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What Are Lymph Nodes?
Before learning natural home remedies for swollen lymph nodes, you should know what lymph nodes are. In fact, swollen lymph nodes occur due to exposure to viruses or bacteria. When this condition is caused by an infection, it is called lymphadenitis. Swollen lymph nodes are rarely caused due to cancer. Your lymph nodes, called lymph glands, play a crucial role in the ability of the body to fight off any infection. They function as filters, which trap bacteria, viruses, and other reasons for illnesses before they may infect other body parts. Common areas where swollen lymph nodes occur include your neck, in your armpits & groin, and under your chin.
Types Of Swollen Lymph Nodes
In fact, there are 2 types of swollen lymph nodes, including generalized lymphadenitis and localized lymphadenitis, the most common type.
- Generalized lymphadenitis is known as a lymph node infection occurring in 2 lymph node groups or more. An infection that generally spreads through an illness (affecting the entire body) or the bloodstream commonly causes lymphadenitis
- Localized lymphadenitis often involves just 1 or a few lymph nodes which are close to the infected area; for instance, if your tonsils are infected, the near lymph nodes will be swollen noticeably. In 75 % of all cases, swollen lymph glands are localized, with over 50 % located in the neck and head area [1].
Causes Of Swollen Lymph Nodes
Often, swollen lymph nodes occur when you develop a problem such as an infection, tumor, or an injury near or in the lymph nodes. And knowing the location of the swollen lymph nodes may help to identify the problem.
- Generally, the glands under the jaw, behind the ears, or on the side of the neck swell when you suffer from a sore throat or a cold. Also, glands may swell after an injury, including a bite or cut, near the lymph gland or when an infection or tumor occurs in the head, neck, or mouth.
- The glands in the armpit (called axillary lymph nodes) can swell due to an infection or injury to the hand or arm. A rare reason for axillary lymph nodes swelling can be lymphoma or breast cancer.
- The nodes in the groin (called inguinal ỏ femoral lymph nodes) can swell due to an infection or injury in the leg, foot, genitals, or groin. In rare cases, lymphoma, melanoma, or testicular cancer may also cause a lump in the area.
- The lymph glands above the collarbone (called supraclavicular lymph nodes) can swell due to a tumor or infection in the areas of your lungs, abdomen, breasts, or
Common areas for swollen lymph nodes are the neck, underarms, and groin.
Symptoms Of Swollen Lymph Nodes
The lymphatic system is regarded a network of vessels lymph nodes, and organs situated in the body. Also, many lymph nodes are present in the head and neck area. Swollen lymph nodes are in this area, your groin area, and armpits.
This condition is a sign that there is something wrong in your body. When you experience the lymph nodes first, you might notice pain & tenderness in the lymph nodes and the swelling in your lymph nodes.
In addition, depending on the reason for the swollen lymph nodes, other symptoms you may notice include:
- General swelling of the lymph nodes in your body, which can indicate an infection, including mononucleosis or HIV, or an immune disorder (rheumatoid arthritis or lupus)
- A runny nose, fever, sore throat, and other signs of an infection of the upper respiratory tract
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Hard, fixed, quickly growing nodes, a sign of a possible tumor
Now keep reading the article and learn more about natural home remedies for swollen lymph nodes!
Top 21 Natural Home Remedies For Swollen Lymph Nodes
1. Castor Oil
You can use castor oil that contains anti-inflammatory & analgesic effects to reduce your swollen lymph glands. It helps to improve the flow of lymph in the body, which in turn speeds up the toxin removal. This also aids in reducing the size of swollen nodes. In addition, it even provides a boost to the immune system.
- Simply, you rub castor oil on the affected area directly; use a flannel, a plastic bag, a heating pad to cover it.
- You also can apply castor oil packs on stomach area and other regions of the body.
Read more: Outsmart your cancer PDF review
2. Home Remedies For Swollen Lymph Nodes – Warm Compresses
One of the time-tested home remedies for swollen lymph nodes is warm compresses. This is because the hot temperature aids in increasing the blood circulation, which will reduce swelling & pain.
