Tonsils are two lymph nodes present at the back of the human throat. Tonsils are a part of the lymphatic system and fight against infections. Tonsils are a defence mechanism against infections and kill the harmful microbes that enter through the mouth. When tonsils become vulnerable to microbes and get infected by bacteria or viruses, the condition is known as tonsillitis. It leads to inflammation and swelling of pharyngeal.
Causes & Symptoms of Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis can be caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria. Majority of Tonsillitis is caused due to viruses and only around 15% cases are caused by bacteria. When caused by bacterium group A Streptococcus, It is known as strep throat and leads to severe complications if not treated on time.
When the symptoms of Tonsillitis continue beyond two weeks it is a sign of chronic tonsillitis which leads to a sore throat and enlarged tonsils and the condition is contagious.
When a person suffers from tonsillitis many times a year it is known as recurrent tonsillitis, due to the presence of strains of bacteria in body or week immunity the person suffers from tonsillitis again and again. Swollen tonsils are common throughout the infection resulting in pain.
Symptoms of Tonsillitis
The most common symptoms of tonsillitis are
- Swollen and inflamed tonsils
- A sore throat
- Pain in swallowing
- Fever and fatigue
- White or yellow spots on tonsils
- Ear pain
- Nasal congestion
- Bad breath
- Excess salivation
- Chills
- A headache
- Stomach ache
How To Treat Tonsillitis at Home?
Tonsillitis can be easily treated at home, but if not paid proper attention it can also turn chronic. Here are some of the home remedies for tonsils which can be applied simply at home with natural products that can be easily found in the kitchen.
1. Salt water gargle
What you will need
- I/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup of warm water
What to do
- Add the salt to the water.
- Mix them well and use it to gargle.
How often to do
You can use it frequently to reduce the pain.
Why this Works
Gargling with salt water helps in removing phlegm present in the mouth between tonsils and in the throat which usually contains the microbes responsible for tonsillitis and also salt has antiseptic properties which treat tonsillitis and reduces pain. It breaks mucus and makes breathing easy and also lowers the inflammation of tonsils.
2. Ginger
What you will need
- 1 piece of ginger root
- 1 cup of water
- Honey
What to do
- Boil ginger in water.
- Simmer for 5 minutes and let it cool down a little bit.
- Add honey and consume it daily.
How often to do
You can consume it three to four times a day.
Why this Works
Fresh ginger contains antiviral properties that help in treating tonsillitis. Ginger contains a compound named gingerol that has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which help in soothing the pain and reduces swelling.
3. Milk
What you will need
- 1 cup hot milk
- A pinch of turmeric and pepper powder
What to do
- Add turmeric and pepper powder to hot milk and mix them well.
- Consume the milk before bedtime.
How often to do
Consume it before going to bed for three continuous nights.
Why this Works
Milk is very effective in the treatment of tonsillitis. Regular consumption of milk relieves the pain and also reduces swelling. Turmeric and pepper powder along with milk is a beneficial combination for treating tonsillitis as pepper and turmeric contain antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which help in reducing inflammation and also relieves from many other symptoms.
4. Fresh figs
What you will need
- 2-3 fresh figs
- Water
What to do
- Boil the figs in water.
- Make a paste from the boiled figs.
- Apply the paste externally on the tonsils and leave it for 15 minutes.
- Then rinse it off with water.
How often to do
Use it one to two times a day.
Why this Works
Figs contain phenolic compounds that possess anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in reducing pain and inflammation of tonsils. Figs also have anti-bacterial properties that treat the infection of tonsils.
5. Apple cider vinegar
What you will need
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup of warm water
- Honey
What to do
- Mix apple cider vinegar to warm water.
- Add honey according to taste.
- Gargle with this solution or consume it directly.
How often to do
You can use it one to two times daily.
Why this Works
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antiviral properties that help in fighting against the infection. Also, it’s anti-inflammatory properties reduces swelling and pain of tonsils.
Check here to know more about the benefits of Apple cider vinegar and it’s properties.
6. Licorice lozenges
What you will need
- Few lozenges
What to do
- Put one lozenge in mouth and let it melt slowly whenever your throat hurts.
How often to do
You can do it often with some gap but do not consume more than twelve lozenges in a day.
Why this Works
Lozenges contain licorice which possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties that helps in comforting swelling and pain. It also contains anaesthetic properties that help in lubricating the throat after mixing with saliva and provides relief.
Do not give it to children as there are chances of choking.
7. Peppercorn salt
What you will need
- 1 teaspoon of whole black peppercorn
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Honey (Optional)
What to do
- Put peppercorn, salt and lemon juice together in a pan.
- Simmer the solution for 5 minutes and then strain it.
- Add honey and consume it while it’s a little warm.
How often to do
You can drink it four to five times a day to get relief from tonsillitis.
Why this Works
Peppercorn helps in breaking phlegm and mucus. Its antibacterial properties fights against infection. Lemon juice also treats the infection and salt acts as a disinfectant. All these together are very beneficial in treating tonsillitis.
Check here to know the benefits of lemon oil and its usage.
8. Chamomile tea
What you will need
- 1 teaspoon dry camomile
- 1 cup hot water
- Honey
What to do
- Add a teaspoon of chamomile in hot water and let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain and add honey to it.
- Consume when it is still warm.
How often to do
You can consume it two to three times a day.
Why this Works
Chamomile is a herb with lots of medicinal benefits. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing swelling and pain of tonsillitis. It also helps in enhancing the potential of antibiotics and provides relief from the condition.
9. Tulsi
What you will need
- 10-12 basil leaves
- One and a half cup water
- 1 lemon
- Honey
What to do
- Boil the tulsi(basil) leaves with water in a pan.
- Strain and mix juice of one lemon to it.
- Consume it while its warm
How often to do
Drink it two to three times a day.
Why this Works
Tulsi with its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties helps in treating tonsillitis at home. Tulsi heals the tonsils and reduces the swelling with its soothing properties. It possesses antibacterial properties that also help in boosting immunity.
[Related Read: Tulsi’s benefits for the skin.]
10. Methi (Fenugreek)
What you will need
- 2 tablespoon fenugreek
- 2-3 cup of water
What to do
- Add 2 tablespoon fenugreek to boiling water.
- Summer it for 30 minutes.
- Strain and let it cool down.
- Gargle with the liquid.
How often to do
Do it twice a day.
Why this Works
Fenugreek, commonly known as methi has antiviral properties and help in fighting against the bacteria causing the infection. It is a beneficial remedy for tonsillitis also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing swelling and pain.
Also read:
How to diagnose and treat a Cold Sore with home remedies.
