How to Treat Swollen Lymph Nodes Using Natural Remedies

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Iodine

3 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
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Posted by Lisa (Coto de Caza, CA) on 11/27/2008
★★★★★

I've have swollen & tender lymph nodes under my jaw for a few years and the Dr.'s ignore it. Found the Iodine cure on this website while looking for something else. I painted Potassium iodide on the lymph nodes and the swelling went down within a few hours, as well as the tenderness. Had to paint on again next morning. I've heard Lugol's works better but it hasn't arrived in the mail yet.

Also, took 4 drops in a glass of water on an empty stomach for the stomach flu ( kids have it) and feel better after about an hour. My fingers are crossed.

Replied by Lisa
(Coto de Caza, Ca)
12/02/2008
★★★★★

I wrote in earlier about the potassium iodide (painted on) and that brought the swelling down after a few days. Well I got Lugol's iodine in the mail and within 2 days my lymph glands are not swollen. First time in a few years! No pain or tenderness. I started with 4-6 drops in a glass of water on on empty stomach. From what I read, I can work up to several more drops if needed.

Replied by John
(Houston, Texas)
04/26/2009

I have had swollen lymph nodes for2 years under my ear right behind my jaw line . Nothing has worked for me at all. Where can I find this Logul's potassium iodide ? I really need help. My face is starting to look deformed. Please help.

EC: More info on our iodine page.

Potassium Iodide, also called SSKI, available in good health food stores. Lugol's solution is sold online.

Replied by Amk1976
(Frisco , Tx)
04/21/2010

I have a question, when you say painted on, do you mean on your skin? Just over the area that is swollen? Sorry, I hope that isn't a dumb question lol. I have a swollen lymph node, no insurance, so I'm wanting to try the iodine out!

EC: Yes, here are a few posts on the subject!

Replied by Jassem
(Al Hasa)
06/13/2014

Good morning. Have inflammation in the lymph glands under the armpits and in the neck and under the jaw and above the thigh.. I do not know these swollen glands. I went to the hospital and they did not know why.. I hope you can tell me how to prepare the treatment of iodine as well as other treatments.. I used castor oil, did not give the result.

Replied by Timh
(KY)
06/14/2014
2048 posts

Jassem: It seems like you have been exposed to some toxic chemical. Take hot full body baths w/ 1/4 cup Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) and 1/4 cup Epsom Salts (Magnesium Sulfate) while gently massaging the nodes. Take the herb Pau De Arco as it cleanses the lymph. Vit-C 500mg 3x daily will also help. Apply Cod Liver Oil directly over the swollen nodes and gently massage.

Replied by Jazz
(Kingston, Ontario, Canada)
09/09/2015

I'll take some more Lugol's Solution (am flaring a bit so in obvious pain) and see if that reduces it. My rheumatologist thinks I have UTCD but my naturopath thinks I have Hashimoto's as I have weight gain while eating healthy and swollen nodes in my neck. She also has me on Selenium, Omega 3D and Vitamin D.


Iodine, Peppermint Oil

1 User Review
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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!

Replied by Tassi
(Berkeley, Ca)
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.


Lavender Essential Oil

1 User Review
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Posted by Lovelyrita (Arvada, Co, Usa) on 07/03/2011
★★★★★

My lymph nodes have been very swollen and tender recently, with a burning sensation. Blood tests have all been normal and doctors aren't quite sure what it is yet. To get relief, however, I have been applying topically Lavender Essential oil and rubbing it into my skin over the swollen areas with vaseline. It has really worked to relieve the pain! I'll apply some vaseline, then add 3-4 drops of Lavender oil and begin massaging the area. After a minute, I just feel so much relief. It feels like it has a real calming effect. It works incredibly well if you do this, and then apply mild heat to the area with a heating pad. This has saved me from so much pain while trying to heal my condition!


Massage

1 User Review
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Posted by Mybodywasmyprison (New Haven, Ct) on 06/22/2011
★★★★★

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.

Replied by Kay
(In The Valley, Ca)
06/24/2011

Very interesting, can you tell us how you learned of this message and how it is performed? Is there a website that shows a demonstration or gives an explanation? I would be very interested in learning how to do it. Thanks for sharing.

Replied by Lisa
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
06/24/2011

Another method to clear the lymphs is by using a rebounder. It's very effective.

