The Hidden Danger of Swollen Glands
Have you ever experienced the discomfort of swollen glands? Like many pesky symptoms, this is the body’s way of signaling that something is up. Swollen lymph nodes can symbolize something small or a larger issue.
In this post, you’ll discover the hidden danger of swollen glands, and learn why you should never ignore this issue. We’ll also dive into holistic ways you can encourage a healthy lymphatic system.
We’ll also give you a simple recipe for herbal anti-inflammatory compresses, which can ease the pain caused by swollen glands. These compresses utilize the power of essential oils to create a soothing, immune-boosting remedy.
Grab your favorite washcloths and get ready to dive in!
Why Do We Experience Swollen Glands?
Swollen glands are actually swollen lymph nodes, which are connected to the body’s immune system. They’re often accompanied by other symptoms such as a sore throat, sniffles, or a general feeling of unwellness.
You’ll most commonly find swollen glands in the throat, but they can also flare up in the chest, genital, armpit, and collarbone area.
When your body senses the presence of harmful bacteria, germs, or cells, your lymph nodes increase white blood cells to combat the issue.
This can send your glands into overdrive, causing them to become tender and swollen. Swollen glands are usually associated with whatever part of your body has issues; for example, sore throats often involve swollen glands on the neck.
There are a myriad of reasons why swollen glands occur, ranging from temporal and insignificant issues to things you should look into.
For example, common colds and viral infections can cause lymph nodes in the throat to swell, as well as bacterial infections like strep throat. In those cases, the swelling usually decreases once the illness resolves.
Chronic autoimmune disorders can sometimes increase inflammation in the body, causing the lymph nodes to react negatively.
In the most extreme cases, swollen lymph nodes can indicate serious disease, such as cancer.
How to Combat Swollen Glands
If your swollen glands are due to a temporal illness, you’ll find many ways to soothe discomfort. Swollen lymph nodes can be improved by creating a healthy lymphatic system less likely to be overwhelmed.
Here are a few things you can do to boost your lymphatic system:
Use Detoxifying Herbs
They help speed up the cleansing of the lymphatic fluid by drawing out toxins and reducing swelling in lymph nodes. You also need to know which plants work best together. Some of these are: Plantain, Marshmallow, Slippery Elm – all plants that you can probably find growing in your backyard.
The most effective way to use them is in tincture form. If you’re not able to find them, I recommend this tincture made from these three plants and enhanced with medicinal mushrooms.
In just a couple of days, this blend will ease your lymphatic burden by coating the membranes in your body and encouraging waste elimination through bowel movements.
Increase Water Intake
Lymph fluid is primarily water, so if you’re dehydrated, your lymph nodes will likely become stressed. Boost your water intake by adding fresh slices of lemon or lime to your glass.
When sick, avoid dehydrating beverages with lots of caffeine. Instead, go for a soothing cup of herbal tea.
Consume Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Add colorful fruits, berries, and vegetables to your plate. These healthy, whole foods can support your lymphatic system and boost the immune system.
Plus, if you are ill, they’ll give your body the nutrients it needs to get over any sickness faster.
Dry Brush
Dry brushing is a buzzword in the wellness community. It involves using a stiff brush to stroke the skin, moving toward the heart. This increases blood flow, removes dead skin cells, and boosts the lymphatic system.
This practice is simple and so cost-effective that anyone can add it to their daily routine.
Use Immune-Boosting Herbal Remedies
Keep a repertoire of immune-boosting remedies by your side. Echinacea tea, golden milk, elderberry syrup, and even dandelion root tinctures can keep illnesses at bay and decrease your risk of swollen glands.
Exercise
Plenty of movement will prompt lymph fluid flow through the body, training your lymph nodes to handle stress better. Plus, exercise causes you to sweat, releasing toxins from the body. Try incorporating a sauna session into your workout routine for the best results.
Right now I’d like to share with you a remedy from the Forgotten Home Apothecary… This book contains over 200 powerful herbal solutions that can help every part of your body at once. You will also discover:
- The Herbal Parasite Flush
- The Memory Elixir
- The Heavy Metal Detoxifier
- The Backyard Calming Pills
- Nature’s Morphine
- The Redbull of the Woods Tincture
… And so many others!
