Section
12
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SWOLLEN GLANDS
SYMPTOMS—This 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.
CAUSES—The 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 pox, 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.
• Vitamins A, B complex, and C are important.
—See "Fevers." Also see other topics in this section on the Lymphatics.
ENCOURAGEMENT—Precious are the privileges of the soul who abides in Christ. Whatever the trials that life may bring, in Christ's strength, we are able to meet them.
LYMPHANGITIS (Spleenic Inflammation)
SYMPTOMS—Begins with a chill and high fever, with moderate swelling and pain of the lymphatic tissues. A severe pain develops in the left side, and extends up to the shoulder. When 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 TREATMENT—This is a streptococcus infection of one or more lymphatic glands, usually of the spleen. Applications of heat should be made, in the form of baths or hot fomentations.
Give plenty of fluids, to help flush out the lymphatics.
Rest and a light diet are important. Give a fruit diet for a few days. Give the kind of care for one with a fever. Keep the bowels open, using laxative herbs. Do not strain at the stool, for this could injure a temporarily enlarged spleen.
Apply hot fomentations, followed by short cold. This will greatly help to reduce pain and inflammation. Do this 2-3 times a day until the pain is relieved, then once a day.
—See "Fevers."
ENCOURAGEMENT—We must be living branches, connected closely to Christ, so that we may bear the fruit of unselfish kindness to all about us. By His grace this can be done.
HODGKIN'S DISEASE (Hodgkin's Lymphoma)
SYMPTOMS—Fatigue, itching, fever, general sickish feeling, night sweats, weakness, weight loss, enlargement of lymph nodes and spleen which is generally not painful.
CAUSES—Hodgkin's disease is cancer of the lymph glands, which includes the lymph nodes and the spleen. It most frequently 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 toxins of various types. Carried off through the lymphatic vessels, those foreign substances are then temporarily stored in lymphatic organs (the spleen, nodes, tonsils, and appendix). If these are removed, or become clogged because too much waste matter is being channeled through them, then trouble occurs.
TREATMENT—
• Contact your physician.
• Go on a vegetable juice fast for 2-3 days, then eat nourishing food, and fast again every few days. It is vital that you clean out the system, so it can restore itself.
• Stop eating all refined, and junk, food. Stop smoking and drinking liquor. You must live right if you are to recover.
• Steam baths, salt glows, and hot and cold water treatments will invigorate the body.
• Keep the bowels open. Do not strain at the stool, for this could injure a temporarily enlarged spleen.
• Helpful herbs include echinacea, burdock, pau d'arco, and red clover. Other herbs include white oak bark, plantain, vervain, and yarrow.
—For further information, see "Cancer."
ENCOURAGEMENT—Decide, with all your heart, that you will walk in the truth found in the Bible, and you will be safe. Cling to Jesus as your only help and stay close to Him amid the crises of life.
MONONUCLEOSIS (Mono)
SYMPTOMS—Depression, fatigue, fever, generalized aching, sore throat, swollen glands, headache, jaundice, with possible red rash in the form of raised bumps.
CAUSES—Mono is a contagious disease, primarily affecting the spleen and lymphatic system.
It can be transmitted by kissing, sexual contact, or sharing food or utensils. But it can also be spread through the air, breathing contaminated air exhaled by another. So it is not necessarily the "kissing disease" it is described to be.
Most frequently contracted by children and teenagers, the incubation period is 10 days among children and 30-50 days among adults.
The symptoms are very similar to those of the flu, but those of mononucleosis continue for 2-4 weeks! Even after the other symptoms are gone, a general fatigue can continue for 3-8 weeks more. Some people continue to feel fatigued for months or years.
Individuals frequently say they felt sick but continued working, thinking they would shake it off—and then came down with mono. So if you feel like going to bed and getting well, do it before something worse happens to you.
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or, more rarely, the cytomegalovirus (CMV), is the cause of this infection. Therefore it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Both EBV and CMV remain in the body throughout the rest of one's life; 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—
• Go on a light fast of fruit and vegetable juices for a day or two.
• Eat a nourishing diet, emphasizing vegetable soups, potato peeling broth, and brown rice. Eat small meals.
• Drink plenty of distilled water.
• Do not eat processed, or junk, food. Do not eat meat, sugar, fried foods, or drink soft drinks.
• Stay in bed until the worst part is over. You need lots of rest.
• Do not strain at the stool, for this could injure a temporarily enlarged spleen.
• Be alert to signs that a more serious spleenic infection may be about to begin: a fever over 102o F, severe pain in the middle of your left side that last 5 minutes or more, breathing becomes difficult, or swallowing becomes difficult. If this happens, contact your physician. See "Lymphangitis."
ENCOURAGEMENT—Jesus is your Counselor. It is your privilege to cast all your care upon Him, for He careth for you.
SCROFULA—1 (Lymph TB)
HYDRO—Scrofula is a type of tuberculosis which affects the lymphatic organs. The following suggestions are from the author's book, Water Therapy Manual (see order sheet):
Graduated cold applications; sunbaths; cold air baths; out-of-door exercises and living; aseptic diet, rich in protein; live in an elevated region—and not in the damp lowlands.
—Also see "Scrofula—2."
ENCOURAGEMENT—As the heart is opened to the entrance of God's Written Word, light from heaven shines upon the soul. Determine to make God first, best, and last in everything you say and do.
SCROFULA—2 (J.H. Kellogg, M.D., Formulas)
INCREASE GENERAL VITAL RESISTANCE—Graduated cold applications; sunbaths; cold air baths; out-of-door exercises and living; aseptic diet, rich in protein; live in an elevated region (not in the damp lowlands).
GENERAL—Revulsive or Alternate Compress over swollen glands, twice a day. During intervals between, apply flannel-covered Heating Compress, renewed before it becomes dry.
—Also see "Scrofula—1."
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