How to Treat Swollen Lymph Nodes Using Natural Remedies

Peppermint or Castor Oils

Posted by Ky Mama (Clinton, Ky) on 04/07/2013
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

20 years ago I had several lymph glands that were swollen for at least 6 months. All tests were normal and so was a biopsy. I still get swollen glands sometimes and there are a few things that help. One is peppermint essential oil. I massage it into the gland. (Avoid contact with mouth or eyes. ) Another thing that helps is castor oil. Massage the oil into the swollen gland a couple of times a day. You could alternate with peppermint oil.

One time when I was sick, a gland in my neck was very sore and swollen. I made an herb poultice and kept it on overnight. It helped so much. I mixed 1 part red raspberry leaf and 1 part plantain leaf. I moistened them with hot water and wrapped them in a piece of flannel. I used a bandana or something to attach it to my face. I didn't know about peppermint or castor oil then.

Had I known about these remedies twenty years ago I would have saved myself surgery.

Daily exercise is helpful to keep lymph flowing and so is plenty of water. (Water with Apple Cider Vinegar would kill two birds with one stone there.)

Hope you get some relief.

General Feedback

Posted by Lalaboo (Navotas, Manila, Philippines) on 03/18/2012

Hi! I'm a 32 year old female and amother of 2 wonderful kids. It's been 12 years since I had my first excision biopsy in my left collar bone. and it's been 6 years since I was first diagnosed with hodgkins lymphoma.

the wound fromy first operation is (the result according to my first doctor was non specific lymph adenitis) still swollen have hole and there's still fluid coming out of it. The second was done july 2006 on my right shoulder. The wound healed after 3 days. But the result was devastating! I was positive for hodgkins lymphoma. I underwent chemo for 7 months for 14 sessions and 1 month radiation. all the mass shrinked its big sizes, but theres still a few left in my neck and in my left underarm.

3 years after, I got a miracle from heaven. I got pregnant again which I didn't expect anymore because my doctors said that I can't be pregnant again. But I did. and thankful for my healthy baby boy even though I had gone hysterectomy after giving birth to my 2nd child.

i thought everything is going good, even though I still have my wound in my neck that sometimes heals but most of the time is open and secretioning fluid (like right now).. Until I decided to have it removed again january of 2010. The result was like the 2nd result to my biopsy. I got my hodgkins lymphoma back again. I undergo with chemo again, but this time just for 6 months and 6 sessions only.

My wound in the neck closed during and after the chemo but march last year it was open again. And the lymph node in my underarm grew even bigger. And I got new mass again the middle of the collar bone, even in my left breast. I still haven't gone to a doctor since last year. I have my kids to feed first through the help of my mom because I couldn't find a job because of my scary looking neck.

I'm afraid my doctor would tell me to go through chemo again. I don't think I still can make it anymore. Right now I am taking herbal medicines but I think they don't work for me anymore. I just think they're all making all it even worse.

Reading all your feedback/comments makes me really wonder. You're still all lucky you didn't go through what I've been going through. Be happy and be thankful. I am thankful still. Because god gave me 3rd life, a daughter and a baby boy and a supportive family and friends. I still feel good because of my love for them. I don't want to let them down.

I will fight cancer until the end. And while I am having a battle with it, I'll just smile and still give thanks to the lord. God bless everyone! : )

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Mommainternet (Wake Forest, Nc) on 03/26/2011
★★★★★

Thank you for the advice everyone shared. Had swollen glands and sipped about 3 tablespoons of the ACV - within a half an hour they had greatly reduced. I never expected it to happen so fast. Continued to take the same dose over the course of the day every 4 hours and again the following day. Feel so much better. Can't say how many times this site has helped me.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Bernardo (Rochester, Ny) on 10/06/2010
★★★★★

I had swollen lymph nodes in my neck about one month after quitting smoking. I read about apple cider vinegar and decided I had nothing to lose besides about $5. I took three shots the first day and one shot every day after that, one week later the swelling is down and I feel much better. I definitely recommend giving this a try before anything else.

Iodine

Posted by Mia (Vancouver, British Columbia) on 04/24/2016

Dear Kat: So sorry, did not revisit this site until now, hope you stood up to them.

Using fear for profit is despicable. The thing that kills is fear. When the body feels fear it begins to behave as if under extreme threat. It cannot heal while under threat. Do not let "authorities" instill fear in you. The body knows best. And so do you.

