Swollen lymph nodes or lymph glands are usually an indicator that there is an infection in your body. This article will examine 15 home remedies for swollen lymph nodes (aka. Lymphadenitis), first, let’s consider the cause of swollen lymph nodes.
Lymph nodes act as filters against viruses and bacteria. Their function is to be the first line of attack against these foreign bodies. When they are overwhelmed with a particularly heavy amount of work, they become inflamed and tender.
Most of the time swollen lymph node discomfort can be relieved at home, but these remedies are not inclusive. In severe cases, it’s best to consult your health care provider.
Though we’re a couple of generations removed from the time when a teaspoon of castor oil was the cure for everything, its use is making a comeback, especially for treating swollen lymph nodes.
What to do:
1. Gently rub some cold-pressed castor oil on the swollen area for 5 minutes.
2. Apply a warm compress for another 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Repeat twice daily for a week.
How it works: castor oil’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties help to improve the flow of lymph throughout the body and speed up the removal of toxins.
Besides being used along with castor oil and other essential oils to help make them more effective, a warm compress also brings some localized relief to swollen lymph nodes.
What to do:
How it works: the warmth helps to increase blood circulation helping to reduce swelling and pain, and also helps to circulate essential oils into the lymphatic system.
Many people make use of Echinacea the moment they feel a cold coming on, probably because it can help relieve the swelling and tenderness of swollen lymph nodes.
What to do:
There are several ways to take this herb:
Note: never consume this herb internally for more than one week. People with autoimmune disorders need to avoid it entirely.
How it works: echinacea contains strong anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that help to boost the function of your lymph nodes.
Calendula flower or pot marigold, is another blast from the past that is making a comeback. These sunny little flowers have been bringing relief from swelling and infection for thousands of years.
What to do:
How it works:
Plant pharmacological studies conclude that calendula has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties help to enhance your body’s lymphatic function.
Though not as common as the other remedies we’ve listed, cleavers or goosegrass is a potent anti-inflammatory that can ease the discomfort of your swollen lymph nodes.
What to do:
How it works: this herb helps reduce swelling and tenderness by stimulating lymphatic function.
This old standby might seem a little bit trite, but it has become a standby because both the honey and lemon work to help reduce swollen lymph nodes.
What to do:
How it works: honey is both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, so it not only relieves the symptom but also helps fight the cause.
The oil from this potent plant is used to treat a number of common respiratory and digestive issues. It’s not surprise that peppermint oil can also relieve swollen lymph nodes.
What to do:
How it works: peppermint not only relieves the pain, but it is also antibacterial, so it will kill the bacteria that are contributing to your discomfort as well.
With its antibacterial and antifungal properties garlic is one of the best and most readily available home remedies for swollen lymph nodes. You can use garlic in a number of different forms.
What to do:
How it works: a raw clove of garlic is high in allicin and other beneficial enzymes and compounds. This antibiotic food fights off infection to bring relief to swollen lymph nodes, but be careful not to heat it, because heating garlic destroys the allicin.
Though turmeric is best known as one of the main ingredients in curry powder, raw turmeric has extremely powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic qualities to help bring relief to your swollen lymph nodes.
What to do:
How it works: studies confirm that turmeric is an extremely effective antimicrobial herb. It is used to fight a number of serious medical conditions.
Believe it or not, even a soothing massage helps to relieve your swollen lymph nodes.
What to do:
• Gently massage the lymph nodes for about 5 minutes making use of an essential oil or without.
• Repeat 2 or 3 times daily.
• Or consult a professional massage therapist.
How it works: massage helps to increase circulation, which reduces pain and swelling, but it also helps drain the lymphatic system and get rid of the toxins that are causing the problem.
Loaded with antioxidants, B vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and other nutrients, spirulina is one of the best home remedies for swollen lymph nodes.
What to do:
How it works: the anti-inflammatory properties of spirulina along with the addition of antioxidants helps to alleviate the symptoms of swollen lymph nodes.
Apple cider vinegar is another of the common home remedies for swollen lymph nodes. To get the most out of it, make sure you use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
What to do:
How it works: by creating an alkaline environment in your body, apple cider vinegar assists your immune system in getting rid of the foreign agents that are creating the problem.
The great thing about elderberry is that it not only relieves your swollen lymph nodes, but also helps get rid of the infection that has caused them to swell.
What to do:
How it works: elderberry has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties for relieving your symptoms.
Though mullein leaves are not as common as some of the other remedies, they are extremely effective at treating swollen lymph nodes.
What to do:
How it works: mullein leaves have strong antiviral and antibacterial properties that have been effective at treating major respiratory illnesses.
You can’t get a more basic and readily available treatment for swollen lymph nodes than salt.
What to do:
How it works: gargling with salt water helps fight infection in the mouth and throat that are contributing to the condition.
Swollen lymph nodes are an indicator of some sort of infection in your body. By making use of the home remedies we’ve listed above, you give your lymphatic system a boost to help fight off those foreign bodies and relieve the swelling and tenderness at the same time. If you’ve used these remedies or would like to add to the list, please feel free to comment below.
Images taken from depositphotos.com.
