective home remedy that helps to treat enlarged lymph nodes. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which ease swelling and pain. Also, it has antibacterial properties, which can help to fight the infection that is the cause of this problem. You should mix one to two teaspoons of raw honey and some fresh lemon juice in one cup of water. Drink this home remedy two times per day for a period of a week.
You should apply some raw honey to the swollen area, allow it to sit for ten to fifteen minutes, and then you should rinse it off using warm water. Do this natural treatment two or three times per day until the swelling subsides. [1]
Apple cider vinegar
This is a very effective home remedy for swollen lymph nodes. It can help to create an alkaline environment and to maintain healthy pH levels in your body. It has antibacterial properties, which can help to fight any infection that may be the cause of this problem [2]. You should mix equal amounts of water and apple cider vinegar. You should soak a washcloth in this home remedy and then apply it to the swollen area. You should wait for five minutes before you rinse it off using warm water and then pat dry. Repeat this home treatment once or twice per day.
Also, you can mix one tablespoon of raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar and a little raw honey in one glass of water. Drink this home remedy two times per day.
Garlic
It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the swelling in the lymph nodes. This is antibiotic food that can promote healing, ease symptoms, and cleanse the system. You should eat two or three raw garlic cloves per day. Also, you should include garlic in your cooking. You can massage the swollen area with garlic oil for a few minutes, two or three times per day. Also, you can take garlic supplements on a daily basis after you have talked with your doctor. [3]
Saltwater
A saltwater gargle is very beneficial for people who want to reduce the inflammation and swelling in their lymph nodes that are located in the neck and are caused by an infection in the throat [4]. You should mix ½ teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water. You should gargle with this home remedy to get relief. Do this natural treatment a couple of times per day for a period of one week.
Massage
Massage is also an effective home remedy for lymph nodes. Massage can stimulate the lymph nodes to help them to function normally. This will help the swelling to subside over a period of time. Also, it can reduce the accumulation of impurities in your nodes. Using your fingers, you should gently massage the lymph nodes for about five minutes. Do this natural treatment two or three times per day until the swelling is gone. If you want, you can also hire a professional to give you a lymph drainage massage. [5]
Warm compresses
Warm compresses are time–tested home remedies that can help to reduce the swelling of the lymph nodes. The hot temperature will help to increase blood circulation, which in turn will reduce the swelling as well as the pain. You should dip a washcloth in hot water and wring out the excess water. You should place this warm washcloth on the swollen lymph nodes for five to ten minutes. You should repeat this natural treatment a few times per day until the swelling is gone. Also, you can wash the swollen area with warm water a few times per day.
Turmeric
This natural cure has a therapeutic effect that will bring down the swelling of the enlarged lymph glands. Also, it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help to reduce pain and swelling. It can help to fight infections and facilitate healing [6]. You should mix one tablespoon of turmeric powder with enough honey to make a paste. Apply this home remedy to the swollen area, wait for ten minutes and then rinse it off using warm water. You should follow this home remedy two times per day for a period of one week. You can drink a glass of warm turmeric milk two times per day. Also, there is another option, and that is to take turmeric supplements after you have talked to your doctor.
Castor oil
You can use castor oil as your natural cure because it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties because reduces the swelling in lymph nodes. It can improve the flow of lymph throughout the body, speeding up the removal of toxins. This will help to reduce the size of swollen lymph nodes. Also, it will boost your immune system. You should gently rub some cold-pressed castor oil on the swollen area for five minutes. You should put a warm compress on the area for another five to ten minutes. You should repeat this home remedy once or twice per day for a period of one week.
Cleavers
There are many herbalists who are recommending the use of cleavers for lymphadenitis. The scientific name of cleavers is Galium aparine. This home remedy is also known as sticky weed and goosegrass. This therapeutic herb can stimulate the function of the lymphatic system to reinforce its proper functioning. It can help to reduce swelling. You should add two teaspoons of this herb to one cup of hot water. You should steep it for ten minutes and then strain it. Drink this tea two or three times per day until you notice improvements in your condition. Also, you can take 20 – 30 drops of cleaver tincture mixed with water on a daily basis. Before you use this herb, you need to talk with your doctor. [7]
Echinacea
This is a very effective home remedy that can be used to treat swollen lymph nodes. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can help to strengthen the lymph system as well as fight infection by purifying the lymph nodes and blood. You should apply Echinacea ointment or cream topically, two or three times per day, to reduce the swelling.
Also, you can drink one to two cups of Echinacea tea per day for not more than one week. Also, you can take Echinacea supplements of 300 mg two times per day for a period of a week.
Consult your doctor before you take the Echinacea supplement. You should avoid taking this herb internally for more than one week. People who suffer from autoimmune disorders may want to avoid this herb. [8]
Lemon
This home remedy is used for many medicinal, beauty, and health purposes. Lemon juice can help to heal sore throat and thin the mucus. You can use lemon as your natural treatment for swollen lymph nodes. You should add one teaspoon of honey and little lemon juice to one glass of warm water. You should drink this natural cure in the morning and before you go to sleep. You can mix warm water with lemon juice and gargle this solution. You can also cut a lemon in a half. Shrink salt and pepper over the surface of the lemon and then lick it. [9]
References
[1] Ahmed S, Sulaiman SA, Baig AA, et al. Honey as a potential natural antioxidant medicine: An insight into its molecular mechanisms of action. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2018;2018:8367846.
[2] Cortesia C, Vilcheze C, Bernut A, et al. Acetic acid, the active component of vinegar, is an effective tuberculocidal disinfectant. mBio. 2014;5(2):e00013-14.
[3] Arreola R, Quintero-Fabian S, Lopez-Roa RI, et al. Immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory effects of garlic compounds. Journal of Immunology Research. 2015;2015:401630.
[4] Mizuno R, Isshiki M, Ono N, et al. A high-salt diet differentially modulates mechanical activity of afferent and efferent collecting lymphatics in murine iliac lymph nodes. Lymphatic Research and Biology. 2015;13(2):85-92.
[5] Inoue K, Maruoka H. Effects of simplified lymph drainage on the body: in females with menopausal disorder. Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 2017;29(1):115-118.
[6] Wilken R, Veena MS, Wang MB, Srivatsan ES. Curcumin: A review of anti-cancer properties and therapeutic activity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Molecular Cancer. 2011;10:12.
[7] Natural Standard. Cleavers. Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Guide – E-Book: An Evidence-Based Reference. p. 240.
[8] Yin SY, Wang WH, Wang BX, et al. Stimulatory effect of Echinacea purpurea extract on the trafficking activity of mouse dendritic cells: revealed by genomic and proteomic analyses. BMC Genomics. 2010;11:612.
[9] Quita SM, Balbaid SO. The protective effect of lemon fruit extract on histopathological changes induced in small intestines and pancreas of male mice by cyclophosphamide. Electronic Physician. 2015;7(6):1412-22.
