Ayurvedic Treatment Of Swollen Lymph Nodes With Herbal Remedies
Abstract
Swollen Lymph Nodes occur due to certain bacterial and Viral Infections, sometimes it can occur due to certain overgrowth or due to Cancer. You might notice some swelling on the sides of your neck when you’re not feeling well, such as when you’re sick. To the touch, such lumps are most likely delicate and mushy, and they might even ache a little. Your neck’s lumps are enlarged lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes are referred to as lymphadenopathy or adenopathy in medicine. And the Swollen Lymph nodes are a sign that the body is fighting with an illness and infection. In this article, we are going to discuss what are lymph nodes and the causes of lymph node swelling along with its Ayurvedic Concept in detail.
Introduction
Lymph Nodes are small, bean-shaped organs which filter the substances in the body. It is a complex network of nodes and various vessels. The lymph node contains immune cells which are known as Lymphocytes which destroy the bacteria and the filtered fluid returns back to the blood. Lymph glands are an integral part of the immune system and are present all over the body but are mainly found in the Neck region, Groin, Armpit and behind the ear. The Lymph glands play a very important role in the body for fighting against infections as they filter and trap the viruses and bacteria which infect the whole body. Lymphadenopathy is common but there are pea-sized lymph nodes which are part of the Lymphatic system as they filter to help get rid of germs and other foreign bodies which pass through the lymph fluid. The Lymph fluid is yellow in colour and is made of white blood cells, Proteins and Fats. Along with the Lymphatic system, the Spleen, Tonsils and Adenoids are useful in protecting it from harmful germs.
Causes Of Swollen Lymph Nodes
The most common cause of Swollen Lymph Nodes is Infection which can be a Viral Infection such as the Common Cold, other causes are as follows-
1. Common Infections
- Strep throat
- Ear infection
- Skin wound
- Cellulitis
- HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus)
2. Uncommon Infections
- Tuberculosis
- Sexually Transmitted infections
- Toxoplasmosis (parasite infection or due to uncooked meat)
- Cat Scratch Fever (bacterial infection due to cat scratch)
3. Immune System Disorders
- Lupus- Chronic inflammatory conditions which affect joints, skin, and kidney
- Rheumatoid Arthritis- Inflammatory condition which targets the tissues.
4. Cancer
- Lymphoma
- Leukaemia
- Metastasis of the lymph nodes
5. Medications
- Anti-seizure (Phenytoin) and the various preservatives of Malaria.
Symptoms Of Swollen Lymph Nodes
The most common symptoms of Swollen Lymph nodes are as follows-
- Tenderness and Pain in the Lymph Nodes
- Lymph nodes reach the size of a Kidney bean or larger than that
- Runny Nose
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Swelling of clusters of lymph nodes in the body
- Pus discharge
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Malaise
- Warmth is felt on the site of the Lymph node
- Night Sweats
Diagnosis Of Swollen Lymph Nodes
- History
- Physical examination near the surface of skin, tenderness, warmth and texture
- Blood Tests
- X-ray
- CT Scan
- Biopsy
- MRI
- Ultrasound
- PET SCAN
Treatment Of Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Antibiotics or Antiviral medications such as Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen which relieve pain and inflammation.
- If the cause of Swollen lymph is Cancer, then accordingly the treatment proceeds.
Prevention Of Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Practise proper Dental hygiene
- Wash your hands frequently
- Get properly vaccinated for flu and Shingles.
- Avoid having any personal items or beverages or any personal items which can be contagious.
- Avoid your pets from playing outside
Ayurvedic Concept Of Swollen Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are commonly known as Granthi (Knots), which are the small clusters of cells which are the vast lymphatic system which are mainly responsible for draining the wastes within the body and thus maintaining immunity. Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) affect the Mamsa Dhatu (muscles), Blood, Meda (Fat) and Sira (Blood vessels and Veins) which causes swelling which is Round and Knotted. This swelling is commonly known as Granthi.
Types Of Granthi
Granthi is of 5 types which are well explained by Acharya Sushruta
- Vataj Granthi – If Vata doshas are predominant there will be various types of Pains such as Pulling (Aayamyate), Pricking type of Pain and Churning (Mathya) and the shape of this granthi is Smooth and black in colour.
- Pittaj Granthi – There is excessive bleeding and a burning sensation. The colour is yellow-red in colour and the discharge is usually blood which is hot.
- Kaphaja Granthi – Kaphaja Granthi is slightly discoloured and is mainly appearing with Pain and Itching. The growth is slow and tardy which is mainly hard like a stone and breaks down and discharges a white-like pus (Infected).
- Medoja Granthi – It is a large swelling with a lot of pain and itching and can increase or decrease in size.
- Sira Granthi – When the Vata doshas get aggravated due to excessive exercise they dry up the Sira and cause narrowing which causes pain. The vitiated vata doshas cause round-shaped nodes in the Siras.
The Goodnews!?
The good news is that Swollen Lymph Nodes is preventable and reversible, but can only be possible by using holistic approach, the one advocated in Ayurveda that addresses the issues from the very root.
Since ancient times, Ayurveda has defined diseases with their symptoms, causes and healing methods with nature.
If you are having any of the above mentioned symptoms, don’t assume it is Swollen Lymph Nodes yet without any proper diagnosis because there are other body related diseases that comes with the same symptoms. Consult with a Doctor for accurate diagnosis to find out if Swollen Lymph Nodes is what you are having or any other related disease.
Vine-Health Approach to Swollen Lymph Nodes
As a holistic health clinic, we take accurate diagnosis very seriously in order to ascertain the root cause of a particular illness. You will be consulted with our doctor to know the type of test or scan to run base on your symptoms to detect exactly the root cause of your issue to ascertain if Swollen Lymph Nodes is your issue or not to ensure appropriate treatment.
Accurate diagnosis is the key to the treatment of any disease.
We can really help you out of the issue!
Contact us for your accurate diagnosis or for any issues