Replied by Donna
(Drexel Hill, Pa)
06/24/2011

Hi Lisa, just wanted to know how long you use the rebounder? Do you use it everyday, and for how many minutes. Thanks for all your great advice, I always enjoy reading your posts.

Replied by Carly
(Seattle, Wa - Usa)
06/25/2011

Hi - I would like Lisa to post more on this also, as she knows more than I do on the subject....

I am up to 26 mins a day now, and believe me, it has taken while to work up to that! When I began, I thought I would never make it up to ten mins. Lol. I think when I started 3 mns or so was my limit.

It is fun though, you just do what your body feels up to doing, and try to add a couple of mins a week to it.

I have a datebook posted on my wall - I write my daily mins down on it - so I can see my progress. I have done back-slides a couple of times, but hey, if you are not feeling it, don't do it!

Now am working towards 30 mins.... Every weekday. I am usually too busy on weekends to do it. I figure 5 days on, 2 off is pretty good.

Web search it, and read all of the benefits.

Advice: Buy a cheapo rebounder until you know you will actually like it - then buy a better one - totally WORTH it. My first rebounder was from Wally World Online for about 35 dollars delivered... Then I stepped up to a 200 dollar rebounder (bungee cords, not springs) and it is AMAZING.... Well worth the money. I am so happy I broke down and spent the big bucks. (I am a pretty cheap person normally ;)).

I really love rebounding, and suggest everyone try it! :-)

Replied by Lisa
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
06/25/2011

Hi Carly, I probably don't know much more than you! I used to distribute them because I would train some of my dancers on them but also ice skaters. It is fantastic to build stamina and leg strength. I know they're quite effective for clearing the lymphatic system. It's also great if you can't do a whole lot because you can do "the health bounce" which is just as effective. We have a trampoline in our yard but the rebounder is great for people who don't have a lot of room. My husband uses it quite a bit.

I now have access to a Turbosonic machine which is quite advanced technologically so I have been using that. It only takes 10 minutes for amazing benefits. Also, I have hip issues so the rebounder can be hard on them. The turbosonic actually helps them.


Mullein Tea

1 User Review
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Posted by Happy (Up The Creek In, Wv, Usa) on 07/07/2013
★★★★★

In reply to Wendy from Coon Rapids, to clear the lymph gland nodules in your brothers neck, and reduce the swelling there, and clear up his sore throat which is also being caused by the swollen lymph glands; then have your brother go out and pick some mullein leaves, and, or flowers; cut them up, put a hand-full in a quart jar, pour boiling water on them, let cool enuf to drink, and drink 3 cups per day for about 1 week, or longer. The lymph gland swelling should go down, and the sore throat cured.

2nd remedy- echinacea herb. herb, root, or tincture. Make a herb tea of then echinacea, or buy the tincture and take 20 drops three times per day, for 1 or 2 weeks. Can be taken at the same time as the mullein leaf and flower tea.

The swollen lymph glands in the neck [and elsewhere] used to be called "SCROFULA", in the 1700's & 1800's.


Multiple Remedies

3 User Reviews
5 star (1) 
  33%
1 star (2) 
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Posted by Nicholas (Stamford, CT) on 08/01/2013
★☆☆☆☆

Hello. I have multiple swollen lymph nodes with one on the side of my head and one on my forehead. I tried some of the remedies such as using apple cider vinegar but it made my lymph nodes swell up more. However when I tried having vitamin c but it has a minimal effect on the healing process with it sometimes not working at all. I also tried changing my diet with exercise but it seems to have a small effect as well on the healing process. Is there anything I'm doing wrong or forgot to do? Is there another method or remedy for getting rid of my swollen lymph nodes?

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee, Usa)
08/01/2013

Dear Nicholas, I am wondering if the things you are doing is increasing the lymph flow (that is good--you want the lymph to flow) and it is increasing congestion in the nodes... We had something similar happen just last night. My 9 year old daughter, who has several health problems and she does get swollen lymph nodes. Well, we got a rebounder (mini-trampoline) and she jumped on it for a long time yesterday. Her lymph nodes had not been swollen but by evening, they were! I would have expected the opposite effect. It made me suspect that the jumping did the the lymph flowing and it got clogged or whatever. I had her put castor oil on the swollen glands as that has helped her in the past. This morning her glands were better. All that to say that what you are doing may be helping to some degree.

