Lymph nodes or lymph glands are the vital part of the human body that helps drain extra fluids from the cells and tissues of the body. You can also understand that lymph nodes cumulate extra fluids from cells and tissues that are not reabsorbed by the capillaries.
You will be amazed that these lymph nodes are everywhere in your body. There are around 450 of them. They are located mainly in your neck and other body parts.
They are tiny bean-shaped constructions found in the lymphatic system. It’s a fluid that carries immune cells, pathogens, and waste products. They act as the most important agent of the body that strengthens the immune system by filtering lymph.
Lymph nodes are present in various parts of the body; they can be found in the neck, armpit, groin, and stomach. They hold white blood cells known as lymphocytes that help detect and tear down foreign agents, namely bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Why does lymph nodes swell?
Lymph nodes swell when they trap an infection, bacteria, or pathogen in lymph nodes. This clearly indicates that it’s fighting to protect your body from infection, viruses, bacteria, or cancer cells. Generally, swollen lymph nodes are considered as a sign of a cold or sore throat, but they can also be a cause of a serious disease called lymphoma.
When infection or inflammation occurs, lymphocytes in the lymph nodes become active, which causes enlargement and tenderness of the affected lymph nodes. This is an active response from the body that is fighting against any disease or infection. When lymph nodes are swollen, they are clearly visible on the skin.
Swollen lymph nodes can develop in any part of your body, depending on the infection or illness location. You must learn this from an example that if you have a sore throat, you may have swollen lymph nodes in your neck. If you have a skin infection, you may have swollen lymph nodes in your armpit or groin.
Swollen lymph nodes can be painful. You may sense other symptoms, too, that may cause discomfort and retardness in your body. Swollen nodes may rise up due to certain other medical conditions and infections such as cancer or HIV. When you get a swollen lymph node, treat them to get rid of pain and uneasiness. It may last for around two weeks.
Cause of swollen lymph nodes in the neck
You may catch swelling in your neck lymph nodes due to certain reasons that may be mild to serious. Let’s learn them below:
- The most common cause is a viral infection; common cold, influenza, measles, and chickenpox are responsible for swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Although your body is with the infection, you have to undergo some discomfort.
- Your body can catch any bacterial infection if you have a weak immune system that can provoke swollen lymph nodes in the neck to produce antibodies to fight bacteria. These infections can be strep throat, tonsillitis, sinusitis, ear infections, dental abscesses, and skin infections.
- A weak immune system is responsible for various diseases and discomforts in your body that may cause you to deal with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s syndrome. A weak immune system causes inflammation and unusual immune cells in lymph nodes.
- Your neck lymph nodes swell up when you suffer from diseases such as leukemia or lymphoma cancer in other organs of the body. This happens due to the increased activity of the abnormal cells.
What are the symptoms of swollen lymph nodes in the neck
You may develop some mild to severe symptoms of lymph nodes. Let’s read them below:
- You may feel symptoms that are related to upper respiratory infections, such as dullness, fatigue, cough fever, chills, sweating, runny or stuffy nose
- You may catch up with an infection in your gums and teeth, such as bleeding gum or a bleeding tooth.
- Headache, fever, sore throat, or body pain are the common symptoms of swelling in lymph nodes that occur due to bacterial or viral infections.
- Sexually transmitted diseases and skin infections also invite swelling in neck lymph nodes.
Swelling is the indication that your body is combating infections and other illnesses. The lymph nodes go back to their condition when treated properly. It may take 1 to 2 weeks to get back to its form, but if it is consistent and prolongs for more than 4 weeks with no reduced symptoms, you must immediately meet your doctor as soon as possible.
When you are not well, and your body is not able to survive infections, then you must reach for treatment. Let’s read further to find how to treat swollen lymph nodes in the neck naturally.
8 Natural remedies to treat swollen lymph nodes
As you have read beforehand, the key reason why the lymph nodes swell is due to – a pathogen or trapping of an infection. The lymphatic drainage patterns are different from person to person and even asymmetrical on each side of the same body.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck can be caused by various factors, such as infections, injuries, or tumors. They are usually a sign that your immune system is fighting off harmful invaders. There are some natural ways to treat swollen lymph nodes in the neck, but you should always consult your doctor if they persist for more than a week or if you have other symptoms.
Some of the natural remedies that may help reduce swelling and pain in the lymph nodes are:
1. Salt water gargle
The Swollen lymph nodes in the neck. It can be treated naturally by salt water gargle. This helps in reducing the infection and swelling in the neck. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Mix it well and gargle it twice a day to get better results. It helps in soothing sore throats.
2. Apple cider vinegar
It is rich in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help fight infections and viruses. Take a cup of water, add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of honey, mix it well, and drink it. It will soothe your throat. You can also apply a soaked warm apple cider vinegar compress to the affected area.
3. Chili pepper
Consuming it improves blood circulation and reduces fluid retention. Chili Peppers can be added to drinks and meals. If you are allergic to chili pepper, you may consume it in a very small amount with honey and warm water.
4. Basil and cinnamon
They both contain antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. That helps in reducing the swelling in your neck. You can make an aromatic tea with cinnamon and basil. Just add 3 cups of water to a pan and boil it for 15 minutes. Strain the water and drink it. Throughout the day, you will find the swelling reduced in your throat.
