Published on: October 23, 2024 | Updated on: October 27, 2024
Our body’s lymphatic system plays a key role in immunity. This system consists of bean-shaped organs called lymph nodes.
Lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, groin, and under the chin produce white blood cells. These cells fight infections, defending the body against infectious bacteria and viruses.
Think of these glands as filters that trap bacteria and viruses and remove toxins. Swollen lymph nodes are quite common in the neck, and most people experience them due to benign causes such as minor infections, colds, and flu.
Swollen lymph nodes shrink back to normal after a few weeks. However, certain promising home remedies can relieve discomfort and reduce swelling. Let’s learn how to treat swollen lymph nodes in the neck naturally.
Why Do Lymph Nodes Swell?
Lymph nodes swell in response to infections. This swelling is called lymphadenopathy. The lymph nodes produce white blood cells that fight off pathogens. This increases the size and tenderness of the affected nodes, causing swelling.
Swollen lymph nodes can result from common infections, such as strep throat, ear infections, measles, and skin or wound infections. The treatment for such cases depends on the cause.
Here are the most common causes of swollen lymph nodes.
- Ear infections
- Common cold
- Flu
- Strep throat
- HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
Symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes
Since lymph nodes fight off infections, swelling indicates something wrong in the body.
For example, if you catch an infection and haven’t had any symptoms of the infection, swollen lymph nodes indicate that your body is producing white blood cells to fight off pathogens present.
Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes include:
- Tenderness
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Respiratory tract infections
- Inflammation of lymph nodes
- Night sweats
How to Treat Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Neck Naturally
Once the white blood cells fight off an infection, the lymph nodes shrink to their normal size. The swollen lymph nodes can be painful as they take a while to shrink back to normal.
Here are some effective remedies for treating swollen lymph nodes in the neck naturally.
Self Care
You can apply a warm compress if you experience tenderness or pain in the neck due to swollen lymph nodes.
Dip a washcloth in hot water. Squeeze the water out. Apply the warm compress to your neck.
To manage pain, you can also take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen. Getting plenty of sleep and rest will also ease the symptoms.
Six Natural Remedies for Treating Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Neck
Numerous studies have shown that natural remedies can reduce the swelling in the lymph nodes. Here are some of the best ways to treat swollen lymph nodes in the neck naturally.
1. Chili Pepper
Chili peppers act as vasodilators, widening blood vessels to increase blood circulation. Once circulation improves, the body transports fluids more easily, reducing swelling.
You can add Cayenne pepper to your meals to dilate your blood vessels. If you don’t like spicy food, you can also add it to a drink with honey to relieve edema in the neck.
2. Basil and Cinnamon
Basil and cinnamon are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Since lymph nodes become swollen due to inflammation, these ingredients can reduce swelling in the neck.
They are also antimicrobial, so they fight bacteria and viruses that cause infections in the body. To make a warm beverage, boil three cups of water with two teaspoons of basil and cinnamon.
Simmer it and let it stand for 10 minutes. Filter the basil and cinnamon to consume the herbal tea.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, famous for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, is another excellent home remedy for treating swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
You can cut a fresh leaf of aloe vera to extract the gel. Rub the gel topically on the skin above the lymph nodes for 5 minutes. Repeat at least thrice daily to relieve inflammation.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties. It is an important ingredient in many home remedies for infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
These bacteria cause common skin, soft tissue, bone and joint, respiratory, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal infections.
Any of these infections in the body cause swollen lymph nodes when your body’s natural defense mechanism fights off bacteria.
You can mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and honey in warm water. At least drink it twice daily to treat swollen lymph nodes.
5. Castor Oil
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties and relieves pain. It can also fight inflammation, relieving pain and swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck.
You can soak a cloth in castor oil and apply it over the neck on the swelling. You can also apply a thin layer of castor oil over the affected lymph node. Gently massage the oil for ten minutes before rinsing it off.
6. Gargling With Salt Water
Gargling with salt water relieves neck and throat pain due to swollen lymph nodes. It also reduces inflammation of the lymph nodes as it flushes out the bacteria present in the throat.
Salt drains the excess fluid from the swollen tissues, decreasing swelling.
To gargle, warm one cup of water and add one teaspoon of table salt to it. After dissolving the salt, take a mouthful of water.
Slightly tilt your head backward and gargle. It’s best to engage your throat muscles when you gargle. Gargling two times a day can help flush out bacteria in the throat.
Conclusion
The swelling of the lymph nodes subsides with the infection. Without treatment, the lymph nodes shrink to their normal size within a week or two.
If the swollen lymph nodes in the neck have been causing pain and discomfort for more than a week, try natural remedies before you consult a doctor. If symptoms such as fever and night sweats last more than two weeks, seek medical treatment.
Sources
Footnotes
- McCarty MF, DiNicolantonio JJ, O’Keefe JH. Capsaicin may have important potential for promoting vascular and metabolic health. Open Heart. 2015;2(1)
- Sharifi-Rad J, Dey A, Koirala N, Shaheen S, El Omari N, Salehi B, et al. Cinnamomum species: bridging phytochemistry knowledge, pharmacological properties and toxicological safety for health benefits. Front Pharmacol. 2021;12:600139.
- Shahrajabian MH, Sun W, Cheng Q. Chemical components and pharmacological benefits of Basil (Ocimum basilicum): a review. Int J Food Prop. 2020;23(1):1961-1970.
- Yagnik D, Ward M, Shah AJ. Antibacterial apple cider vinegar eradicates methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and resistant Escherichia coli. Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):1854.
References
- Lymphatic System. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed 09/01/2024.
- Immune system explained. Better Health Channel. Accessed 09/01/2024.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed 09/01/2024.
- Lymphadenopathy. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Accessed 09/01/2024.
- Swollen lymph nodes. Mayo Clinic. Accessed 09/01/2024.
- Anatomy, Head and Neck, Lymph Nodes. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Accessed 09/01/2024.
- What to Know About Castor Oil. WebMD. Accessed 09/01/2024.
CELLAXYS does not offer Stem Cell Therapy as a cure for any medical condition. No statements or treatments presented by Cellaxys have been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This site contains no medical advice. All statements and opinions are provided for educational and informational purposes only.
Dr Pejman Bady
Author
Dr. Pejman Bady began his career over 20 years ago in Family/Emergency Medicine, working in fast-paced emergency departments in Nevada and Kansas. He has served the people of Las Vegas as a physician for over two decades. Throughout this time, he has been met with much acclaim and is now the head of Emergency Medical Services in Nye County, Nevada. More about the doctor on this page.
Dr Pouya Mohajer
Contributor
Pouya Mohajer, M.D. is the Director of Spine and Interventional Medicine for CELLAXYS: Age, Regenerative, and Interventional Medicine Centers. He has over 20 years of experience in pain management, perioperative medicine, and anesthesiology. Dr. Mohajer founded and is the Medical Director of Southern Nevada Pain Specialists and PRIMMED Clinics. He has dedicated his career to surgical innovation and scientific advancement. More about the doctor on this page.