What Is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is a condition where your lymph nodes (called tonsils) that are present at the back of your throat are sore and swollen. Although it is a common infection and can occur at any age, tonsillitis is more common among children.
What Causes Tonsillitis?
Your tonsils defend your body against various disease-causing microbes. They produce white blood cells to prevent the entry of these infectious microorganisms into your body via your mouth. But, in certain situations, your tonsils may become vulnerable to them, and this leads to inflammation and swelling and causes tonsillitis. Tonsillitis can be caused by a common cold or even strep throat. About 30% of cases of tonsillitis in children are due to a strep throat. Being a contagious condition, tonsillitis is easily spread from one person to another, especially among children. Let us now look at the symptoms that accompany tonsillitis.
Signs And Symptoms Of Tonsillitis
The most common symptoms of tonsillitis include:
Inflamed and swollen tonsils White or yellow spots on tonsils Severe sore throat Difficulty while swallowing A scratchy voice Bad breath Chills Fever Headache and stomach ache A stiff neck Tender jaw and neck Poor appetite and increased irritability in young children
These symptoms often surface with the onset of tonsillitis and can be diagnosed easily. There are also some other ways to diagnose tonsillitis, and they are discussed below.
How Is Tonsillitis Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of tonsillitis usually follows a physical examination of your throat. Laboratory testing of the swab from your throat is another way. Tonsillitis can be easily diagnosed and easily treated. Although this condition is not of much concern, if left untreated, it can turn chronic and cause problems. Hence, like in the case of any other disease, it is better to treat tonsillitis at the earliest. And what could be better than to treat it naturally and right at your home? Given below is a list of home remedies that have proven to be effective in the treatment of tonsillitis.
How To Cure Tonsillitis Naturally
Home Remedies For Tonsillitis
1. Salt Water Gargle
1/2 teaspoon of salt 1 cup of warm water
You can do this multiple times daily. Gargling with salt water can help get rid of the phlegm that is stuck between the tonsils and gaps inside your mouth and throat. This phlegm usually contains the microbes responsible for tonsillitis. Also, salt has antiseptic properties that can help treat the infection. The warm water used for gargling breaks down the mucus and makes breathing easier (1).
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 1 glass of warm water Honey (optional)
You can do this 1 to 2 times daily. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help kill the bacteria that cause tonsillitis (2). It is also anti-inflammatory and can help to reduce the swelling and inflammation of your tonsils (3).
3. Chamomile Tea
1 teaspoon of dried chamomile 1 cup of hot water Honey
You must do this 2 to 3 times daily. Chamomile is a medicinal herb with a wide range of benefits. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the swelling, inflammation, and pain associated with tonsillitis (4). It also increases the potential of antibiotics, making it a sure-shot way to combat tonsillitis.
4. Bee Propolis
Bee propolis throat spray Spray the bee propolis directly into your throat. Do this 1 to 2 times a day. Bee propolis, also known as bee glue, is a sticky substance that bees use to seal small cracks or gaps in their hive. And surprisingly, this substance is beneficial to humans. Bee propolis has some wonderful antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it effective in treating ailments like cough, cold, and tonsillitis (5). Some individuals may be allergic to bee propolis. Hence, care should be taken before using it.
5. Onion
1 onion 1/2 cup of water Honey
Do this once daily. Onions exhibit natural antibacterial properties that can help in combating the bacteria that cause tonsillitis (6). Additionally, onions are also anti-inflammatory and can help relieve swelling and inflammation of your tonsils (7).
6. Ginger
1 inch of ginger 1 cup of water Honey (optional)
You can do this 3 or 4 times daily. Ginger contains a compound called gingerol that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties (8), (9). Fresh ginger is also proven to exhibit antiviral activities, which makes it all the more suitable for curing tonsillitis (10).
