There are over 600 lymph nodes in the body. Many are found right under the jaw line and around the throat, in the underarms, and on both sides of the groin, as well as in many other places in the body. You can tell they are swollen by feeling, but proding and feeling too much can irritate the lymph nodes and cause the swelling to worsen.

Swollen lymph nodes are generally viewed as a signal that the body is:
At work fighting some sort of infection (this may include various types of bacteria, viruses such as in the common cold, and some parasites, etc).
That it is fighting invasions of foreign items (an example would be allergies to any number of possible allergic responses along with the inflamed cells that are transported to the nodes).
That it is busy breaking down excessive metabolites and toxins that have been produced in other bodily locations and transported to these nodes.
That there is the possibility of a major disease as would be the case in some cancers.

Why Do We Get Swollen Lymph Nodes?
Swollen lymph nodes can, and usually result when the lymphatic system is activey fighting off infection or is destroying other substances in the body such as toxins and metabolytes. In addition to swollen lymph nodes, other symptoms may occur. These may include such things as upper respiratory irritations with an associated sore throat, fever, and a runny nose. One may also be able to feel enlarged and lymph nodes commonly under the chin, in the arm pits, and at the groin. If the problem is self limiting it will resolve itself and the swelling will soon go down. The diagnosis of swollen lymph nodes rarely results in the need for emergency medical help.

Treatment
Castor Oil:
If the lymph nodes are caused by numbers 1-3 as stated above and are causing discomfort or pain, you might try rubbing castor oil on the swollen lymph nodes, then covering them with flannel, then a plastic bag, then a heating pad. I have heard of many people having great success with this method. You can also appliy the castor oil packs to the stomach area which, according to Edgar Cacey's research in the 1950's, also helps.

Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple Cider Vinegar is another home remedy that has brought great relief to many people. Orally take 2 Tablespoons of vinegar, as is or diluted in water, according to your taste. And take it every four hours. Apple Cider Vinegar, while acidic, signals for your body to make ph buffers to counteract the acidity. This has an outstanding alkalizing effect on the body.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Onions and Honey:
I heard of a crazy recipe (actually two) that I thought I would try. We actually had the opportunity to try them over Christmas when we had lots of company. Some of which had colds in various stages. Everyone was impressed with the results. The technique for making them is different but the results very similar. They are actually amazing. You might want to try one or both.

In the blender put:
1 cup apple cider vinegar (organic unfiltered)
1 cup raw honey (local is best)
8 cloves of garlic

Mix it for 1 minute on high speed. Put it in a glass container and keep it in the refrigerator for five days. Now, take 2 teaspoons every morning before breakfast - be sure to mix it in water or juice. Diluting it makes it very easy to take.