Lymph nodes (Lymph glands) are pea-sized lumps of tissue that contain white blood cells, surrounded by a capsule and are a part of the Lymphatic system (a component of the body’s immune-system).
• The Lymph nodes are a major site where foreign substances and infectious agents interact with the cells of the immune-system.
• Lymph nodes help to Fight bacteria, viruses and anything else that causes infection.
Lymphatic System
A major cluster of the Lymph nodes is the spleen, which also helps Fight Infections and responds to foreign substances in the body.
Many different types of Infection can cause swollen glands (such as a cold or Glandular Fever). Less commonly, swollen glands may be caused by a non-infectious condition (such as Rheumatoid Arthritis or even Cancer).
Swollen Lymph nodes may signal an Infection and are known medically as Lymphadenopathy.
• The ones most frequently enlarged or swollen are found in the neck (a chain of Lymph nodes is located in the front of the neck, the sides of the neck and the back of the neck behind the ears), under the chin, in the armpits, and in the groin.
The glands in the affected area will often become suddenly tender or painful.
• Swollen glands are usually caused by a relatively minor viral or bacterial Infection, including a cold, Tonsillitis, Glandular Fever, a throat Infection, an ear Infection, a dental abscess, Cellulitis (a Skin Infection)
Expert Advice: Swollen Glands can be a Sign of Cancer!
* Occasionally, swollen glands can be a sign of Cancer that has started elsewhere in the body and spread to the Lymph nodes, or a type of Cancer affecting the white blood cells, such as non-Hodgkin Lymphoma or chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia.
* Swollen glands are more likely to be caused by Cancer if they:
• Don’t go away within a few weeks and slowly get bigger.
• Are painless and firm or hard when you touch them.
• Occur with other symptoms, such as Night Sweats and weight loss.
Herbal Remedies of Lymph Glands Disease
1) A bottle is filled with Marjoram oil and Olive Oil and left to stand in the sun or warm place for 10 days. This oil as well as Calendula ointment or St.John’s Wort oil is gently massaged into the affected glands.
2) Fresh Banana Leaves, Butterbur leaves and Calendula stems and leaves are washed and crushed to a paste with a wooden rolling pin. The leaves should be wet when crushed to facilitate the crushing. The separate pastes are applied alternately to the affected glands. The patient will be able to tell which one is the most beneficial.
3) Should an operation have been performed already, Swedish Bitters can be applied as a dressing for 4 hours besides the plasters, or the area is massaged gently with Swedish Bitters. Possibly Horsetail plaster can be applied mornings and afternoons while lying on bed for 2 hours.
4) Internally at least 1-2 litres of tea made from the following mixture (1 teaspoon per cup is sipped throughout the day):
• Calendula (300gm)
• Horsetail (100gm)
• Stinging Nettle (100gm)
• Yarrow (100gm)
5) The 3 tablespoons of Swedish Bitters is also effective.
6) In cases of malignant diseases of the Lymph glands or Elephantitis (hard swellings develop in arms and legs), Lymph Glands remedies can be applied, starting from the glands and covering the swollen areas. Especially effective are the leaves of Cow Parsnip (Heracleum sphondylium) where a few leaves are picked, washed and while wet, crushed and applied as a plaster which, well wrapped, is left on overnight. It gives wonderful relief.
7) Mallow, cold-soaked overnight and added to the bath Water gives relief. These baths help to reduce the swellings on arms and legs. Freshly pressed Wood Sorrel juice applied to the hard swellings is also promising.