We have also used peppermint essential oil (straight or diluted with another oil) for swollen lymph nodes.

One time, when I was sick a node in my neck swelled up terribly. I made a poultice of plantain leaves and red raspberry leaves (both had been dried. ) I put them in a mug, poured boiling water over them to rehydrate them. Then I put them in a cloth and used a bandana to hold it against my swollen glands overnight. It helped immensely.

Hope you find a solution, soon!

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Tamara
(Socal)
06/29/2015

I have read several postings, and I am wondering how you apply the castor oil. I need to apply it to my pelvic area and groin... Could somebody describe it in detail? Thank you all!

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
06/29/2015

Dear Tamara,

When I have used castor oil for swollen lymph nodes, I put a few drops onto my fingers and massage it into the skin, gently, over the lymph nodes that are swollen, a couple of times a day.

~Mama to Many~


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jared (Sherman, Tx, Usa) on 12/01/2010
★☆☆☆☆

I recently came across this site looking for some answers. I had a huge knot rising up under my jawbone. I recently quit smoking, so everything I was reading seemed to fall right into place. I started with the ACV, sea salt, baking soda mixtures immediately with the feeling of elation, as if I had just found a miracle cure. In my situation, the knot had started as a tiny little bump, that had developed into the size of a golf ball within three days. The pain I felt was from the swelling and pressure it was placing on the muscles in my neck and not so much from the knot itself, although the swollen area was tender to the touch. After two days of following every little tip I could find on this site, the golf ball had turned into a lemon, and I now had a massive headache, dizzyness and total body fatigue setting in.

I broke down and went to the doctor. Doctor 1 looked at my neck and drew blood to do a white cell count. He concluded, that it was not a swollen lymph node, but instead, an abscess that needed to be drained. Being that it was located where it was, I needed to immediately go see an ear nose and throat specialist to do this procedure. At this point, I was not really happy about the fact that someone was going to stick a needle into my neck, but the relief I was going to get was well worth any misery that it may cause. Little did I know, this procedure would never take place.

I went to the specialist, who came in and read over the referring doctor's paperwork and then looked at my neck, and told me that I needed to just calm down, and don't worry about anything. He told me that it was not an abcess. It was indeed a swollen lymph node, in the beginning. The lymph node had swollen up, and blocked the salivary gland behind it. The huge knot under my neck was the salivary gland swelling up because it was blocked. I was prescribed a four day steriod pack and sour hard candy to stimulate the salivary gland. I am now on day three and the knot is down to the size of a dime. I feel pretty certain that it will be gone by the end of the day. Sometimes, we do just need to breakdown and go to the doctor.

Replied by Nikita
(Singapore)
02/17/2015
★★★★★

This worked for me -

Followed this twice a day (at morning and night) for 2 days:

- Applied turmeric paste (turmeric powder mixed with few drops of water) to the affected area
- Applied warm compress for 15 mins once above paste got dried

Also did following -
- Massaged the area slowly with my fingers
- Rinsed my mouth with warm salt water twice a day
- Avoided sour and cold food items for a week

Good luck! :)


Oil Pulling

2 User Reviews
5 star (1) 
  50%
(1) 
  50%

Posted by Katrina (Sydney, Australia) on 12/29/2015
★★★★★

I currently have swollen lymph nodes, my very helpful scan person told me that there is basically nothing that doctors can do about it. I haven't tried apple cider vinegar, but have recently been swishing with coconut oil, 1 Tablespoon for around 20 minutes. Then spitting out because of toxins that build up during swishing. I have found that from the first day the pain that ran from my jaw to my collar bone has virtually disappeared, and all I have now is a sore throat. Very happy.


Oil Pulling
Posted by Steveplc (London, UK) on 04/27/2009

i've been oil pulling for three months now. The lumps under my jaw have swollen and i assume they are lymphs. They started swelling about a month into oil pulling, any clues? Thank you

Replied by Kjirsti
(Central Alberta, Canada)
01/08/2012

A lot of people will get swollen lymph nodes a few weeks into oil pulling, it's usually from lack of water. Are you drinking 2-3 glasses after you pull?

Massaging the area, rebounding and yoga have been beneficial to get rid of the swelling for most people. Some also use detox tea, and/or increase their salt intake by a little bit.

Always remember to drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins :)


Peppermint or Castor Oils

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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.