Negotiate with the cancer. Invite it to leave. Do not think in terms of a "fight" against cancer or even using any aggression. Be clear that this is a negotiation. The mind has enormous power to make you sick - or well. Of course you need to help it along. And of course you have to want to live. Sounds simple but many people are conflicted about surviving. Be your own friend in this matter. Claim yourself back from the system.

For the very best kind of truly healing meditation go to chilel.com

The best thing a fine GP doctor ever told me was this: It is YOUR body, it is YOUR choice, and you are the driver, not the passenger.

If you say NO to a bone marrow extract, to removal of your nodes, (like killing off your soldiers), to biopsies, to a CAT scan which is up to 1200 x-rays in one go, bear in mind that all of this is an employment scheme, and all of it is predicated on the assumption that of course you will submit to chemo, radiation.

If not, what stage does it matter that you are at? this is an ecological question, not a medical one.

Change the terrain and the cancer cannot survive. It is fear of change that holds people back from wellness. It is fear of how powerful the mind is to cure the body that gets in the way of wellness. Yet people make themselves sick all the time, same mind, different use.

Starve cancer and it will move on.

Cancer cells are very simple, they need sugar to survive. Cut off the quick release sugars and slow down all carbs with fat, butter, sweet organic butter is fine, it is exempt from the "no dairy" rule.

How invasively they treat you, that is YOUR choice. They do not call it "nuclear" medicine for nothing. It causes cancer. Chemo is derived from mustard gas used to kill soldiers, a chemical invented by a munitions company, and it causes cancer. Check Lancet and New England medicine sites, they admit this in many white papers. X-rays, too, the same thing. the "treatment" causes cancer, additional secondary cancers, the spread of cancer.

You are worth more than that. Refuse to be a medical masochist.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Mullein and Cleavers Herbs

Posted by Florie (Texas) on 05/19/2018
★★★★★

Took some mullein tincture AND some cleavers tincture (moves lymph) right after reading this, drank a glass of water with ACV, and went to lunch — For the first time in two days, chewing & eating didn't make my glands swell like a bad case of mumps and hurt so much I had to get a to-go box! Nope, I ate my whole lunch without pain, came home and looked in the mirror and saw that the whole left side of my face and neck is much less swollen!

Massage

Posted by Mybodywasmyprison (New Haven, Ct) on 06/22/2011
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Okay, I have to start by saying that I am not hawking wares or trying to get anyone to sign up for anything. Just the opposite, in fact.

I am flatfooted, and have had some pain since I was little because of this. There were a number of injuries in my youth that never really healed. To make a long story shorter, the pain stepped up during puberty and I have not taken anything yet that alleviates it much at all. Basically, after 15 years of severe full body pain, frequent illness, and what was thought to be obesity and all the shame and scorn that comes with it, frustration and research lead me to attempt to drain my lymphatic system through very gentle massage.

Two weeks later, I have lost 12-15 inches in circumference without changing my diet or activity level... because my lymph nodes were clogged and the lymphatic fluid built up and stagnated (also known as cellulite).

It takes only a light touch and remembering to massage in counter-clockwise circles from the feet up, or head down, toward the heart, which is a main site of drainage.

I still have more to go and there were a number of other physical problems that developed since this all happened while I was growing, but the difference is so huge it's really absurd. I had no idea how contorted my body had become. It's been real torture -- my arms, shoulders and left leg essentially pinned in stress positions at all times. People who've seen me in the past couple weeks are stunned. I'm stunned.

And angry.

Labeled as fat for most of my life, I didn't get the help I needed because no one would believe that the problem could be anything but a character flaw. These processed foods are immunosuppressant, and I wonder if they haven't been the main cause for the spike in obesity, diabetes, cancer rates, as well as the increasing number of cases of autoimmune disease. Why would the body know what to do with this junk we find in the store?

Anyway, give it a try on your lymph nodes. I feel better than I have since I was a little girl. My eustachian tubes are opening up, all of my senses are enlivened, and I have more energy as my body is cleansed.

I noticed a change within minutes. You ought to be able to feel the cellulite transform from semi-solid to fluid, and an unblocked lymph node will suck it right up.

I hope this helps some people. I've been massaging obsessively since I learned this, which explains the quick results. I think. But really. Obsessively.

