Swollen lymph nodes indicate that there is some problem somewhere in the body. Infections such as the common cold, ear infections, skin infections, measles, tonsillitis, abscesses tooth and gingivitis are some of the common causes For the swelling.
Lymph nodes are glands that identifies the microbes and other germs and fight with them to protect the body. Located at neck, under the jaw and chin, behind the ears, on the back of the head, armpits and the groin, lymph nodes for an important part of the body's immune system.
Swelling of lymph nodes usually subsides over a period of time on its own or when the underlying cause is treated and infection is neutralized. Some lifestyle changes and home remedies can help to reduce tenderness and pain caused by swollen lymph nodes.
Since most swellings subside within a few days or weeks, if swelling of any of your lymph nodes persists for a long time then you must take medical help.
5 Effective Home Remedies for Swollen Lymph Nodes
These remedies will give you pain relief and over a period of time you will get rid of the swollen lymph nodes. Some of these practices may be more effective then the others, so try them all and see what works best for you.
1. Take Rest for Fast Recovery
You know how tiring it feels when you have an infection. Most infections drain your energy. Take rest so that the body can fight well with the infection. You will recover fast from your infection if you take adequate rest. Once infection, the underlying cause of your swollen lymph node is cured lymph node swelling will disappear.
Most of us are workaholics. Our minds are constantly trying to complete the pending work. Give work a break and take complete rest. You will recover quickly and be able to do all the pending work much faster.
2. Warm Compress for Instant Pain Relief
Swollen lymph nodes are painful. While taking a rest will help to reduce swelling faster, the immediate pain must be addressed. Warm compress helps a lot in reducing pain of swollen lymph nodes.
- dip a cotton cloth in warm water
- wring it well to remove the water
- apply the warm cloth to the affected lymph node
Do the warm compress several times a day. it will not only give you instant pain relief but will also help you to get rid of the swelling fast.
3. Massage to Soothe Pain
Massage is an excellent remedy to sooth your swollen lymph node pain. If you get it done through an expert then it is even more relaxing. You can do it yourself. Do it white taking rest for the best results.
- gently massage the swollen area with your fingertips
- do the massage in circular motion or to and fro in straight line
- do it for 5-10 minutes at a time
If you get an opportunity or you have the right inclination then massage your swollen glands as many times as you can during the day. It will help remove the impurities inside and help you to recover fast. Additionally you will feel immediate pain relief.
4. Exercise to Fast Recovery
Your lymphatic system works on contraction of muscles. Blood circulation has no role in the lymphatic system. Exercising the neck muscles will help in fast recovery.
- regularly walk briskly for 30 minutes daily to give the entire muscular system a warm up
- after the walk stand straight of sit on a comfortable chair with back straight
- turn you neck in slow clockwise circular motion then in a counterclockwise direction.
- do the neck rotation 20-30 times
You can do any other exercise for 30-40 minutes daily that gives activity to muscles of your entire body. Swimming is another great exercise. The exercise will help you to recover fast from the swollen lymph nodes.
5. Gargling with Salt water or Apple Cider Vinegar
Gargling will help in massaging your lymph nodes from inside. You can use normal salt water or apple cider vinegar for gargling.
If your swollen lymph nodes are not showing any signs of recovery within a week of following above remedies then you must consult your doctor.