Most of the time, when someone’s talking about swollen glands, they refer to lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are crucial elements of your immune system which aid your body by helping it recognize harmful bacteria and fight against them. You can find these glands in several locations of your body, such as neck, behind the ears, your armpits, or at the back of your head. Usually, when the lymph nodes swell up, this is almost always a giveaway sign of an infection of a greater problem that you should turn your attention to. Below, you will find a list of home remedies swollen glands that can help you treat this issue, which often manifests itself through a lot of uncomfortable symptoms and signs.
1. Salt
Salt is a purifying compound which can help you fight infection and inflammation at the level of the glands in your throat. Furthermore, it also creates an environment that doesn’t let future germs grow and inhibit the already-sensitive area.
Instructions:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water and then stir thoroughly.
- Gargle with this solution for about 30 seconds.
- Finally, spit out and then wash away the salty taste with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this process daily for at least 1 week.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is famous for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It has the ability to fend off any possible infections in your body while also balancing the pH. This, in turn, creates an alkaline environment that discourages the invasion of other germs or bacteria that might try to take advantage of your gland’s sensitivities. You can use apple cider vinegar both topically and for internal application, though our recipe is external.
Instructions:
- Mix together equal parts of water and raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
- Soak a clean washcloth in this solution and then press it gently over the sensitive area.
- Keep it on for about 5 minutes and then remove and rinse with warm water.
- Repeat this treatment daily.
3. Garlic
Garlic is one of the most potent natural antibiotic foods, as well as one of the most powerful home remedies for swollen glands. It’s excellent for soothing the inflammation of the lymph nodes. Furthermore, garlic also helps cleanse your body of any possible germs that might be causing an infection in your organism.
Instructions:
- In a pan, heat up about 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then add in 2-3 garlic cloves.
- Cook the garlic until it turns brown and then strain the oil.
- Dip in a clean cloth and then use it to apply the oil to the affected area, massaging gently for 2-3 minutes.
- Do this daily to start noticing results.
4. Honey
There is a reason why many people add honey to their warm teas whenever they suffer from sore throats. Honey is a natural anti-inflammatory agent which is going to help soothe pain and inflammation associated with enlarged glands. Moreover, honey also has antibacterial properties that can help you also deal with the possible infections likely causing this condition.
Instructions:
- To 1 cup of water, add 1-2 teaspoons of raw, organic honey and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Mix everything thoroughly and then drink this solution.
- Consume the mixture twice a day for 1 week.
5. Turmeric
Thanks to a compound called curcumin, turmeric is one of the most powerful home remedies for swollen glands. Its deep soothing properties can help reduce the swelling and pain of your lymph nodes. Furthermore, it can facilitate healing by fighting against the possible infections which may have triggered this reaction.
Instructions:
- Add honey to 1 tablespoons of turmeric powder just enough to make a spreadable paste.
- Apply directly to the troubled area and then let the paste sit for 10 minutes.
- Finally, rinse with clean water and pat dry.
- Repeat this treatment daily for 1 week at most.
6. Castor Oil
Castor oil has numerous beneficial uses that can help you with this issue. For starters, it has analgesic properties which will help reduce the pain and swelling of your glands. But also, it improves circulation of lymph through the body, thus promoting a faster elimination of toxins and helping your organism recover faster.
Instructions:
- Acquire some cold-pressed castor oil and then pour a little bit in your palm.
- Gently rub into the sensitive area in circular motions for about 5 minutes.
- Next, cover with a warm compress and wait for another 5-10 minutes.
- Lastly, remove and rinse with lukewarm water.
- Repeat 1-2 times a day for a week.
7. Lemon
Lemon juice, just like apple cider vinegar, can help balance pH levels in your body, thus creating an anti-bacterial alkaline environment. Furthermore, the vitamin C concentration found in lemon juice also contributes to a faster healing of the body, dealing with the pain and swelling of the glands.
Instructions:
- Add the juice of a whole lemon to a glass filled with lukewarm water.
- Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of honey as well.
- Chug this mixture right away in order to get the most of the lemon’s effects.
- Do this every day for a whole week to get the results you desire.
8. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne peppers contain capsaicin, an incredibly powerful anti-inflammatory compound which will quickly and effectively bring relief to gland pain. Because of this, a few cayenne peppers make some of the best home remedies for swollen glands.
