Section 12

Lymphatic
Lymph System
SWOLLEN GLANDS
SYMPTOMSThis generally refers to the swelling of lymph nodes (commonly referred to as
"glands") on the sides of the neck, by the throat.
But it can also refer to enlargement of any other lymph glands, such as are under the armpits or
in the groin.
There may also be heat, tenderness, and reddening of the overlying skin, as well as fever.
CAUSESThe lymph system filters out infections of various types, in order to rid them from
the system. But an infection in the lymph nodes can occur. This can be a localized infection or an
infection symptomatic of a more serious condition, such as measles, chicken po,
mononucleosis, tuberculosis, syphilis, leukemia, or cancer.
TREATMENT
! The specific infection needs to be overcome through fasting, bed rest, careful diet, keeping the
bowels open, and not consuming improper foods or drink.
! "itamins #, B comple, and $ are important.
See "Fevers." Also see other topics in this section on the Lymphatics.
ENCOURAGEMENT%recious are the privileges of the soul who abides in $hrist. &hatever
the trials that life may bring, in $hrist's strength, we are able to meet them.
LYMPHANGITIS (Spleenic Inflammatin!
SYMPTOMSBegins with a chill and high fever, with moderate swelling and pain of the
lymphatic tissues. # severe pain develops in the left side, and etends up to the shoulder. &hen
the infection is in the deep layers of skin, there is a deep general flush with raised borders in the
affected areas. The skin becomes hot and dry, and the person becomes very thirsty.
CAUSE AND TREATMENTThis is a streptococcus infection of one or more lymphatic
glands, usually of the spleen. #pplications of heat should be made, in the form of baths or hot
fomentations.
(ive plenty of fluids, to help flush out the lymphatics.
)est and a light diet are important. (ive a fruit diet for a few days. (ive the kind of care for one
with a fever. *eep the bowels open, using laative herbs. +o not strain at the stool, for this could
in,ure a temporarily enlarged spleen.
#pply hot fomentations, followed by short cold. This will greatly help to reduce pain and
inflammation. +o this -./ times a day until the pain is relieved, then once a day.
See "Fevers."
ENCOURAGEMENT&e must be living branches, connected closely to $hrist, so that we
may bear the fruit of unselfish kindness to all about us. By 0is grace this can be done.
HODG"IN#S DISEASE (H$%&in#' L(mp)ma!
SYMPTOMS1atigue, itching, fever, general sickish feeling, night sweats, weakness, weight
loss, enlargement of lymph nodes and spleen which is generally not painful.
CAUSES0odgkin's disease is cancer of the lymph glands, which includes the lymph nodes
and the spleen. 2t most fre3uently occurs in young adults. There are hundreds of lymph nodes in
your body and, together with their connecting network of tubes, are really immense in size and
scope.
The lymphatic system helps protect the body against toins of various types. $arried off through
the lymphatic vessels, those foreign substances are then temporarily stored in lymphatic organs
(the spleen, nodes, tonsils, and appendi). 2f these are removed, or become clogged because too
much waste matter is being channeled through them, then trouble occurs.
TREATMENT
! $ontact your physician.
! (o on a vegetable ,uice fast for -./ days, then eat nourishing food, and fast again every few
days. 2t is vital that you clean out the system, so it can restore itself.
! 4top eating all refined, and ,unk, food. 4top smoking and drinking li3uor. 5ou must live right if
you are to recover.
! 4team baths, salt glows, and hot and cold water treatments will invigorate the body.
! *eep the bowels open. +o not strain at the stool, for this could in,ure a temporarily enlarged
spleen.
! 0elpful herbs include echinacea, burdock, pau d'arco, and red clover. 6ther herbs include white
oak bark, plantain, vervain, and yarrow.
For further information, see "Cancer."
ENCOURAGEMENT+ecide, with all your heart, that you will walk in the truth found in the
Bible, and you will be safe. $ling to 7esus as your only help and stay close to 0im amid the
crises of life.
MONONUCLEOSIS (Mn!
SYMPTOMS+epression, fatigue, fever, generalized aching, sore throat, swollen glands,
headache, ,aundice, with possible red rash in the form of raised bumps.
CAUSES8ono is a contagious disease, primarily affecting the spleen and lymphatic system.
2t can be transmitted by kissing, seual contact, or sharing food or utensils. But it can also be
spread through the air, breathing contaminated air ehaled by another. 4o it is not necessarily the
"kissing disease" it is described to be.
8ost fre3uently contracted by children and teenagers, the incubation period is 9: days among
children and /:.;: days among adults.
The symptoms are very similar to those of the flu, but those of mononucleosis continue for -.<
weeks= >ven after the other symptoms are gone, a general fatigue can continue for /.? weeks
more. 4ome people continue to feel fatigued for months or years.
2ndividuals fre3uently say they felt sick but continued working, thinking they would shake it off
@and then came down with mono. 4o if you feel like going to bed and getting well, do it before
something worse happens to you.
The >pstein.Barr virus (>B") or, more rarely, the cytomegalovirus ($8"), is the cause of this
infection. Therefore it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Both >B" and $8" remain in the body
throughout the rest of one's lifeA but the infection, carefully treated, generally seems to go away.
Therefore, rest and care for yourself, so the outward symptoms will successfully go away=
TREATMENT
! (o on a light fast of fruit and vegetable ,uices for a day or two.
! >at a nourishing diet, emphasizing vegetable soups, potato peeling broth, and brown rice. >at
small meals.
! +rink plenty of distilled water.
! +o not eat processed, or ,unk, food. +o not eat meat, sugar, fried foods, or drink soft drinks.
! 4tay in bed until the worst part is over. 5ou need lots of rest.
! +o not strain at the stool, for this could in,ure a temporarily enlarged spleen.
! Be alert to signs that a more serious spleenic infection may be about to beginB a fever over 9:-
o

1, severe pain in the middle of your left side that last ; minutes or more, breathing becomes
difficult, or swallowing becomes difficult. 2f this happens, contact your physician. 4ee
"Cymphangitis."
ENCOURAGEMENT7esus is your $ounselor. 2t is your privilege to cast all your care upon
0im, for 0e careth for you.
SCRO*ULA+ (L(mp) T,!
HYDRO4crofula is a type of tuberculosis which affects the lymphatic organs. The following
suggestions are from the author's book, Water Therapy Manual (see oo! store"#
(raduated cold applicationsA sunbathsA cold air bathsA out.of.door eercises and livingA aseptic
diet, rich in proteinA live in an elevated region@and not in the damp lowlands.
Also see "Scrofula$."
ENCOURAGEMENT#s the heart is opened to the entrance of (od's &ritten &ord, light
from heaven shines upon the soul. +etermine to make (od first, best, and last in everything you
say and do.
SCRO*ULA- (./ H/ "ell%%0 M/D/0 *1m2la'!
INCREASE GENERAL 3ITAL RESISTANCE(raduated cold applicationsA sunbathsA cold
air bathsA out.of.door eercises and livingA aseptic diet, rich in proteinA live in an elevated region
(not in the damp lowlands).
GENERAL)evulsive or #lternate $ompress over swollen glands, twice a day. +uring
intervals between, apply flannel.covered 0eating $ompress, renewed before it becomes dry.
Also see "Scrofula%."