Pineapple

1 User Review
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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.

Replied by Terry
(Harare)
06/02/2022

Hi. How do you use pineapple for lymph node treatment?


Rebounding

Posted by Susan (New York) on 08/31/2012

Hi Ted, What is your experience with Rebounding on Trampoline ? Is that suppose to be good for lymph system? Flushing the lymph while stimulating the immune system and defending against cancer and other ailments.

Replied by Lisa
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
08/31/2012

Hi Susan, I'm not Ted but I have had a rebounder for years. They are very instrumental in keeping the lymph system healthy. Even if you aren't super fit, you can do what they call the health bounce and that will be just as beneficial. I know for the rebounder that I ordered, you can even get an attachment which is a handle for those who are older or unsteady so you can gently bounce for the benefits. Hope this information helps. Lisa

Replied by Anonymosaurus Rex
(Somewhere, Alone, Listening To Radiohead)
09/01/2012

As an addition to Lisa's comment - jogging or skipping (or just jumping up and down on the spot) can also give you the similar benefits without the need for extra equipment.

If you are not in physical condition to do either of those, gently bouncing whilst sitting on a properly inflated exercise ball will help, and it will provide a good exercise to help get your muscles into better condition too.


Red Wine Vinegar

1 User Review
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Posted by Happygal (Warner, Nh) on 05/05/2011
★★★★★

I have had issues with very painful lymph nodes under arms since contracting lyme many years ago. The homeopathic for unblocking was not working fast enough. In desperation I googled natural remedies for sore lymph nodes and voila this site was at the top. The poor grammar nearly made me go elsewhere but I read on.. Could anything so cheap and simple work? Alas no ACV but I did have red wine vinegar on hand. 2 TBS in water. Amazing, In less than a minute the pain is nearly gone. I am going to read more into alkalinity and natural remedies.

Replied by Bcnu147
(Wa)
01/05/2015

Happy Gal - I read somewhere a few days ago about a man who was saying that he took colloidal silver 3 X per day for 6 weeks and his Lyme's disease was no more.


Rubbing Alcohol

1 User Review
1 star (1) 
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Posted by Mel (Mi, US) on 12/01/2014

Does rubbing Alcohol help shrink a lymph node?

Replied by Timh
(KY)
12/02/2014
2048 posts
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

Hulda Clark makes great warning to not use isopropyl alcohol as it is a chemical solvent which the body has difficulty detoxifying. In this case, rubbing alcohol could potentially cause swollen lymph nodes. So, it is advised to use pure grain alcohol or maybe 100 proof vodka for topical medical remedies. Weather this safer alcohol would help swollen lymph, I don't know.

Magnet therapy and/or herbal detoxifier like "Red Clover Combination" would help. A warm washcloth dipped in Epsom Salt would help. A Mama-To-Many charcoal poultice would also help.


Shake Arms and Legs Method

1 User Review
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Posted by Nataliya (Ireland) on 03/28/2018
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I decided to add my five cents to this great community. A few years ago my knee was sore and swollen on the backside. Of course, I went to the doctor who referred me to the physiologist. While I was waiting for the appointment (couple months), I was told about this simple exercise specifically for lymph nodes problems.

Every night in bed before falling asleep and every morning before getting up, I was on my back with my legs and arms up in the air, like a puppy when you rub its tummy ;) Relax and shake both arms and legs at the same time about 30 seconds (I count till 40), have a few seconds break if you need and shake again for another 30 seconds.

It took me only three-four days and all soreness and swelling were gone. By the time the invitation for the physio appointment arrived, I forgot why I needed it! I use this simple exercise every time the nodes are sore and it works like a miracle, and each time I am amazed.

Just two days ago I had some viral infection and lymph node in my armpit was sore, I did this simple exercise last night in bed and this morning the problem was gone again. I thought I should share it here. The theory behind this exercise is it helps the lymph actively move around and clear the nodes. Give it a go, you might solve the problem yourself while waiting for the doctor's appointment, like me :)

Replied by Savy Shopper
(Minnesota)
11/07/2021

Can't wait to try this simple (and maybe entertaining for hubby) ‘trick' tonight and hopefully be able to add another successful story such as yours. I've had mine foot/leg issues for a decade up to the knee, so might have to give it the week before reporting back1. Thanks for sharing!



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