How to Make Anti-Inflammatory Compresses for Swollen Glands
These Anti-Inflammatory Compresses utilize essential oils that decrease inflammation in the body and soothe a harried immune system. Lavender essential oil is one of the top calming oils, soothing the skin from the inside out.
It can also help you relax, lowering stress levels that contribute to inflammation. Frankincense essential oil includes boswellic acids that boost the immune system and detox the body of inflammation.
Combining the essential oils with warm heat provides instant relief. Here’s how to make this minimalistic remedy.
Ingredients
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil
- 2 drops of frankincense essential oil
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil, melted (can also use sweet almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, or jojoba oil)
- Hot water (as hot as you can stand; amount will vary based on the size of the glass bowl)
Step One: Combine the lavender, frankincense, and melted coconut oils in a glass bowl or measuring cup. Stir to combine. 
Step Two: Fill a large glass bowl with as hot of water as you can stand. Add the essential oil mixture and stir to combine. (To mix them more efficiently you can use a better emulsifier. You can use an emulsifier like dumping the oil mixture on Epsom salts and stirring this together. You can also emulsify by blending the oil mixture with a small amount of unscented liquid castile soap and then placing this in the water. It blends so much better.)
Step Three: Place a washcloth in the bowl and let it soak for 1-2 minutes. Then, wring it out and place it on the affected area. 
How to Use Anti-Inflammatory Compresses
The entire family can use these compresses! To use them, simply apply the hot compress to the swollen lymph nodes for 10-15 minutes. Repeat the process 2-3 times daily. If desired, you can use the washcloths to gently massage the swollen lymph node, moving toward the heart. This will remove excess fluid from the area and promote faster healing. 
You can also prepare the essential oil blend beforehand, increasing the quantity to fit a 5ml or 10ml amber glass bottle. This blend can also be diffused or applied to the swollen lymph nodes using a carrier oil. You should always dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil.
Using carrier oils helps your body better absorb the benefits and protects your skin from infection. If using on children, cut the amount of essential oils in half. Swollen lymph nodes are often associated with nonserious illnesses; however, you should always exercise caution.
If your lymph nodes don’t decrease within 2-3 days, feel hard and fixed to the skin, rapidly rate, or just feel “off,” seek medical attention. Be extra vigilant with children, especially if the swollen lymph nodes are near the armpit or collarbone.
Note: I highly suggest looking into herbs to help with lymphatic stagnation. These can be tinctured or consumed in tea to help with stagnation in the glands. I love calendula, cleavers, or dandelion (or a combination of all three) for best results. They would work perfectly alongside the remedy.
Ready-Made Remedies For You
For a more effective way to prevent constant gland swelling, I really recommend making a tincture from Elderberry. Not only does it support your immune system, but also reduces inflammation and helps your body stay free from toxins in the long-term. If you can’t make one at home, you can get one made by a certified herbalist, either online or from your local herbal shop – I really like this one made by Dr. Nicole Apelian, one of America’s top herbalists.
The Elderberry tincture she prepares does something really unique and important.
It moves lymphatic fluid and cleanses your lymphatic system from the mucky remnants of old infections and the metabolic waste you accumulate over time.
This is absolutely vital for continued good health and something no modern drug does, to the best of my knowledge.
You can get yours from here.
These Remedies Could Change Everything
Have you ever wondered how people managed swollen glands or boosted their immune system long before pharmacies existed?
The Amish have been doing it for centuries—using remedies passed down through generations, made with nothing but the plants and resources around them. And now, you get to uncover their secrets too.
The Amish Ways Book is like stepping into a time machine of natural wisdom. Inside, you’ll find simple, effective remedies that anyone can make at home, like:
- A powerful lymph-soothing tincture to ease swollen glands and help your body detox.
- A DIY recipe for anti-inflammatory compresses—so easy, you can whip one up with what’s in your kitchen.
- Guides to crafting natural immune boosters that support your body in ways modern medicine often can’t.
But this book isn’t just about remedies—it’s about gaining the kind of self-reliance most of us only dream about. Imagine having this knowledge in your hands, passed down through generations, and making it your own.
You don’t have to be Amish to live like this. You just need their time-tested wisdom and a willingness to try. That’s all.
Start exploring these amazing remedies today. The Amish Ways Book is waiting to inspire you—one simple, powerful tradition at a time.