If you can have someone help you with your back, do -- it's better if you can relax. Let's see... oh, and it can't hurt to give it a shot because the worst case scenario is that your body gets a little tlc.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Minkxy (Brooklyn, Ny) on 04/09/2011
★★★★★

Just wanted to say that after having a bad cold, I could not get rid of a rattle in my chest accompanied with cough. Knowing no medicine could solve it, it didn't do anything. I woke up one day with my glands so swollen. I knew whatever had flowed into them. Got online, and found this site. Tried the ACV, WOW in 1 minute right side was gone. 6 hrs for other. And my cough and rattle disappeared. A few weeks later I felt it coming on again. Some ACV and water, some keifer the next day.... All gone. Thank's earth clinic and commenters!

Castor Oil

Posted by Mama To Many (Middle, Tennessee, Usa) on 05/27/2013

Castor oil works well for swollen lymph nodes. Massage a small amount into the swollen area a few times a day. Peppermint essential oil works very well for this, the same way. I have done both. I seem to be very prone to swollen lymph nodes. Two decades ago, when I knew nothing of natural remedies, I just went the the doctor because my lymph nodes were swollen for 6 months with no apparent cause. I ended up having sugery (biopsy. ) I was fine. The lymph nodes swell when they are fighting infections. (I even get them when I get a canker sore. ) So, help your body fight the infection. Drink lots of water. 1/2 gallon a day. Add a couple of Tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar to this to improve its flushing ability. Also, you can try taking garlic like an antibiotic several times a day. 1 crushed clove mixed with honey on a little piece of bread 3-4 times a day. Or you could get a garlic supplement at the health food store. They odorless type, if you prefer. (Though I think fresh is the best, but the other okay if the fresh is beyond what you would take.)

Hope that helps!

Frankincense Oil

Posted by Donna (Arizona ) on 02/10/2019
★★★★★

Frankincense oil immediately reduced the swollen glands in my throat and my sore throat. I used it straight Topically. And 6-8 drops in water as a gargle. (That bug was keeping me awake and I knew it was getting worse. ) I was able to sleep and did the same routine in the morning. Through out the day I rubbed the oil on my throat. I feel this stopped that cold in its tracks. I have rubbed it on my chest and neck where a cough forms and have found fast relief.

Indication of Cause

Posted by Ruralgirl (Central Tx) on 07/06/2018

My dentist told me that tender swollen lymph nodes indicate infection while swollen lymph nodes that are not tender to the touch indicate cancer.

Iodine, Peppermint Oil

Posted by Tassi (Berkeley, Ca) on 12/27/2017
★★★★★

3 nights ago, I noticed that a hard round lump had sprung up behind my right ear, just below the edge of the skull, and it was somewhat painful. Within a couple of hours it seemed bigger and not able to be ignored. I also noted that the soft glands below my chin were swollen (not painful -- and my glands there have been noticeably puffy for the last 40 years, but this was a size increase) and my eyelid on the right side was puffy.

I came to Earth Clinic and looked for ideas -- I have Lugol's 5% iodine and organic peppermint essential oil, so I tried those. I got a tiny pinch of cotton (from some vitamin bottle) and put enough drops of iodine on it to lightly saturate it and bent forward and applied the cotton to the sore lymph node. After getting as much iodine out of the cotton as would squeeze out (it was not soaked enough to trickle out), I took it and rubbed it over the swollen glands under my chin, which painted them brownish.

An hour or so later I got the peppermint oil and a tiny piece of scrunched up paper towel and put a drop or so on that and held it on the lymph node for awhile, moving it around in a bit of a massage, plus running it all around the bottom edge of the skull, and then rubbing the iodine-painted glands below my chin. I did this a couple of times (hours apart) and by the next morning the glands and the hard node were MUCH reduced. Over the next day and a half I repeated about three more times, and now things are pretty much back to normal, at this moment at least. The node behind my ear is still palpable but very tiny and not painful.

Thanks, Earthclinic!

Iodine, Peppermint Oil

Posted by Tassi (Berkeley, Ca) on 01/22/2018

Weeks later, I am still wrestling with this problem, although it is usually not too bad. Recommended by an acupuncturist, I have been drinking about a quart of strong dandelion-leaf tea a day (missed some days or had less) to strengthen the immune system. Also recommended was hot-compresses on the affected area, which I think is possibly the best thing I have tried so far. When I am bothered by the nodes-area stiffness etc, I spend about half an hour with a couple of washrags, a small pot of simmering water and a large fork to pull the rag out of the hot water, then wave it around till it is touchable, then wring it out, fold it up and apply, while hot but not burning, to the lumps or stiff area. Keep rotating the rags till the half hour is up.

