How to Treat Swollen Neck Glands

Written by Robin Reichert

27 July, 2017

Neck glands are actually lymph nodes located in the neck just beneath the jaw. They can become swollen when you develop a cold, an infection or throat irritation. When neck glands are swollen, it is the body’s way of communicating to you that your immune system is hard at work trying to fend off disease: the glands of the neck, along with other lymph nodes, create antibodies for disease defense 1. To remedy swollen neck glands, you must treat the underlying condition causing the swelling of neck lymph nodes 1.

Is This an Emergency?

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Treating Swollen Neck Glands

Visit a physician if you have swollen neck glands and a sore throat to rule out tonsillitis, mononucleosis and strep throat 1. Take antibiotics as prescribed if your doctor prescribes them. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of warm water and 1/2 teaspoon of goldenseal root in a bowl. Strain over a cheese cloth; use the mixture as an oral rinse and gargle with it for throat irritation relief.

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Visit a physician if you have swollen neck glands and an earache to rule out and ear infection 1. Take the complete course of antibiotics, if supplied, as instructed.

Consider taking Echinacea. Echinacea is an herbal supplement that is intended to boost immunity and help the body fight off illness. Consult with your health care provider before taking Echinacea, and follow dosing instructions exactly.

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Consume 1 ounce of aloe juice daily to treat swollen neck glands internally 1. Refrigerate the juice between uses to keep it fresh.

Consume 1 cup of mullein (Verbascum thapsis) tea a day for cold and respiratory irritation relief, and to minimize gland swelling. Steep one mullein tea bag in 6 ounces of hot water for three minutes; use honey to sweeten the tea to taste.

Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate painful conditions associated with neck gland swelling; use the product as directed.

Tips

Sometimes, steroids are required to help reduce enlarged lymph nodes; if lymph node size does not diminish with the passage of time, it might be necessary to get another medical evaluation to determine if prescribed steroids are needed.

Warnings

In rare cases, enlarged lymph nodes can be indicative of a cancerous condition; if the nodes are greater than three centimeters in size, you will need to see a doctor to determine if the nodes must be removed surgically and if a biopsy of the node is needed.

Before using any home or natural remedies, consult with your health care provider.

There is limited scientific research to prove many claims regarding home and natural remedies. Be informed.

Visit a physician if you have swollen neck glands and a sore throat to rule out tonsillitis, mononucleosis and strep throat 1.
Steep one mullein tea bag in 6 ounces of hot water for three minutes; use honey to sweeten the tea to taste.