Lymph nodes are tiny glands throughout your body that filter and drain wastes. They help your immune system eliminate invading pathogens. The nodes in your neck, including cervical, tonsillar, sub-mandibular and supraclavicular nodes, become active when you have tonsillitis, an upper respiratory infection, a sore throat or a mouth infection. You may experience congestion, pain and swollen and tender lymph nodes. Herbs may help relieve these symptoms naturally. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for congested lymph nodes in your neck have several actions. Lymphatic cleansers will promote lymph node drainage and help reduce swelling. Anticatarrhal and antimicrobial herbs will reduce mucous congestion and help your immune system fight the bacteria and viruses causing the mouth, chest or throat infection. Check with a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbs for congestion of lymph nodes in your neck.
Cleavers
Cleavers, or Galium aparine, is a European perennial with tiny star-like yellow flowers. Herbalists use the aerial parts as a lymphatic cleanser and for treating enlarged lymph nodes in your neck. The plant is rich in tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids and iridoid glycosides. In his 2003 book, “Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine,” clinical herbalist David Hoffmann, F.N.I.M.H., A.H.G., recommends cleavers for swollen glands and tonsillitis. In their 2001 book, “Herbal Remedies,” naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli state that cleavers will eliminate excess fluid and swelling, thus clearing congestion in your neck lymph nodes caused by upper respiratory infection. Cleavers may enhance the effects of diuretics, so do not use this herb if you are taking heart medicine or diuretics.
Poke
Poke, or Phytolacca americana, is a North American perennial with a long history of medicinal use. Traditional healers use the roots and berries to treat a range of disorders, including tonsillitis and sore throat. Hershoff and Rotelli consider poke a lymphatic decongestant for the throat, and they recommend it for shrinking enlarged lymph glands, such as the tonsils. Hoffmann states that poke is primarily a lymphatic cleanser for upper respiratory infections, tonsillitis, laryngitis and mumps. Do not ingest this herb in large doses, as it can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Pale Purple Coneflower
Pale purple coneflower, or Echinacea pallida, is a species of echinacea native to the United States. Herbal practitioners use the roots as a remedy for colds, flu and microbial infections. The plant is rich in alkylamides, polysaccharides and caffeic acid derivatives, and has immune-stimulating action. You can use it to treat infections, reduce inflammation and clear congestion in your neck nodes. Hoffmann recommends it for all upper respiratory infections, including tonsillitis, laryngitis and sinusitis. Because of its effects on the immune system, do not use echinacea if you have an autoimmune disease.
References
- “Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine”; David Hoffmann; 2003
- “Herbal Remedies”; Asa Hershoff, N.D., and Andrea Rotelli, N.D.; 2001
