Lymph nodes (also known as lymph glands), which are found throughout your body, are an important part of your immune system. They help the body recognize and fight germs and other foreign substances.
Common areas where lymph nodes are located include the neck, under the jaw and chin, behind the ears, on the back of the head, the armpits and the groin.
When the lymph nodes become swollen, it can cause a problem known as lymphadenopathy or lymphadenitis. A swollen lymph node can range from the size of a pea to an egg.

Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that something is wrong somewhere in your body. The most common cause is an infection, which includes an abscessed tooth, ear infection, common cold, measles, mononucleosis, tonsillitis, gingivitis, and skin infections.
Certain immune or autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and HIV, can also lead to swollen lymph nodes. At times, cancer and certain medications also cause this problem.
In addition to increasing in size, swollen lymph nodes may be tender and painful. Depending on the cause, symptoms may also include a runny nose, sore throat, fever, cough, swollen limb, night sweats and general weakness.
Treatment for lymphadenitis depends on the cause. In some cases, the swelling will reduce with time. You can also incorporate certain lifestyle changes and remedies to treat swollen lymph nodes.
However, if the swelling lasts or continues to enlarge for more than a couple of weeks, seek medical help.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for swollen lymph nodes.
Contents
1. Warm Compresses
A time-tested remedy to reduce swelling of the lymph glands is warm compresses. The hot temperature helps increase blood circulation, which in turn reduces swelling as well as pain.
- Dip a washcloth in hot water and wring out the excess water.
- Place this warm washcloth on the swollen lymph nodes for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Repeat a few times daily until the swelling is gone.
You can even wash the swollen area with warm water a few times daily.
2. Massage
Another effective remedy is massaging the lymph nodes. Massage stimulates the lymph nodes to help them function normally. This helps subside the swelling over a period of time. In addition, it will reduce the accumulation of impurities in the nodes.
- Using your fingers, gently massage the lymph nodes for about 5 minutes. Do this 2 or 3 times daily until the swelling is gone.
- You can also hire a professional to give you a lymph drainage massage.
3. Salt Water
A salt water gargle can be beneficial for reducing the swelling and inflammation in lymph nodes in the neck caused by infection in the throat.
- Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water.
- Gargle with this solution to get relief.
- Do this a couple of times daily for about a week.
4. Garlic
Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling in the lymph nodes. This antibiotic food also helps cleanse the system, ease symptoms and promote healing.
- Eat 2 to 3 raw garlic cloves daily. Include garlic in your cooking as well.
- Massage the swollen area with garlic oil for a few minutes, 2 or 3 times daily.
- Alternatively, take a garlic supplement daily, after consulting your doctor.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another effective home remedy for swollen lymph nodes. It helps create an alkaline environment and maintain a healthy pH level in your body.
In addition, its antibacterial property helps fight any infection that may be causing this problem.
- Mix equal amounts of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and water. Soak a washcloth in the solution and apply it on the swollen area. Wait 5 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water and then pat dry. Repeat a once or twice daily.
- Also, mix 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and a little raw honey in a glass of water. Drink it twice daily.
6. Honey
Honey is another natural remedy that helps treat enlarged lymph nodes. Its anti-inflammatory property helps ease pain and swelling. In addition, its antibacterial property helps fight the infection that is likely causing this problem.
- Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of raw honey and some fresh lemon juice in a cup of water. Drink it twice daily for a week.
- Apply some raw honey on the swollen area, allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. Do this 2 or 3 times daily until the swelling subsides.
7. Castor Oil
You can also use castor oil, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, to reduce swelling in lymph glands.
It improves the flow of lymph throughout the body, speeding up the removal of toxins. This helps reduces the size of swollen lymph nodes. It even gives a boost to your immune system.
- Gently rub some cold-pressed castor oil on the swollen area for 5 minutes.
- Put a warm compress on the area for another 5 to 10 minutes.
- Repeat this remedy once or twice daily for a week.
8. Turmeric
This therapeutic herb is particularly effective in bringing down the swelling of enlarged lymph glands. It has anti–inflammatory as well as analgesic properties that help reduce swelling and pain. It can even fight infections and facilitate healing.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder with enough honey to make a paste. Apply it on the swollen area, wait 10 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. Follow this remedy twice daily for about a week.
- Drink a glass of warm turmeric milk twice daily.
- Another option is to take turmeric supplements, after consulting a doctor.
