Lymph nodes are present all over the body and often pose no trouble. They are crucial members of the lymphatic and immune system. They are commonly seen along the jawline, neck, chin, behind the ears, armpits, and groin. Whenever they appear swollen and tender to touch, it indicates an underlying infection or in worst cases even cases.
The causes of lymph node enlargement are oral, ear, throat, respiratory infections including tonsillitis. The enlarged nodes retract when the microbial infection subsides.
Home Remedies For Swollen Lymph Nodes
Here are some simple home remedies you can follow to help your nodes get back to normal.
1. Add More Garlic And Onion To Your Diet
Garlic is renowned for its strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions. Allicin in garlic can reduce the microbial load and associated symptoms of infections. Include the flavorful root bulb in your daily diet. You can add crushed garlic to casseroles, dips, and soups. You will feel your infection subside along with the lymph node swelling.1
2. Take The Help Of Turmeric
This therapeutic herb is particularly effective in bringing down the swelling of enlarged lymph glands. Curcumin in it has anti–inflammatory as well as analgesic properties that help in reducing swelling and pain. It can even fight infections and facilitate healing.2
You can add turmeric as a spice while cooking or to a cup of milk. Golden milk is very good at boosting immunity and warding off infections. This, in turn, brings the lymph node back to normal.
3. Drink A Cup Of Echinacea Tea
Echinacea tea is also effective against microbial infections that cause lymph node swelling. It has the capacity to detoxify the body and purify the blood. You can brew 1 or 2 cups of echinacea tea daily for a week to help in reducing the size of lymph nodes. Some individuals prefer taking echinacea supplements. But, it’s best to take them after consulting with a doctor.3
4. Gargle Daily With Salt Water
Salt water gargle is the best home remedy for infections of the ear, mouth, and throat. Salt has the capacity to dehydrate microbes and restrict their growth. The reduced microbial load will eventually reduce the size of lymph nodes. All you have to do is, add a tablespoon of salt to a cup of lukewarm water and gargle 3-4 times daily.4
5. Have Apple Cider Vinegar With Honey
Both apple cider vinegar and honey have antimicrobial properties that can suppress the growth of bacteria and viruses. Right from the time you experience symptoms of infection, you can have 1 tablespoon of unfiltered apple cider vinegar and 2 teaspoons of honey in a glass of water. Drink it every day for best effects.5
6. Get A Lymphatic Massage Done
Lymphatic massage with oils like castor or coconut is yet another way to reduce lymph node swelling. If properly done, the massage can help in the free-flow of lymph and disease-fighting antibodies. Especially, when you are sick, a massage helps you relax and rejuvenate. Get a massage done once in a week at least to achieve the desired results.
Swollen lymph nodes, just like fever are signals given by the body to alert us about an illness. Getting rid of the underlying cause is the easiest way to return the nodes back to their normal size.
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