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Home / How to Get Rid of Lymph Nodes Naturally

How to Get Rid of Lymph Nodes Naturally

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Your body has a number of lymph nodes, which act as filters for bad bacteria and viruses. If your lymph nodes are swollen, you can start to shrink them by treating any underlying injury, disorder or infection. Common sites for swollen lymph nodes are the neck, groin and underarms. If two or more areas are swollen, this usually indicates a generalized problem. To treat swollen lymph nodes you must treat the cause, if it is a bacterial infection, antibiotics will usually be prescribed, if the infection is viral, you can be prescribed drugs which manage your symptoms, but will have to wait for it to resolve on its own. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy will be taken for diagnosis and treatment. Talk with your doctor for advice.[1]

  1. 1

    Locate the swollen nodes. When you start to feel swelling or pain, run your fingers over your skin until you find the problem nodes. You have lymph nodes located in your neck, armpits, and groin. The swelling in the nodes can range in size from as tiny as a pea to the size of an olive or larger.[2]

    • Remember that it is possible for more than one node to be swollen at the same time.

  2. 2

    Take an over-the-counter medication. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help to control the swelling surrounding your lymph nodes. They can also minimize the presence of other symptoms, such as fever. Make sure to take any OTC medications according to the directions on the bottle.[3]

  3. 3

    Place a warm compress on the node. Hold a clean wash cloth under warm tap water. Once it is hot, position the wash cloth on top of the swollen node. Keep it in position until cloth cools off. Repeat this process 3 times a day until the node goes down in size and the pain decreases.[4]

    • A warm compress helps with swelling because it increases the blood flow to the swollen area.

  4. 4

    Apply a cool compress to the node. Place a cold wash cloth on the node for 10-15 minute intervals. Repeat this 3 times daily until you see the swelling reducing.

  5. 5

    Get a lymphatic massage. Applying gentle pressure and rubbing your lymph nodes can help to reduce swelling by increasing blood flow to the area. You can make an appointment with a massage therapist or you can massage yourself, if you can reach the impacted nodes. Gently rub the node, while pushing your fingers in the direction of your heart.[5]

  6. 6

    Don't squeeze the swollen skin. If you apply too much pressure to the nodes, it's possible that you might burst the surrounding blood vessels and cause additional damage or even an infection. It's especially important to remind kids of this rule, as they might get frustrated and try to pinch the nodes.[6]

  1. 1

    Make an appointment with your doctor. In many cases, swollen nodes will appear and disappear without any major issues. However, if your nodes continue to grow or begin to harden, it may be time to talk with your doctor. They will likely do a physical exam and may order blood tests or a scan, depending on the possible diagnosis.[7]

    • Swollen lymph nodes can be caused by wide variety of infections, including mononucleosis, tuberculosis, ear infections, strep throat, and measles.
    • Seek out medical treatment if the lymph node becomes very large suddenly or overnight.

  2. 2

    Treat any infections quickly to avoid dangerous complications. If your lymph nodes are swelling due to an infection, then they usually won't return to regular size until you are healthy once more. Waiting to treat any underlying conditions can result in abscesses forming around the swollen nodes. In more extreme cases, you can even suffer from bloodstream poisoning due to bacteria.[8]

  3. 3

    Take any antibiotics as prescribed. If your doctor believes that your nodes are swollen due to harmful bacteria, then they may prescribe antibiotics. Make sure to take the entire course of the antibiotics, even if you feel better midway through. If the infection is viral, then antibiotics are not an option.[9]

  4. 4

    Watch for other symptoms. If the swelling in your lymph nodes is caused by an illness or infection, then you'll like have additional symptoms. Identifying these other issues will help you and your doctor understand how to treat any underlying conditions. Possible additional symptoms include: fever, runny nose, night sweating, or a sore throat.[10]

  5. 5

    Expect your recovery to last longer than days. Although a lymph node can improve overnight, this is highly unlikely. More frequently, the pain in a node can lessen over a few days, but the swelling may take weeks to go down.[11]

  6. 6

    Get the node surgically drained. If the infection progresses, the lymph node can turn into an abscess filled with pus. When this happens the node may need to be drained by a medical professional to reduce the risk of a more serious infection. This is especially the case if the abscess if located in the neck area.[12]

  1. 1

    Eat raw garlic cloves. Some of the chemical compounds in garlic help to counteract infections of the lymphatic system. Get 2-3 cloves of garlic and crush them. Spread this mixture on top of a piece of bread and eat it. Repeat this process daily and watch for the swelling to improve.[13]

  2. 2

    Drink an apple cider vinegar and water mixture. Get a full glass of tap water and mix in 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of apple cider vinegar. Drink this mixture 2 times a day until you feel better. The acetic acid in the vinegar will help to rid your body of harmful bacteria that can abscess inside swollen nodes.[14]

  3. 3

    Get enough vitamin C. If you are vitamin C deficient, then your body will not be able to fight off infection effectively. You can get additional vitamin C by taking a supplement or by eating the right foods, such as oranges and strawberries. If you decide to take a supplement, make sure to clear it with your doctor.[15]

  4. 4

    Rub tea tree oil into the swollen skin. Mix together 2-3 drops tea tree essential oil with 2-3 drops coconut oil. Use a cotton swab to apply this mixture on to the irritated nodes. Repeat this process a maximum of twice daily to avoid irritating your skin.

Add New Question

  • Question

    What kind of doctor can I see for consultation on swollen lymph nodes?

    Marsha Durkin, RN

    Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse and Laboratory Information Specialist for Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Illinois. She received her Associates Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987.

    Marsha Durkin, RN

    Registered Nurse

    Expert Answer

    Start off by going to see your general practitioner. Your GP will let you know if you need to see a specialist and can give a recommendation.

  • Question

    I have swollen neck lymph nodes and swollen gums at the same time. What could be the possible cause of those symptoms?

    Marsha Durkin, RN

    Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse and Laboratory Information Specialist for Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Illinois. She received her Associates Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987.

    Marsha Durkin, RN

    Registered Nurse

    Expert Answer

    Your swollen neck nodes suggest a problem in that general area which probably indicates a gum disorder.

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  • Make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night, especially when you are sick.[16]

  • If you have any trouble breathing due to swollen nodes in your neck or head, make sure to seek out emergency treatment right away.

About This Article

Article SummaryX

To reduce your swollen lymph nodes, take an over-the-counter medication, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which will help to control the swelling and reduce any fever you might have. In addition to taking medication, apply a warm or cold compress to the nodes for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this 3 times a day until your swelling goes away. You should also eat some oranges, strawberries, or kiwis, since vitamin C will help to fight the infection. While you're waiting for your lymph nodes to heal, avoid squeezing or putting pressure on the skin, since this could burst the surrounding blood vessels and cause further damage. Your lymph nodes should heal on their own, but if they continue to swell or begin to harden, contact your doctor for treatment. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to locate your swollen lymph nodes, read on!

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How to Get Rid of Lymph Nodes Naturally

Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Lymph-Node-Swelling