Lymph nodes or Lymph glands are a part of the Lymphatic system and are present all over the body. The Lymphatic system is responsible for carrying nutrients and waste material between the blood stream and body tissues.
Importance of Lymph nodes
The Lymph nodes are an integral part of the immune system, which comprises of bone marrow, spleen, thymus, tonsils and lymph nodes. The lymph fluid travels through the lymphatic system between the body tissues and blood, the fluid contains white blood cells called the lymphocytes.
Lymph nodes actually filter the lymph fluid and hold back the bacteria and viruses travelling through the fluid. These foreign elements are destroyed by thelymphocytes. Lymph nodes vary in size; they could be as large as an olive or as small as the head of a pin.
Why do they swell?
An infection, tumor or an injury like a cut or a bite either in or near the lymph node causes it to swell. The most common areas of the body where lymph nodes swell are armpits, groin and neck. Cancer in a particular area causes the nearby lymph nodes to swell.
Ways to cure swollen lymph nodes
- Garlic
Garlic is known to have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that boost the immune system. It also has anti-inflammatory qualities that can help in the reduction of swelling in the lymph nodes. You can use garlic in your food or consume two cloves of it a day, this will prevent the lymph glands from swelling andmake the immune system strong.
- Salt water
This is effective for the swelling in the neck area. It will give comfort to the lymph nodes around the throat. Add half a teaspoon of salt in lukewarm water and gargle with it. Repeating it at least twice a day for a week will give relief to the throat and make the inflammation vanish.
- Honey
Honey has amazing medicinal values, it is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory in nature.You can apply honey on the swollen nodes and allow it to be there for 10-15 minutes and then wash it off. Continue doing it until the swelling disappears. Drink two teaspoons of honey, mixed with lemon juice in a cup of water, two times a day for a week.
In addition to these remedies, you can also massage the swollen lymph nodes in order to stimulate them so that they function normally.If there is, no effect of these cures visiting a doctor is necessary. However, continuing these DIY tricks is advised along with the doctor recommended medication.
