AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES

FAQs

What are Lymph Nodes?

Lymph Nodes are the oval-shaped masses of tissue found in the body which plays an important role by protecting the body from infection and diseases.

Why do these Lymph Nodes get Swollen?

Lymph Nodes get Swollen because of illness, infection, or stress. Swollen Lymph Nodes are an alert that our Lymphatic system is working hard to protect the body from foreign bodies.

Where are Lymph Nodes located in the body?

The network of organs, Lymph Nodes and vessels is called the Lymphatic system. The vessels and Lymph Nodes are found throughout the body and in groups. The Lymph Nodes are located in- the armpit, groin, neck, pelvis, and abdomen. The Lymph node located in the neck is felt like a pea or small bean. Areas like abdomen or the chest, Lymph Nodes are located deeper and cannot be felt.

What Does an Enlarged Lymph Node Mean?

Enlarged or Swollen Lymph Nodes is the indication that infection, cancer, or another disease are affecting the immune system. Usually, Swollen Lymph Nodes are related to the infection with which the immune system is fighting.

What are the causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes?

• Ear infection
• Cold or flu
• Sinus infection
• HIV infection
• Infected tooth
• Mononucleosis (mono)
• Skin infection
• Strep throat
• Mouth sores

The other causes are -

• Gingivitis
• Hodgkin’s disease
• Leukemia
• Metastasized cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Measles
• Tonsillitis
• Toxoplasmosis
• Tuberculosis
• Sézary syndrome

What are the symptoms seen in one having Swollen Lymph Nodes?

• Tenderness and pain in the Lymph Nodes
• Swelling
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Respiratory infection
• General swelling of Lymph Nodes throughout your body — which may indicate the infections like- HIV or mononucleosis, or an immune disorder, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• Hard nodules
• Rapid growth of Nodes
• Growth indicating a tumor
• Fever
• Night Sweats

What are the complications because of Swollen Lymph Nodes?

• Abscess formation- Formation of pus in the Swollen Lymph Nodes
• Bloodstream infection (bacteremia)- Leads to Sepsis (a life-threatening condition because of infection)

How are Swollen Lymph Nodes diagnosed?

Swollen Lymph Nodes are palpable and may be rubbery or hard to touch. Usually to find out the cause behind the Swollen Lymph Nodes certain methods are used:

• Medical history
• Physical exam
• Blood tests
• X-Ray or CT scan
• Biopsy of Lymph Nodes

How does treatment work on Swollen Lymph Nodes?

The treatment works on the aspects mentioned below -

1. Infection - To treat the cause of infection due to which the Lymph Nodes are Swollen.
2. Immune Disorder - Other than infection lupus or rheumatoid arthritis which are the immune disorders which can be the cause of Swollen Lymph Nodes. These conditions are treated accordingly in the symptomatic manner.
3. Cancer - Swollen Lymph Nodes can also be the result of cancer. Therefore the treatment will be given by knowing the stage and type of cancer.

There are how many Lymph Nodes in your body?

There are around 501 and 700 Lymph Nodes in our body and it can also vary person to person. Half of them are found in the stomach or abdominal area. There are around 100 Lymph Nodes near armpits and groin.

Do Swollen Lymph Nodes mean cancer?

Multiple Swollen Lymph Nodes are categorized as Lymphadenopathy. This can be the result of infection, immune disorder, medicines or cancer. In every case it is not due to cancer and the other conditions mentioned above can also result in Swollen Lymph Nodes.

What are the signs that you have a cancerous Lymph node?

• Enlarged Lymph Nodes.
• Chills.
• Weight loss.
• Fatigue (feeling very tired)
• Swollen abdomen (belly)
• Feeling of heaviness or full after having a small amount of food.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Shortness of breath or cough.

Are cancerous Lymph Nodes movable?

The cancerous Swollen Lymph Nodes are very hard, like rocks, and they are not movable.

Is Lymph node cancer curable?

Yes, it can be treated and cured by Ayurveda depending on the stage and type of cancer.

Are cancerous Lymph Nodes painful?

Yes, the cancerous Lymph Nodes are painful and Swollen.

Can Lymph Nodes grow back?

Yes, the Lymph Nodes can grow back when they are removed by surgery because there are chances to leave the part of it at the affected area during surgery.

What are the natural treatment for the Swollen Lymph Nodes?

• Garlic
• Apple cider vinegar
• Turmeric
• Honey
• Castor oil
• Coconut oil

How is Garlic helpful in Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Garlic is a herb that has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The anti-inflammatory property of the garlic can help in reducing the swelling and inflammation in the Lymph node. The antibiotic property present in it helps to cleanse the body and ease the symptoms of the Swollen Lymph node.

How to take -

• Eat a 2-3 clove of garlic daily on an empty stomach. You can also include garlic in your cooking.
• Put a few drops of garlic oil in your hands and massage gently over the Swollen area for 2-3 times in a day.