7. Fenugreek Seeds
3 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds 1 L of water
Do this several times a day until you run out of the solution. Fenugreek is an excellent natural remedy for tonsillitis, given its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties (12), (13). The antiviral and antibacterial properties of fenugreek can help fight infections while its anti-inflammatory properties can provide relief from swollen and inflamed tonsils. Fenugreek seeds also act as a natural expectorant and help break down the phlegm in your throat. [ Read: 10 Effective Home Remedies For Phlegm ]
8. Milk
1 cup of hot milk A dash of pepper and turmeric powder
Do this before bedtime for three nights consecutively. Milk is a proven remedy against many infections, including tonsillitis. Daily consumption of milk can help soothe your inflamed tonsils and relieve pain. The combination of milk with turmeric and pepper is even more effective against tonsillitis. This is because turmeric (Curcuma longa) and pepper (Piper nigrum) also have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties, which not only help treat tonsillitis but also provide relief from its symptoms (14), (15), (16), (17).
9. Carrot, Cucumber, And Beetroot Juice
150 mL of carrot juice 50 mL of cucumber juice 50 mL of beetroot juice
You must do this once daily. Vegetables are a rich source of many nutrients that help your body combat infections naturally (18). The vegetable juice mixture of carrots, cucumber, and beetroots is a commonly used remedy for tonsillitis. The vitamins A and C in these vegetables not only help fight inflammation but also enhance the action of antibiotics against tonsillitis (19).
10. Fresh Figs
2-3 fresh figs Water
Do this 1 to 2 times daily. Figs are a rich source of phenolic compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties (20). They can help relieve the inflammation and pain associated with tonsillitis, both internally and externally. Figs are also naturally antibacterial and can help relieve infections that cause tonsillitis (21).
11. Alum
1/4 teaspoon of alum powder 1 glass of hot water
You must do this at least 2 to 3 times daily. Alum, also known as aluminum potassium sulfate, possesses some exceptional anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties that can help soothe the pain and infection accompanying tonsillitis (22), (23). Alum should not be ingested and must only be used for gargling or topical application.
12. Mint Tea
A handful of peppermint leaves A cup of hot water Honey
You can drink this tea 3 to 4 times daily. Peppermint tea is one of the best treatments for upper respiratory tract infections like cold and flu (24). Peppermint has antibacterial, antiviral, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can prove quite beneficial in the treatment of tonsillitis and its symptoms (25).
13. Mustard Powder
1 teaspoon of mustard powder 1 cup of hot water
Do this at least thrice daily for effective relief from tonsillitis. Mustard seeds are a rich source of minerals like magnesium and selenium that exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory properties (26). They also contain curcumin, a compound found in turmeric. The presence of this compound imparts antimicrobial and analgesic properties to mustard seeds and proves to be quite helpful in dealing with tonsils and its symptoms (27), (28).
14. Soups And Broths
Tonsillitis can also be a side effect of a sore throat or cold. Consuming hot soups and broths made from veggies and chicken can be quite helpful in soothing and healing a sore throat. The various nutrients in them help you recover faster and also improve your immunity (29). Hot soups can also provide immediate relief from swollen and inflamed tonsils by reducing the pain and swelling associated with the condition. You can also add herbs like garlic and ginger to your broth for added benefits.
15. Wood Violets
Wood violet flowers 1 glass of milk Honey
You must do this once daily. Wood violet is a violet flower that exhibits some phenomenal anti-inflammatory properties (30). The anti-inflammatory and soothing nature of this flower can help relieve the swelling and pain that usually accompany tonsillitis.
16. Lemons
1/2 lemon A pinch of salt A pinch of pepper
Do this 1 to 2 times daily. Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C and various phytochemicals that make it a potent herbal medicine. The mucilage from lemon is proved to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve pain and inflammation (31). Lemons also exhibit bactericidal effects that can be especially helpful against bacterial tonsillitis (32).
17. Epsom Salt
1 cup of Epsom salt Water
Do this at least thrice a week. Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is widely used for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties (33). The high magnesium content of this salt can help relieve the pain and inflammation of tonsils (34).
18. Oregano
1 teaspoon of dried oregano 1 cup of water Honey (optional)
Do this thrice daily. Oregano is a medicinal herb that is proven to exhibit powerful antibacterial properties against a number of bacterial strains (35). It also possesses antiviral properties, owing to the presence of a compound called carvacrol in it (36). These properties make oregano an effective herbal medicine for treating both viral and bacterial tonsillitis. Oregano is also anti-inflammatory and can help relieve the symptoms of tonsillitis such as a sore throat and swollen tonsils (37).