Pineapple

Posted by Ad (Qatar) on 09/07/2015
★★★★★

Pineapples, I was having a lot of trouble with swollen lymph nodes in neck. Pineapple instantly cures the inflammation. And I mean INSTANTLY.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Rsw (Oh) on 02/23/2016

Hi Jenna,

Have you looked into low dose naltrexone for the MS? It is an FDA approved, no side effects drug that is out of patent so very low cost, and is effective in stopping the progression of MS in about 85% of patients. Unlike the CRAB drugs or other MS drugs offered, it will modulate the immune system and do no harm. Here is the site: www.ldninfo.org

This site will show a Yahoo LDN Group that has over 12,000 members, about half of whom use it for MS. They will answer any questions you may have. There is also a Facebook LDN site, and much additional info on the Internet. Best wishes.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Rob (Manhattan, US) on 06/30/2014

You could try painting the area with Lugols iodine...if it is irritating then rub a little rosemary oil on it (few drop essential, mixed with tablespoon of olive) ...or Thieves oil....though, I still agree it is a good idea to get to the doctor to see what is causing it....especially if it doesn't go away in the next week or more.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Lee (Conway, Sc) on 06/12/2013
★★★★★

I have swollen glands under my chin, neck and chest. I read these Apple Cider Vinegar postings and off I went to my local market. I got home and took two teaspoons of ACV and within one minute I felt relief. It is hard to believe, but this worked. I plan on taking some before bed and in the morning. Thanks to all who posted on this subject it saved me a trip to a walk in clinic which would have ended up costing me money, time and no doubt the doctor would have prescribed antibiotics.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Ley (Birmingham, Alabama, Usa) on 06/25/2012
★★★★★

Hi, I've begun taking the apple cider vinegar for an infection that had moved into my lymph nodes. I had improvement after 60 seconds and the problem was solved completely within 3 days. (I'd had the infection for a year. ) I've continued taking it and even increased the dose - a capful in about an ounce of natural juice 3 or more times a day, sipping throughout the day. It's an enormous help with chronic pain and I'm hoping that it will end an issue with an ovarian cyst (??).

Quite grateful to Earth Clinic for the shared worldly knowledge. Thank you so very much for making this site available!

Castor Oil

Posted by Diana (Vancouver, Canada) on 05/08/2012

Hi, When I read your post I felt I should reply. You said you were jumping to activate your lymphatic system. I would recommend you continue to do so. Bouncing is a great way to cleanse your lymphatic system, so jumping on a trampoline or even skipping rope daily is an excellent way to keep your lymphatic system healthy.

A lymphatic massage might also be helpful.

Hopes this helps.

Vitamin C

Posted by Dave (Stoneham, Ma) on 03/15/2011
★★★★★

I had very bothersome lymph nodes for many years(about 8 years). Mainly my neck. Had every test under the sun. Everything was negative. The thing I finally found that worked was vitamin C. About 4 grams a day. It took a about a month till they were hardly noticeable. Even now(12 years later)... If I feel them even a little, I'll take more and usually a day and I'm fine again. The past year I haven't taken any. Just figured I'd share this. They were very bothersome all the time... I know what it's like.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by P (California, Usa) on 03/03/2011
★★★★★

Thank you for ACV advise, I've been having swollen gland for days now but it's finally cure by taking ACV. (practically overnight) I've been using ACV to help my son w/his sinus infection, which has been working really well. We've been able to avoid going to the dr and antibiotic because of this. We paired it w/ manuka honey from New Zealand which work as natural antibiotic. At any rate, I'm really glad ACV able to get rid of the swollen gland. Thanks again!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Lindsay (Somewhere North, Oklahoma) on 12/05/2009
★★★★★

Man am I glad this site exists. Couldn't get back to sleep last night because my swollen lymph nodes were KILLING me (granted, smoking a hooka with a bad cough/cold was not a good idea but nonetheless I was in pain). I found this page and found (somehow) some apple cider vinegar and like magic in less than 3 minutes my pain was completely gone.

Seriously, thank you and keep the home remedies coming!