by Kristin Urbauer

Created on: March 14, 2010

Swollen glands, technically referred to as swollen lymph nodes, are painful and often accompany viral infections. Typical treatment for swollen glands ranges from doing nothing and waiting for the illness to pass, to visiting the doctor for a diagnosis and possible medical treatment. However, between these 2 extremes, there are several ways to naturally address this issue, providing temporary relief and encouraging the healing process.

Pain Relief

For a simple case of swollen glands, doctors often recommend taking pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief and reduction of swelling. Those looking for a natural alternative to this should try white willow bark, available in capsule form at most natural health food stores. This herb is the natural version from which aspirin was created and should be equally effective in pain relief.

Immunity Boosters

Enlarged lymph nodes caused by infection can be effectively dealt with by increasing the body's natural immunity. Herbs such as Echinacea and licorice will work quickly to boost immunity and promote healing. Grape seed extract may also be a good choice, as this potent supplement has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Additional Remedies and Considerations

Natural treatment of simplistic disease processes is often the best choice for many people. However, it is important to know when it is time to involve a doctor in the care of an ill individual. For those whose lymph nodes appear chronically swollen, with or without accompanying pain, it is important to seek out the assistance of a qualified physician for further investigation. Swollen lymph nodes are a sign of infection somewhere in the body and recurrences can indicate a long-term disease process occurring somewhere in the system. It is vital that such symptoms not be ignored.

For those who are simply experiencing swollen glands as part of a viral or bacterial infection, there are some simple steps you can take to increase comfort while you wait for this symptom to pass. Often, sipping very cold water or sucking on ice chips can relieve the pain associated with this condition. As swallowing may be painful, choose soft, easily chewed food to eat during this time. Finally, avoid any potentially irritating substances such as soda, tobacco smoke and spicy foods. These will further inflame and irritate the tissue, compounding existing problems.

Conclusion

Though swollen glands are a common problem during illness, it is not a problem that must be suffered through without relief. Through the use of commonsense approaches and natural herbs, swollen lymph nodes can be relieved and the healing process can begin. The next time you are suffering from this condition, remember to follow these simple suggestions and you'll be feeling better in no time.

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