5. Vitamin C
You can easily find vitamin C from food. It’s an essential nutrient that supports the immune system and reduces infections. Berries, broccoli, citrus fruits, spinach etc.
6. Castor Oil
Being anti-inflammatory in nature, this helps to flush out the toxins from your body and promote the flow of blood. To get its benefits, you must apply a thin layer of this oil over your lymph nodes and massage for 3-4 minutes. After that, take a washcloth and damp it in warm water. Rinse it well and hold it over the area you oiled. Keep it for 5-10 minutes, and rinse the area with warm water. When you do this twice a day, you will immediately see a marked improvement within a week.
7. Baking soda and sea salt combo
Wondering how to treat swollen lymph nodes in neck naturally with baking soda? Here’s the way – take a glass of normal water and combine sea salt and baking soda (1 teaspoon each). Stir it well and drink this concoction twice a day for maximum relief.
8. Aloe Vera
If you thought aloe vera just helped you get a radiant glow on your skin, you are mistaken! It helps you deal with swollen lymph nodes as well. Rub some natural aloe vera or aloe vera gel over your lymph nodes. Cover the area with a warm cloth for 30 minutes. Practice this regularly for two weeks for best results.
How to treat swollen lymph nodes in the neck naturally?
Well, there is no perfect way to treat them as it is your immune system’s natural way. To respond to infections or inflammations, however, you can follow some of the tips to reduce the risk of swollen lymph nodes. These precautionary measures are also helpful in reducing the symptoms. Let’s take a look at the below-mentioned measures for How to treat swollen lymph nodes in the neck naturally.
- You must Practice good hygiene: use antibacterial soap to wash your hands. Remember to wash your hands frequently using soap and water; do not touch your eyes, nose, or face with dirty hands. Always cover your mouth while coughing and sneezing. Do not litter. Use hankies or tissues and dispose of them properly. Always wear a mask in public places where the chances of getting infected are too high.
- Your care is in your hands. Do not be in close contact with people who are suffering from cold, cough, flu, viral or strep throat. Do not share your belongings with the infected person, and if you have shared any, then use them after washing them in warm water; if you are around the infected person keep wearing gloves and a mask for your safety.
- Getting vaccinated is important to protect yourself from diseases that can cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Rubella, measles, mumps, chicken pox, and hepatitis B are common examples. Before getting any vaccine just, please consult with your medical service provider.
- If you get sick frequently, then you must eat a balanced healthy diet that boosts your immune system and reduces swollen lymph nodes in the neck naturally. You must include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to boost your immune system. A healthy immune system can help fight infections and diseases that trigger swollen lymph nodes. To support your immunity, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats to your diet. It is necessary that you drink plenty of water and get enough sleep to stay healthy.
- You must seek proper medical attention if you have chronic diseases that affect your immune system.
How to treat swollen lymph nodes with foods
How to treat swollen lymph nodes naturally with foods is an absolutely good idea. You can get immunity-boosting elements from the food that help you to get rid of swollen lymph nodes. Let’s read below to know more:
1. Try some green vegetables
Since our childhood, we have been told to eat green vegetables to stay healthy as it is rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that help boost your immunity and reduce infections.You may consume dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, kale, spinach, and cabbage to reduce swelling in lymph nodes in the neck.
2. You can cook bone broth
It is very healthy as it is rich in nutrients like calcium. It is consumed by people to improve their joints, nourish their skin, and lose weight. This nutritious broth can be cooked by simmering animal bones and connective tissues for a long time. It is commonly used to increase the taste of soups and sauces. You can cook broth from any animal bones, but the most popular ones are chicken, Turkey, lamb, pig, fish, etc. It contains calcium, protein, and gelatin that improves digestion and gut health.
3. Vegetable juices
Green food or juice is a special food. Vegetable juices contain nourishment that reduces inflammation and improves heart and bone health. It also helps in detoxifying the Lymphatic system. You can drink parsley juice, mint juice, kale juice, carrots, beets, etc.
4. Seafood
Including seafood in your diet is great as it is rich in protein, zinc, selenium, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids. The rich source of seafood is shellfish, seaweed, and fish. Protein increases your immunity and prevents infection.
5. Ginger
It’s a spicy aromatic root rich in anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. It helps eliminate waste products, pathogens, and toxic compounds from the body. Consuming ginger stimulates blood flow and increases lymph flow, which helps in reducing the swelling in the neck naturally.
6. Garlic
It contains allicin that prevents infection in your body and promotes immunity. The natural antibiotic present in garlic kills bacteria and treats swollen lymph nodes in the neck naturally. You can take two to three cloves of raw garlic with a glass of water to consume garlic.
7. Turmeric
It’s a wonderful spice that has been used traditionally to treat several diseases. It holds medicinal properties. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. It contains a curcumin compound that is suitable for the immune system and stops the growth of harmful microorganisms in your system. You can add a pinch of turmeric to a glass of milk to reduce swelling and pain in the limb and the nodes of your neck.
Food is a great choice for How to treat swollen lymph nodes in the neck naturally. It is considered as a natural substitute for medicine. However, seek your doctor’s medical advice for treatment if your swollen lymph nodes in the neck are not improving and you are still facing symptoms such as chills, sweats, fever, weight loss, and difficulty in breathing and swallowing. Leaving swollen lymph nodes in the neck untreated may cause serious complications such as cancer or lymphoma.
