Swollen lymph nodes, glands, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
What are Lymph nodes and glands – These are small cells surrounded by a outer membrane called capsule. The lymphatic ducts go in and out of them. The lymphocytes present in the nodes make antibodies which fight the foreign substances and germs. There are other cells also in the lymph nodes called Macrophages which eat away the debris and work as cleaners.
As explained above, the lymph nodes are a battle ground where fighting between our immune cells and germs takes place. A bigger organ near stomach called Spleen is another cluster of lymph nodes. When there is chronic infection, the lymph nodes start to swell. In some cases, there may not be attack by the foreign particles or germs, but our own immune cells start behaving abnormally and attack our own lymph nodes leading to swollen lymph nodes and fever. Modern medical system focuses use of anti-biotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids to treat swollen lymph glands but natural systems like Ayurveda uses herbs like Kachnaar, Guggul, Turmeric ( Curcumin) and Ashwagandha to treat swollen lymph nodes. It is very important to make early diagnosis and start immediate treatment of lymphadenopathy (Enlarged lymph glands)
What is Lymphatic System –
The lymphatic system in the body is made up of channels and nodes spread all over the body. Lymphe is a tissue fluid surrounding the cells and contains white blood cells ( WBC's or lymphocytes), fluid from the intestine (Chyle) and also some RBC's back into circulation through the veins. If the body gets infection or any anti-gen or any matter which has to be handled by the immune system, the lymph starts to carry the dead bodies of these infectious germs also, after killing them. The lymphatic nodes become the battle ground of the germs ( Antigens) and the immune cells ( white blood cells)
Major Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes and glands
There are so many reasons and so many locations where the lymph glands become swollen. Since the lymphatic glands are a battle ground for anti-bodies (Immunity ) and Germs ( Antigens), the infection is one of the major reason for enlargement of lymphatic glands.
Major causes of lymph nodes enlargement or lymhadenopathy are –
- Abscess in teeth
- Ear, Nose, Throat infections
- Cold and cough
- Skin infections
- Gingivitis and tooth infections
Areas where the Swollen lymph nodes can be felt are –
- Groin – Infections in the lower extremities, injuries in lower extremities hampering lymph flow to upper body, infection and inflammation of the pelvic organs, pelvic abscess or tuberculosis
- Neck – ENT infections, Skin and Tonsillitis, Tuberculosis, lymphomas
- Armpit – Lymphoma, Cancer, skin allergies, infections
- Chest - Sarcoidosis and lung infections, blood infection, lymphoma
- Behind the ears - common cold, allergies, asthma, skin conditions, eczema, measles, mumps, chicken pox
- Under the jaw – Tooth infections, lymphoma, skin infections
Swollen lymph nodes caused by complicated diseases –
- Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Leukemia (Blood cancer)
Drugs like Phenytoin ( For Epilepsy) and Typhoid immunization can also cause enlarged lymph nodes.
Swollen Lymph Nodes Glands Treatment With Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies for Swollen Lymph nodes due to any reasons listed above including cancers and lymphoma
Kachnaar Guggul - This is a wonderful herbal remedy for swollen lymph nodes in neck, groin, chest, full body, throat, neck, armpit, behind ear, under jaw or in children. Ayurvedic physicians use it popularly for all types of cancers, lymphomas, tonsillitis and lymphatic gland obstructions and to shrink various non-lymphatic growths like tumors and cysts of any body part.
This is a herbal remedy made from various plants and herbs which are effective in shrinking all the swollen lymph nodes without causing side effects.
Kachnaar Guggul - Kachnaar is a wonderful plant and the bark of this plant is used in treatment of all types of Swollen lymph nodes due to any reason. The kachnaar guggul tablets contain many other ingredients as well as the bark of Kachnaar tree. Guggul is another tree and the gum resin from this tree is used to make these tablets. The gum resin contains guggulosterones, which are well researched using modern parameters and now proven to possess strong anti-inflammatory properties. The kachnaar guggul is a classical Ayurvedic preparation using several herbs combined together to get the desired results.
The kachnaar guggul tablets are harmless, with no side effects and are useful in all types of swellings, swollen lymph nodes in any part of the body. They do not contain any chemicals, preservatives, synthetic drugs, steroids or heavy metals as they are made from 100 % plants and herbs only. Similarly other herbal supplements mentioned in the Swollen Lymph nodes healing Package are completely natural.
Turmeric for Lymph glands swellings, cysts, tumors, inflammations and Swollen glands –
Along with the kachnaar Guggul tablets, another wonderful spice from the eastern countries is Turmeric root powder. The Curcumin is a standardized extract of this rhizome of ginger family to yield 95 % curcuminoids ( active component of Turmeric). This is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory substances available in nature. The anti-inflammatory action can be compared to those of steroids and analgesics in modern medicines and several researches are done recently by scientists of various countries to prove this effect. The planet ayurveda curcumin capsules contain purified standardized extract of Turmeric active constituents ( Curcumin 95 % ) giving the maximum benefits in Swollen lymph nodes, Inflammatory conditions like arthritis, joint pains, fever, allergies, recurrent infections, tumors and cancers of all types. Check www.planetcurcumin.com
Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng) for Inflammatory conditions, Swellings and Cancers
A lot of research has been done on this wonderful herb described in ayurveda to possess miracle healing powers. This is an adaptogen which means stress buster, anti-inflammatory herb. Ashwagandha root powder extract is used in making Planet Ayurveda Ashwagandha vegetarian capsules , containing active components Withanolides and Withaferin A. These active constituents of Ashwagandha plant root are strong anti-infective, anti-biotic and good for all types of cancers and swollen glands.
Swollen Lymph Nodes Healing Package
The swollen lymph node package indications and uses
This can be used in all the conditions mentioned in this page by varying dosage as mentioned below
Dosage in Children – (5 years to 13 years ) - Tonsillitis, chest Infections, Arms and limbs infections, skin rashes, allergies, ENT infections, swollen lymph nodes behind ears, tooth infections and so on.
Cap. Ashwagandha – 1 twice daily
Tab. Kachnaar Guggul – 2 twice daily
Cap. Curcumin – 2 twice daily
Dosage in Adults - Each product 2 capsules/ tablets twice daily
Dosage in Complicated conditions
Lymphomas, Blood cancers, Cysts, tumors, fibroids, endometriosis, growths, hodgkin's lymphoma, Non-hodgkin's lymphoma, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sarcoidosis, Interstitial lung disease, auto-immune disorders
Children – Each product – 1 capsule / tablets thrice daily (aged 5 to 13)
Adults – Each product – 2 to 3 capsules / tablets – thrice daily (13 and above)