How is Turmeric beneficial in Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Turmeric is a therapeutic herb which is used in the treatment of many body ailments. The herb has anti-inflammatory property. It helps to reduce the swelling in the Lymph node and fight against the various foreign bodies which attack the body. Turmeric has a natural analgesic property which makes it helpful in relieving pain in your body.

How to take -

• You can mix one tablespoon of turmeric powder with a few drops of honey and make a paste.
• Apply this paste on a Swollen area and wait 10 minutes, after 10 minutes rinse off with warm water and do this twice daily for one week.
• A glass of warm turmeric milk daily can be also helpful.

Which foods are good in the Swollen Lymph node?

• NUTS - (to be soaked overnight or at least for 8 hours) 5 to 7 almonds, 2 walnuts and 2 figs (Soaked overnight)
• LEAVES & GRASS - Radish leaves, Mint leaves, Coriander leaves, Spinach leaves, Rocket leaves, Lettuce, Kale, Lemongrass, Wheatgrass, and Spirulina
• STEAMED VEGETABLES - Potatoes, Cabbage, Bottle gourd, Pumpkin, round gourd, bitter melon, Peas, Beans, Broccoli, and Cauliflower
• JUICES - Green juice dhaniya leaves - few, pudina leaves- 4-5, Palak leaves-2, Basil-tulsi leaves - 2, Wheatgrass-gehu ke jware,Cap. Spirulina-Moringa-Green essentials-1, each can be added for better results.

20 ml or 2 tsp., twice daily can be taken.

What is the Ayurvedic concept about Swollen Lymph Nodes?

It is called as Lasika granthi shonth as per Ayurveda. It is caused due to vitiated tridoshas- Vata, Kapha and Pitta dosha. The diet that we take aggravates the doshas which leads to the blockage in Lymph and causing inflammation and other symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes.

How to treat Swollen Lymph Nodes in the neck?

• A warm compress-Give a warm, wet compress- a washcloth dipped in hot water and gives a compress on the affected area.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
• Get adequate rest.

What is the most common early symptom of Lymphoma?

• Chills/temperature swings.
• Fevers (especially at night)
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Loss of appetite.
• Unusual tiredness/lack of energy.
• Constant coughing.
• Breathlessness.
• Regular itch all over the body.

Can you die from Lymph node cancer?

The cancer cells travel from organ to organ through the bloodstream. If the cells move through the Lymph system, then the cancer cells can end up in the Lymph Nodes itself. Cancerous cells spread through Lymph to other organs which can lead to severe complications and ultimately death.

Can Inflammatory disease be the cause of Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and sensitivity to some medications can lead to inflammation which can result in Swollen Lymph Nodes.

What prevention can be taken to avoid Swollen Lymph Nodes?

• Visit your doctor for regular check-ups
• Maintain good hygiene (wash hands, etc.)
• Keep up with vaccinations
• Store and prepare food safely
• Drink clean water
• Avoid unprotected sex and STDs
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid a diet high in saturated fats and red meats
• Exercise regularly
• Don’t use intravenous drugs
• Should be noticed and taken care of new or regular symptoms or any other changes in your body

What are the types of Lymph Nodes?

• Cervical Lymph Nodes - Found in the neck
• Axillary Lymph Nodes - Found in the armpits
• Mediastinal Lymph Nodes - Found in the chest, near the heart
• Inguinal Lymph Nodes - Found in the groin
• Retroperitoneal and Mesenteric Lymph Nodes - Found in other different parts of the abdomen.
• Pelvic Lymph Nodes - Found in the pelvis.

What are the herbs used in the treatment of Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Our nature is full of herbs and it has treatment for all the health issues. For Swollen Lymph Nodes, the herbs are -

• Kachnnar - It has anti-inflammatory property
• Tulsi - It has antioxidant property
• Haridra - It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties
• Fenugreek - It gives a calming effect and is antioxidant by nature
• Giloy - It is antioxidant and antipyretic by nature
• Aloe vera - It is a detoxifier, has a cooling effect, and pacifies the Pitta doshas.

What is the Ayurvedic treatment for Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Planet Ayurveda has a herbal pack named SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES CARE PACK which is the combination of herbs which work to pacify the symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes and treat the cause of it. The pack includes

1. Ashwagandha Capsules
2. Kachnaar Guggul
3. Curcumin Capsules

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION :-

1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Capsules are a single herbal capsule and maintain overall health.
   Dosage - 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals
2. Kanchnaar Guggul Is in tablet form made with the combination of Guggul (Commiphora mukul) and Kachnaar (Bauhinia variegata). It has anti-inflammatory property
   Dosage - 2 capsules thrice daily with plain water after meals.
3. Curcumin Capsules It is made with standardised extract of Haridra. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties
   Dosage - 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.