19. Barley
1-2 cups of barley 1-2 L of water
Do this 1 to 2 times daily. Barley is a rich source of vitamins and minerals and is also one of the best natural antioxidants. It is often used to relieve inflammation and can soothe the inflamed tonsils (38). Barley grains are also antimicrobial and can be used to treat infections that cause tonsillitis (39).
20. Water Hyacinth
1-2 twigs of water hyacinth 2-3 teaspoons of mustard oil
You can do this 1 to 2 times daily. Water hyacinth is an aquatic plant that exhibits amazing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties (40). When applied topically, the ashes of this plant can significantly reduce the swelling and pain of your tonsils (41).
21. Coconut Oil
1 tablespoon of coconut oil You can do this twice daily. Coconut oil is a rich source of lauric acid. This compound exhibits antibacterial properties that fight the bacteria causing tonsillitis (42). Coconut oil is also anti-inflammatory and can help in reducing the swelling and inflammation of the tonsils (43). It is also a natural decongestant and can help clear phlegm that may have developed as a result of prior infection.
22. Pineapple Juice
1/4 pineapple 1 cup of water
Drink pineapple juice once daily. Pineapples are a rich source of vitamin C and an enzyme called bromelain. While vitamin C enhances the efficiency of antibiotics, bromelain exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which relieves the symptoms of tonsillitis and speeds up recovery (44), (45). Also, pineapples are antibacterial and can combat infections that have the potential to worsen the condition (46).
23. Yogurt
1 cup of plain yogurt Have a cup of plain yogurt. You can do this once daily. Yogurt is a natural probiotic that can help treat tonsillitis. It not only has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on your swollen and inflamed tonsils but also boosts your immunity (47), (48). It can also treat and prevent infections (like the common cold) that have the potential to cause tonsillitis (49). Along with the remedies mentioned above, you must also follow a few tips to prevent the recurrence of tonsillitis. They are as listed below.
Preventive Tips
Increase your intake of soups and broths Consume more of probiotic-rich foods like yogurt Use a humidifier in your room to keep the air moist. Moist air prevents your throat from drying further Maintain a distance from those suffering from tonsillitis or a sore throat Wash your hands at regular intervals Keep a hand sanitizer handy Always cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing Quit smoking Practise yoga poses like Rabbit Pose, Lion Pose, and Corpse Pose to get relief from the symptoms of tonsillitis
If tonsillitis is a recurring problem for you, you can consider getting your tonsils removed surgically. The procedure is known as tonsillectomy. Tonsillectomy may also be performed on individuals who snore a lot. However, there are a few side effects that may surface with the removal of your tonsils, and they are discussed below.
Side Effects Of Tonsillectomy
The side effects of tonsillectomy vary in their severity and may also cause life-threatening complications in some cases. The most common side effects include:
Throat pain Nausea Difficulty in swallowing Bad breath Earaches Fatigue Slight fever Nose bleeding
What to do for white spots on tonsils? The white spots on the tonsils are a result of a bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Gargling with salt water, drinking warm soups, and using a room humidifier are some of the options that can help you get rid of them. How common is tonsillitis in babies? Tonsillitis is a common infection among kids and infants alike. In fact, most kids have bouts of tonsillitis throughout their childhood. Bacterial tonsillitis often affects children aged 5 to 15 years, while viral tonsillitis is more common in the younger lot. How long does tonsillitis last? Tonsillitis usually lasts from 4 to 7 days. However, in some cases, it may recur every now and then. This type of tonsillitis is termed as chronic tonsillitis. Which is worse – tonsillitis or strep throat? Tonsillitis and strep throat have similar effects on the affected individual and are equally disturbing. In some cases, tonsillitis may also develop from a strep throat. Can you get strep throat without tonsils? Yes, you can get a strep throat even after the removal of your tonsils. In certain cases, individuals who got their tonsils removed contracted a sore throat later. Hence, it is quite evident that tonsils have nothing to do with a strep throat infection. What drinks to avoid with tonsillitis? Avoid drinking sodas, caffeine, and alcohol as it may cause dehydration and aggravate your sore throat further. Is ice cream good for tonsillitis? No, avoid eating ice cream during tonsillitis as it can aggravate the inflammation and infection further. Instead, one should consume warm food that will help soothe the throat and reduce pain.
