Over 40 years ago, many doctors recommended surgery to remove tonsils. Now, we have a better understanding of the vital role the tonsils play in protecting the body from bacteria and viruses. As such, removal is far less common. Even though today’s consensus is that a person is better off with tonsils, they can sometimes become infected. If this happens, it can become difficult to swallow, and it can also be quite painful. Tonsillitis is particularly common in children and teenagers, but it can strike at any age. Home remedies for tonsillitis offer safe, alternative treatments to the antibiotics that doctors frequently prescribe, and they have none of the unwelcome side effects.
Gargle with Salt Water
Long before antibiotics were developed, a good gargle with salt water was one of the most popular tonsillitis remedies. This old treatment method fell out of favor once antibiotics became available, but it remains as effective as ever. Gargling salt water helps to dry out and cleanse the throat, enabling your body to fight off the infection and prevent it from spreading. Take a teaspoon of salt, and dissolve it in a glass of warm water. Gargle with this solution a few times each day, and spit out the salty water when you are finished. After a few daily doses, you should begin to feel relief from tonsillitis symptoms.
Onions
Onions can do much more than add their distinctive taste to all kinds of cooked dishes and salads. Anyone who studies natural healing soon discovers that onions contain substances that enhance the body’s ability to fight off infections. Eating more cooked and raw onions can certainly help, but for a more intense treatment, mix a couple of teaspoons of onion juice in a cup of warm water. Gargle this mixture a few times each day. Although the onions can make your breath smell unpleasant, it is a price worth paying for tonsillitis relief.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another natural product whose properties can help cure infections. Some natural health enthusiasts drink a small amount daily to boost their immune systems. This might prevent the recurrence of tonsillitis, but to cure it, gargling is more effective. Add a small amount of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water, gargle it and spit it out. Repeat this procedure a couple of times each day until the swelling goes down and you no longer feel pain in your throat.
Ginger Root
Someone who is fond of the Middle Eastern style of cooking might well keep some ginger root in their kitchen, and it is easy enough to find this product in health food stores and even standard grocery stores. Although many people find that natural remedies are often unpleasant to the taste or have a bad smell, this is not the case with ginger root. Ginger has an appealing, spicy scent and a refreshing taste. At the same time, it also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. For use as a tonsillitis remedy, mix a tablespoon of ginger root juice with a tablespoon of honey and a couple of tablespoons of warm water to make a liquid for gargling. Gargle the mixture several times a day to find relief from tonsillitis.
Fenugreek Seeds
Lovers of Middle Eastern cuisine certainly know about this tasty, but very spicy, ingredient that lends its unique flavor to many kinds of dishes. On top of that, fenugreek seeds are also useful to cure tonsillitis, pneumonia and other types of infection. Like many of the other homemade tonsillitis remedies discussed here, fenugreek seeds need to be mixed with water to make a liquid to gargle. Boil the seeds in water, and allow it to cool to a comfortable temperature before gargling. Repeat the process a few times each day, and let the antibacterial powers of fenugreek seeds do their job.
Fresh Figs
The fig was another main source of nourishment in the ancient civilizations of the Middle East and Southern Europe. These ancient people appreciated its value as a healthy, tasty fruit and also for its pain relief properties. Modern scientific research corroborates its value as a pain reliever. For an effective tonsillitis treatment, boil figs to soften them so that you can mash them into a paste. When the paste cools down, apply it to the infected tonsils. It should help to reduce the swelling and relieve the pain, and there are no concerns that this natural product will have any unpleasant side effects.
Ice Cream
Most people, children especially, are very fond of ice cream, so it is welcome to find out that this favorite treat helps relieve tonsillitis pain. After a tonsillectomy, doctors often give patients ice cream to ease the pain and discomfort. When this cold substance comes into contact with inflamed tonsils, it helps to minimize swelling, relieving pain in the process. Few home remedies are a tasty as this one, and kids and adults alike happily agree to take it.
Dietary Changes
Some ancient philosophers drew attention to the link between health and diet, and now this approach is growing in popularity once more. Tonsillitis sufferers should adopt a liquid-only diet for a few days, including fresh fruit juices, to help the body resist infection. It is also a good idea to have plenty of soups on hand to provide additional nutrition. Of course, it is always important to drink sufficient amounts of water to stay adequately hydrated. Once the pain recedes, you can resume eating solid foods. At this point, focus on having a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruit and nuts to help bolster your immune system and keep your body healthy.
Ice Cube Compress
Ice cubes are invariably associated with cool summer drinks, but they can also help to relieve tonsillitis pain. This treatment soothes inflammation and has the added advantage that it is so easily accessible. Wrap a few ice cubes in a small, clean cloth. Hold the bundle against your tonsils for about 15 minutes, or for as long as you can tolerate it. Be sure to breathe through your nose for greater comfort. Follow this procedure every few hours until the pain subsides.
Basil
Researchers have discovered that this popular garden herb contains strong anti-inflammatory compounds that make it a good choice for tonsillitis treatment. Experts suggest mixing a dozen basil leaves in a cup of water with an added teaspoon of lemon juice. Take this as a drink, as opposed to a gargle, a couple of times a day for several days to find relief.