Lymph nodes are ovoid in shape, and are part of the lymphatic system, as well as the immune system. They are found throughout the body, which help the body to recognize and fight germs and all other external substances. Lymph nodes can be found in the chin, jaw, neck, ears, armpits, back of the head, and groin. The lymphatic system, which is an interconnected network of lymphatic vessels, traverses the entire body, working as filters against viruses and bacteria. The lymph nodes help filter and attack the causative external factors, before actually destroying them.

Swollen lymph nodes is a sign of an infection in the body, which in essence means that the attacking organism load is high, which causes the lymph nodes to be inflamed and infected. These swollen nodes can range in size from a pea to an egg, and it is known to cause a problem called lymphadenopathy or lymphadenitis.

The human body consists of 500-600 lymph nodes through the body, of which, 300 are situated in the neck area alone. These cervical lymph nodes are usually superficial, in that they are located just under the skin. These nodes are usually soft to the touch and are round or ovoid in shape.

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Common causes for swollen lymph nodes

The most common causes for swollen lymph nodes include:

• Common cold
• Abscessed tooth
• Ear infection
• Strep throat
• Skin infections
• Measles
• Gingivitis
• Tonsillitis
• Mononucleosis
• Cellulitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• HIV infections

Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes

The most common symptoms of swollen lymph nodes include:

• Painful and often tender lymph nodes
• Lymph nodes that are swollen and are often the size of a kidney bean
• Signs of an upper respiratory tract infection like a runny nose, fever, and general weakness
• Night sweats

Home remedies for swollen lymph nodes

How the swollen lymph nodes are treated depends on the cause behind the swelling. In most cases, the swelling subsides with time. Additionally, you could also incorporate certain lifestyle changes, along with some home remedies for swollen lymph nodes that could help treat them. Take a look at some of them here:

1. Apple cider vinegar

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Apple cider vinegar is another excellent remedy to help bring down the swelling in lymph nodes. It helps maintain the pH level in the body, by creating an alkaline environment. Additionally, it possesses anti-bacterial properties, which help in fighting any infection that might be causing the swelling.

Remedies

• In a clean bowl, mix together equal amounts of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and water. Dip a washcloth in this, wring out the excess, and place it on the swollen area. Let it stay for 5 minutes, before rinsing off the area with warm water. Then, pat dry with a soft towel. Repeat this remedy twice a day for relief.
• Add 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and a bit of honey to 1 glass of warm water. Drink this concoction twice every day till the swelling subsides.

2. Castor oil

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Castor oil contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which make it ideal in treating enlarged lymph nodes. It is known to help improve the lymphatic system as a whole, thus speeding up the removal of toxins. This, in turn, helps bring down the swelling in lymph nodes. Additionally, it also boosts your immune system.

Remedy

• Take a few drops of cold-pressed castor oil and rub it gently on the swollen area for 5 minutes. Then, place a warm compress over it for another 10 minutes. Repeat this remedy twice every day for a week, till the swelling subsides.

3. Cleavers

Cleavers are also known as goosegrass and stickyweed, and is very effective in treating lymphadenitis. It helps stimulate the normal function of the lymphatic system, which in turn helps bring down the swelling.

Remedies

• To 1 cup of hot water, add 2 teaspoons of cleavers. Cover it with a lid and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain it and drink this tea thrice a day, till you notice visible improvement in the swelling.
• Take 20-30 drops of cleavers tincture by mixing it with water every day to help with the enlarged lymph nodes.

Tip: This herb should only be used after consulting a trained physician.

4. Echinacea

Echinacea is very helpful in treating swollen lymph nodes. It possesses anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that help strengthen the lymphatic system, while also helping combat any infection by purifying the blood and lymph nodes.

Remedies

• Prepare Echinacea tea by add it to hot water and allowing it to steep. Strain and drink this tea twice a day for not more than a week to help with the swelling.
• Apply Echinacea lotion or cream topically on the swollen area thrice a day to help bring down the swelling.