Instructions:
- To a glass of warm water, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder and 1 teaspoon of honey.
- Stir everything thoroughly to prepare this instant cayenne pepper tea.
- Drink up to 3 cups of this remedy every for a week to alleviate your symptoms.
9. Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a fantastic remedy for people struggling with swollen glands in the armpit area. It is packed with compounds that give it powerful anti-inflammatory properties that will reduce ache and swelling. Furthermore, nutmeg also improves flow of lymph, thus promoting healing and faster recovery.
Instructions:
- Add 1 teaspoon of nutmeg powder to 1 cup of hot water and then stir everything thoroughly.
- Add in 1 teaspoon of honey as well if you desire.
- Drink this solution daily for 1 week.
10. Charcoal
Charcoal compresses are also some of the home remedies for swollen glands that can help people displaying swollen armpit lymph nodes. Activated charcoal has properties that will help reduce the swelling and improve lymph circulation to eliminate toxins and promote faster healing.
Instructions:
- Mix around 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal with water.
- Spread this mixture over a cloth and secure the cloth in place over the affected area.
- Find a comfortable position and hold the cloth in place for at least 15 minutes.
11. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has deep cooling properties which can bring relief to the pain caused by swollen glands and help reduce said swelling as well. It’s one of the most reliable herbal remedies for inflammations of all kinds and it’s just as effective for enlarged lymph nodes.
Instructions:
- Acquire an aloe vera leaf and then slice it in two.
- Extract the gel from the leaf and then apply it directly to the sensitive area.
- Leave the gel on for 20-30 minutes, securing with a piece of cloth if you desire.
- Afterwards, rinse with cool water.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times a day for 1 week at most.
12. Echinacea
Echinacea has been a go-to herbal remedy for infections and inflammations since the oldest of times. It has deep antifungal and antibacterial properties that will help bring relief to the pain and swelling of your glands. Today, it remains one of the most powerful home remedies for swollen glands and you should definitely consider giving it a shot. Be wary, though, that Echinacea may intervene with some medication, so consult your doctor before following this treatment.
Instructions:
- To prepare some tea, add a few Echinacea flowers to a pot of water and then boil for a few minutes.
- Cover up and then let everything infuse for 5-6 minutes.
- Lastly, strain and enjoy this tea twice a day for the next week.
13. Basil
Basil leaves are more than just excellent additions to your everyday cooking. They’re also fantastic home remedies for swollen glands. Basil can help improve lymph circulation and eliminate toxins from the body, thus promoting healing and a quicker recovery.
Instructions:
- Bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
- Add 2 teaspoons of basil leaves and cinnamon powder.
- Reduce heat and then let everything simmer for 20 minutes.
- Finally, strain the mixture and enjoy the tea while it’s still warm.
- Drink this solution daily for 1 week.
14. Mint
Next up on our list of home remedies for swollen glands, we have a great natural soother: mint. Mint is a cooling remedy that will bring some much-needed relaxation and relief to your inflamed and swollen glands. It’s excellent for dealing with the pain of this condition and for providing some comfort for a short amount of time.
Instructions:
- To a glass of hot water, add 1-2 teaspoons of dried mint leaves.
- Allow everything to infuse for around 10-15 minutes.
- Finally, drink this solution daily for the next week to start seeing results.
15. Calendula
Make calendula the primary ingredient in an excellent herbal tea that can help you greatly reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with swollen glands.
Instructions:
- To a glass of water, add 2 parts Calendula and cleavers and 1 part mullein.
- Bring to stove over medium flame and then boil the mixture for 30 minutes while you’re covering with a lid.
- Next, strain this solution and let it cool down to room temperature.
- Have 2-3 cups of this drink for the next 2-3 weeks to get the best of results.
Conclusion
Swollen glands can be incredibly uncomfortable by themselves, let alone when there is also the possibility of an unpleasant infection lurking somewhere in the body. As such, it’s important to visit your doctor’s office the moment you notice your glands act up. Hopefully the home remedies for swollen glands we’ve just provided will offer some sort of relief to the symptoms of this affliction. Have you tried any of the solutions yet? And if yes, are there any inclusions from this list that are truly miracle-working? Share your opinions below!
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