- Firstly, dip a clean washcloth in hot water.
- Then, wring it out to remove the excess water.
- Now, place this washcloth on your swollen lymph nodes for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Follow this method fora few times a day until the swelling is improved.
You can also use warm water to wash the swollen area for a few times per day.
3. Echinacea
Many herbalists use Echinacea in order to boost up the immune system and purify the blood. The University of Maryland Medical Center reported that this herb had the ability to aid in shortening the duration of a common cold. Herbal practitioners practicing Eastern and Western medicine have also prescribed this herb to relieve swelling of the glands as well as treating a cold and flu. Echinacea may be taken as a natural treatment in powdered or capsule form or by adding its liquid extract to the juice. The recommended dosage is 300 mg, 3 times a day. The remedy should be taken during the illness and within 7 days afterward. Remember that nursing mothers and people taking immune-suppressing medications avoid using Echinacea. Consult a doctor before using Echinacea.
Echinacea has powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that aid in strengthening the lymph system and fighting infection by purifying lymph nodes.
- You need Echinacea roots, flowers, leaves, or some other parts, 1/2 spearmint leaves, some stevia leaves, & 1/2 lemon grass. Mix these ingredients well; brew it with clean water for a few minutes and then taste it.
- Alternatively, just apply Echinacea ointment or cream topically 2 to 3 times per day to reduce swelling.
- Also, you can drink 1 or 2 cups of the Echinacea tea a day for no more than one
- Or, take Echinacea supplements, twice a day for 1 Consult a doctor prior to taking this supplement.
4. Salt Water
Gargling with salt water can be beneficial for easing the swelling & inflammation in the swollen lymph nodes in your neck caused due to an infection in the throat.
- Firstly, mix 1/2 tsp. of salt in one cup of warm water.
- Then, mix this solution and gargle with it to get relief.
- Do the method a couple of times a day for about 1
See more: Natural home remedies for sore throat
5. Lemon
One of other natural home remedies for swollen lymph nodes is the lemon. It is also available in the market and you totally use lemon to get rid of a sore throat, an infection, and the swollen glands. Here is the direction.
- You combine 1 tsp. of honey, a glass of warm water, lemon juice and drink it immediately.
- Or, you may mix warm water with lemon juice and then gargle it.
- You can also use a lemon, shrink with pepper & salt over the lemon and then lick it.
- Try to do these methods several times a day until the issue is reduced.
Learn more: Health and beauty benefits of lemon juice, oil and peel
6. Home Remedies For Swollen Lymph Nodes – Apple Cider Vinegar
In the list of the simplest & cheapest home remedies for swollen lymph nodes in neck, ears, and other body parts is certainly apple cider vinegar that is loaded with antibacterial effects to soothe the problem well. It helps to create a great alkaline environment and keep a healthy pH level within your body [2]. The method is:
- Mix 1 tsp. of honey, 1 tsp. of lemon juice, and 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar with 1 glass of lukewarm water then drink immediately. You can also drink this liquid 2 or 3 times each day to ease inflammation & pain.
- Also, you may combine 1 cup of lukewarm water, 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp. of salt, gargle it several times a day.
Learn more: Medical and common uses for apple cider vinegar
7. Mullein Leaves
Although mullein leaves seem to be not as common as the other natural home remedies for swollen lymph nodes, they are extremely effective in treating this condition. Mullein leaves contain strong antibacterial & antiviral effects that have been beneficial in treating the respiratory illnesses.
- Firstly, chop mullein leaves into pieces.
- Then, add these pieces to boiling water.
- Now, let it steep for about 10 minutes.
- Drink it 2 to 3 times a day.
8. Home Remedies For Swollen Lymph Nodes – Spirulina
Spirulina is very high in antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and some other nutrients that are perfect for health. This ingredient is among the best home remedies for swollen lymph nodes you should take. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of spirulina help to reduce the signs of swollen lymph nodes and improve your overall health. You can also take spirulina capsule but you should ask your doctor before consuming it.
- Include organic spirulina in your favorite smoothie.
- Have 2 to 3 times per
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