5. Garlic

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Garlic possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help bring down the swelling in the lymph nodes. Additionally, it also helps cleanse the system, while helping promote quicker healing.

Remedies

• Put a couple of drops of garlic oil on your fingertips and use it to massage the swollen lymph nodes. Repeat this at least thrice a day for relief from the swelling.
• Eat 2-3 cloves of garlic every day to help bring down the swelling in your lymph nodes.
• Take garlic supplements every day, but only after consulting your doctor for frequency and dosage.

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6. Honey

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Honey is an excellent remedy to treat swollen lymph nodes. It possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that help bring down the pain and swelling, as well as fight off any infection that might be causing the swelling in the first place.

Remedies

• To 1 cup of water, add 2 teaspoons of honey and some fresh lemon juice. Drink this twice every day for a week to help with the enlarged lymph nodes.
• Dab some raw honey to the swollen area. Leave it on for 15 minutes, before rinsing it off with warm water. Repeat this remedy thrice a day till the swelling subsides.

7. Lemon

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Lemon possesses anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties that help fight off the infection that causes the swelling in the first place.

Remedies

• To 1 glass of warm water, add 1 teaspoon of honey and a bit of lemon juice. Drink this in the morning as well as before going to bed.
• Add some lemon juice to 1 cup of warm water and use this to gargle at least twice a day for a few days to help with the swelling.

8. Massage

Massaging the swollen lymph nodes is helpful in bringing down the swelling. It helps stimulate the lymph nodes in order to help them function normally. Over a period of time, it helps with the swelling.

Remedies

• Gently massage the swollen lymph nodes with your fingertips for about 5 minutes. Repeat this at least thrice a day till the swelling subsides.
• Another option is to go to a profession and get a lymph drainage massage, which is sure to help bring down the swelling.

9. Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil is effective in bringing down the inflammation and swelling in lymph nodes, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Also, it is soothes and combats any bacteria that might be causing the enlargement of the lymph nodes.

Remedy

• Put a few drops of peppermint oil on your fingertips and use it to gently massage the swollen area a few times a day, till the swelling comes down.

10. Salt water gargle

Gargling with warm salt water is known to help bring down the swelling and inflammation in lymph nodes in the neck, especially if it’s caused by a sore throat infection.

Remedy

• Add half a teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of warm water and dissolve it. Use this solution to gargle to get relief. Repeat this remedy a couple of times every day for a week or so.

11. Turmeric

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Turmeric is another effective ingredient which helps bring down the swelling in lymph nodes. It possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help bring down the pain and swelling. Additionally, it also helps combat infections and facilitated healing.

Remedies

• Add half a teaspoon of turmeric to 1 glass of warm milk. Drink this twice a day for a few days till the swelling subsides.
• Add enough honey to 1 tablespoon of turmeric to make a fine paste. Slather this on the swollen area, letting it sit for 10 minutes, before rinsing it off with warm water. Repeat this remedy at least twice a day for about a week.

12. Warm compress

Warm compress has been known to effectively bring down the swelling in lymph nodes. The heat helps improve the blood circulation, thereby reducing the swelling as well as the pain.

Remedy

• Take a clean washcloth and dip it in hot water. Wring out the excess water and place it on the swollen lymph nodes for about 10 minutes. Repeat this remedy a few times every day till the swelling goes down.

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Additional tips

• Consume foods rich in vitamins C and E, minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Avoid physical and mental stress so as to aid in quick recovery from the infection.
• Quit smoking; even secondhand smoke tends to aggravate the condition.
• Quit imbibing since it could worsen the condition.
• Consume 2-3 cups of green tea every day to boost your immune system.
• Practice yoga, meditation, exercise, and acupuncture to combat the symptoms.

These are all the effective home remedies for swollen lymph nodes. For more updates on health tips and fitness secrets, subscribe to our newsletter today.

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