This morning I had to go to the doctor because I had a sore, very puffy lymph node in my neck. It swells up once in a while and a couple of years ago I had to have a needle biopsy done on it. That came back fine and unless it becomes really sore, the plan is to leave it alone because of the chance of nerve damage if they operate. So today the doctor told me to try sour candy! He says it makes your mouth water which can unblock a gland that tends to get blocked in some people. I know I am not explaining this exactly like he did but I thought it was funny that I can tell my kids at church that I HAVE to eat candy. It has been less than 12 hours and it is already less sore and it is smaller too.
Sloan, what you're describing sounds not like a lymph node...but a salivary gland. The extra salivation thins the mucous so the salivary duct doesn't plug. It can also help bust loose an old plug so the swelling goes down and it feels better Glad you're getting some relief! My mom had this problem and was told to try the lemon drops, too. Her salivary gland was damaged by radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer. But hey...no more thyroid cancer...so a little swelling you can fix with lemon drops ain't a bad exchange.
Some people use Lemon juice and honey in water for throat problems. I guess its about the same thing in a way. If it is sore, you can try rubbing it with alcohol that has sours and sweet in it. They you can tell the kids at church you get to drink also. LOL
I know when I was younger I had ear infections & dr. would write a note for me to chew gum in class!!!