9. Echinacea
Another frequently used herb to treat swollen lymph nodes is echinacea. It has powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps strengthen the lymph system as well as fight infection by purifying the blood and lymph nodes.
- Apply echinacea cream or ointment topically 2 or 3 times a day to reduce swelling.
- You can also drink 1 to 2 cups of echinacea tea daily for not more than 1 week.
- Alternatively, take echinacea supplements of 300 mg, twice daily for a week. Consult your doctor before taking this supplement.
Note: Avoid taking this herb internally for more than 1 week. People suffering from autoimmune disorders may want to avoid this herb.
10. Cleavers
Herbalists recommend the use of cleavers (scientific name, Galium aparine), also known as goosegrass and stickyweed, for lymphadenitis.
This therapeutic herb stimulates the function of the lymphatic system to reinforce proper functioning. This helps reduce swelling.
- Add 2 teaspoons of this herb to a cup of hot water. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain it. Drink this tea 2 or 3 times daily until you notice improvement.
- Alternatively, take 20 to 30 drops of cleavers tincture mixed with water daily.
Note: Before using this herb, consult your doctor.
Additional Tips
- Get adequate rest to aid recovery.
- Take a warm bath or shower twice daily.
- Drink 2 to 3 cups of green tea daily.
- Avoid physical and mental stress.
- Try yoga, acupuncture, meditation and exercise to fight symptoms.
- Quit smoking as well as avoid secondhand smoke.
- Stop drinking as it may worsen your condition.
- Follow a healthy diet rich in vitamins C and E, iron, calcium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids.
Hey,keep me posted I enjoy reading the remedies
Love the information you provide
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Learning a lot from this website! 🙂 Thank you!
Just did a organic juicing for detoxing and worked pretty good. I went to southern press in greenville sc for the best, look up their website to see the types, it tells you what’s in the drinks so you can make it yourself if you look for a good recipe or juicery nearby. Be prepared to near a bathroom but you will feel great afterwards.
thanks
useful information
I have suffered horribly my entire adult life with HUGE lymph nodes under my jaw, bad breath, sore throat. Anything would set off symptoms (lasting up to ten days) like ciffee, wheat, lack of sleep. Pretty much just not being 100% perfect (raw, no common allergens)…which is not realustic for me.
I started blending one whole head garlic with one whole lemon every morning. After two weeks i was at a friend’s. He’d just made bread (added extra gluten) and it smelled so good! I ate four huge slices and waited to get sick. It never happened.
It’s been months now. At 54 i can finally eat all foods and drink coffee. My ent says i should keep my diet clean, and i do at home, but enjoy going out for pizza and coffee like everyone else.
I only have to do the garlic/lemon a couple times a week now. It has changed my life and freed me from those gargantuan lymph nodes.
Sorry this is so long, but i really hope it helps others. If you do ot correctly and do not dilute it goes down easy and you won’t smell
Thank you for this information. I am going to do this 2 times a day. I am very unwell with a strained voicebox and swollen lymph nodes on my throat and neck and under my arms… ls extremely painful. Antibiotics are not working. I went to the Hospital though they were terrible and not helpful. I am a workaholic which l love. Though l have taken 1 week off and having total bed rest. I am praying for healing fast. Thank you for your advice. I will let you know how l go. Much appreciated.
DJ Pamela
thank you, Debra….. this will be a huge help to many people… including me. it wasn’t “too long” …you gave some vital information on how this has worked for you and i can’t wait to try it. thank you again. after hearing your testimony… i’m certain this is going to work.
Thank you Debra will try
Thank u so much 😊
Debra, did you cut up the lemon and just blended the insides or kept the lemon peelings on? For the last year I have been suffering off & on with the swelling below my jaws/behind both ears. Looking for home remedies that will truely give some relief
Definitely not going on. I shall try this. Thank you. I have rhinitis and other allergies that cause the lymph glands to swell. It looks awful. I shall try the remedies that you have. 😊
I would like to ask because I have a inguinal lymph nodes may I ask if what would be the proper medication on this
hello my man has got a swollen gland behind his left ear it hurts only when he touches it,and it looks really tender any advice on how to relieve the pain and swelling
I just got one and I came to seek some help. Thanks for all the good comments here. My swelling continues to go big. I am freaking out.
Thank you allot
Thank you
How can treat in home remedies for cyst lump under the chin
Thanks for information please also tell about swallow of calf and foot