AAA: Can Essential Oils Help With Lymphatic Drainage?
So you got sick. You’ve got swollen lymph nodes, you’re running a fever, you have the chills, a cough, congestion — the works. There are a number of routes you can take to get better, including a lymphatic drainage massage with aromatherapy. “A what?” you may be asking. Well, let’s start by breaking some news for you. Your swollen glands are not technically glands at all; they’re lymph nodes that have become engorged with white blood cells that are working to fight off whatever illness, sore throat, or ear infection you’ve caught. The lymphatic system also works to remove toxins from the body and keep your immune system healthy. Lymphatic drainage massages can improve the flow of lymph fluid which can help the body fight infections, reduce water retention and help conditions such as lymphedema.
Best Essential Oils for Swollen Lymph Nodes
Naturally, we believe that one great remedy can become even better with the help of essential oils. There are a number of essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties that can help enhance blood circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system, including the following:
- Black Pepper essential oil
- Cypress essential oil
- Ginger essential oil
- Juniper Berry essential oil
- Lemon essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Rosemary (Moroccan) essential oil
Along with a lymphatic drainage massage, these oils can help increase the flow of the lymphatic system.
How to Use Essential Oils for Swollen Lymph Nodes
First, start by choosing one of the aforementioned essential oils. Dilute your essential oil of choice with a carrier oil like coconut oil or Jojoba oil. Then mix your essential oil blend with your favorite massage oil.
Now, you may be thinking to yourself, “I’m sold! Now, where do I get one of these massages?” Ask your Massage Therapist or local spa if they offer this type of therapy. If not, there are many resources available on how to perform your own self-massage, including this helpful video. We suggest pairing your massage with one of the aforementioned oils, or our Circu-Touch and Massage Therapy synergy blends.
Note, lymphatic drainage massages may not be for everyone and we recommend checking with your doctor beforehand.
Grab The Essentials Here:
About the Author, Bella Martinez
Bella Martinez is a Certified Aromatherapist, Natural Skincare Formulator and Edens Garden’s lead aromatherapist. An industry expert, Bella has spent years training and learning in the aromatherapy field, which she continues annually. Her passion is taking evidence-based aromatherapy and making it approachable for all.
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15 comments
Edens Garden
Hi Sandy! You can find suggestions on essential oils for swelling here: https://www.edensgarden.com/blogs/news/the-best-essential-oils-for-swelling
sandy
I HAD BREAST CANCER AND NOW MY UNDERARM AND BREAST SWELL IS THERE ANY OILS I CAN USE TO HELP WITH SWELLING
Edens Garden
Hi Katrin! Once per day is sufficient and we recommend a 2% dilution rate!
Katrin Birkholz
Thank you! What should be the dilution ratio and how many times per day?
Jeri
Great advice! I have swollen lymph nodes. I’ll definitely use lemon or peppermint EO. Thanks! :)
Edens Garden
Hi Alice! The best way to use oils with lymphatic drainage is to get a professional lymph drainage massage, or view the video we linked to above for tips on how to give yourself a lymph drainage massage.
alice
I was told Laurel Leaf is the best for lymph node issues. could you let me know where to apply. thanks. alice
Edens Garden
Hi F. McNicholl! You can read our full stance on essential oil ingestion here: https://www.edensgarden.com/blogs/news/is-it-safe-to-ingest-essential-oils-1
F. McNicholl
What oils can be taken orally? I add 1 drop of peppermint oil to my last cup of tea. I sleep really well and it helps remove any mucus in the chest.
Monica Watts
You need to sell a blend for lymphatic drainage
Edens Garden
Hi Ingrid! We suggest trying the Circu-Touch roll-on which contains many of the oils mentioned in this blog. It’s already pre-diluted and ready to use. Alternatively, you could choose three of the oils mentioned – and add 6 drops each in 1 ounce of carrier oil. For example–
6 drops Black Pepper
6 drops Cypress
6 drops Ginger
1 ounce Carrier Oil
Edens Garden
Hi Janet! There are a few things to consider before we can make a suggestion for someone with a serious health condition. Please reach out to our aromatherapists for more information: aaa@edensgarden.com
IngridC
I have some of these essential oils already. You do not mention at all how much to use of each essential oil in the recipe with the carrier oil? What’s the sense of buying these if you don’t know there recipe?
Janet Harris
I am looking for anything that will help a cancer patient in pain from swollen lymph nodes. I was reading about drainage massage. How will this work for this issue
Ra Nae B Bangerter
May 2, 2024 at 11:30 am
Thank you so so much. Everything you posted is so valuable to me. I truly trust essential oils. Have been suffering with swollen neck lymps for weeks and found you site. So blessed. Thanks again.