Under normal conditions, you shouldn’t be able to feel your lymph nodes – they’re only about the size of a half-inch. However, when you are sick or something just isn’t right in your body, lymph nodes can swell two to three times their general size. At this point, they are quite noticeable and you’re in need of home remedies for swollen glands.
Home Remedies for Swollen Glands
What are Swollen Glands?
The lymph nodes are small, round, (or bean-shaped) masses of tissue that belong to the lymphatic system, which plays a part in helping your body fight infection and disease. The neck is the most well known site of lymph nodes, but there are hundreds spread throughout your body. Over time, you may encounter swollen lymph nodes in the following locations:
- Under the jaw
- Behind the ears
- Lower region in back of head
- Armpits
- Groin
Causes and Symptoms
If you’ve ever battled the typical cold, then you’re probably already quite familiar with swollen glands. Infections are also a common cause of swollen glands, including strep throat (bacterial infection), tooth infections, viral infections (“mono”), skin infections, and ear infections. Other causes of swollen glands include mouth sores, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), cancer, and immune system disorders (lupus and rheumatoid arthritis). A side effect from a vaccine or medication can also cause glands to swell.
Common symptoms of swollen glands include:
- Tenderness or pain when pressed
- Symptoms associated with underlying infection (such as fever or sore throat)
- Red, warm, swollen skin over the lymph node
- Lump
Swollen Gland Home Remedies
Swollen glands indicate your body’s attempt to defend against sickness or a foreign body. However, they can also draw attention to more serious issues. For example, when lymph glands swell, it is a sign of an infection. If swelling last more than two weeks, you should consult your physician. In the early stages, consider the following home remedies for swollen glands:
a) Castor Oil:
Massage the region of swollen glands with warmed castor oil on a daily basis. Follow up by applying a heating pad to the area. Castor oil possesses deep penetrating properties that are absorbed into the skin and can treat the source of swelling.
b) Tylenol:
You can use over-the-counter pain relievers to treat swollen glands, such as Tylenol, Aleve, Motrin, and Advil. Do not give this home remedy to children.
c) Wet Washcloth:
Applying a warm, wet washcloth to swollen glands may help soothe the discomfort and inflammation.
d) Hot Towel:
Dip a towel in hot water, and then apply to swollen glands. It is suggested to repeat this remedy several times per day until swelling is reduced.
e) Rest Your Body:
If you are suffering swollen glands because of an illness, make sure to get enough shuteye so that your body is energized for recovery.
f) Apple Cider Vinegar:
Treat swollen glands by consuming a small amount of apple cider vinegar, which works on enhancing your immune system. Components in the vinegar are able to address bacterial and fungal intrusions that can cause swelling in the glands. It is suggested to take on a regular basis when swelling persists.
g) Baking Soda and Sea Salt:
Add one teaspoon of sea salt and one teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water, and drink.
h) Heating Pad:
An effective home remedy for swollen glands is to apply a heating pad to treat swelling.
i) Lavender Oil:
If you should happen to have lavender oil in your cupboard, you can dilute with mineral oil or petroleum jelly, and apply to swollen glands.
j) Tea Bag:
You can saturate a tea bag in hot water and apply to swollen glands.
k) Glass Bottle of Water:
Fill a clear glass bottle with warm water, and roll the bottle over swollen glands. Make sure you do not place too much pressure on the swelling.
l) Light Pressure:
You can encourage the blood to circulate freely and lessen the pain of swollen glands in the groin region by applying light pressure. It is suggested to massage the area for 3 to 4 times per day until the pain eases.
m) Lemon Juice and Honey:
Add one teaspoon of honey to lukewarm lemon juice to soothe the pain of infected glands that have become swollen.
n) Chamomile Tea:
Treat swollen glands associated with a sore throat by drinking cups of chamomile tea throughout the day.
o) Zinc:
Take a zinc supplement to boost your immune system, which can help combat the symptoms of swollen glands. You may also consume foods with high levels of zinc, such as low-fat roast beef, sesame seeds, oysters, pumpkin seeds, chocolate, cocoa powder, and peanuts.
p) Selenium:
Another supplement that is good for boosting the immune system is selenium. In food, you can find the mineral in shiitake mushrooms, cod, shrimp, snapper, halibut, salmon, and tuna.
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