Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils. Tonsils are lymph nodes that are located on both sides of your throat. Tonsillitis is a very common inflammation in children, but they also have the chance of getting it. This condition is caused by a viral infection, but in some cases, it can be caused by a bacterial infection that causes enlargement of the tonsils. There are 3 varying degrees of tonsillitis – mild, moderate, and severe.
The most common symptoms of tonsillitis are sneezing, coughing, bad breath, headache, runny nose, difficulty swallowing, swollen glands on the tonsils, fever, and sore throat [1]. This is a highly contagious disease, and it can spread very quickly from one person to another. The virus or the bacteria is transmitted through droplets in the air from sneezing or coughing or through social contact.
This is a reason why you need treatment immediately. There are medications that can be used to treat tonsillitis. Also, you can try some of the below-mentioned home remedies for the treatment of tonsillitis because they can help to manage symptoms and fight the infection.
Talk with your doctor if your child suffers from tonsillitis because he or she can tell you which the best natural treatment for his or her condition is. Also, adults can have tonsillitis, so the best natural treatment will be said when your doctor makes the proper diagnosis.
This condition is extremely contagious, so you should maintain proper care because it can help you to maintain high levels of hygiene, and this can prevent contracting tonsillitis. If you get tonsillitis, then you should drink a lot of fluids to aid recovery, speak as softly and as little as possible and get a lot of rest.
10 Home remedies for tonsillitis
Contents
Slippery elm
This natural cure has mucilage which is a gel-like substance that can help to ease pain, inflammation, and soreness. When slippery elm is taken internally, then it can help to soothe and heal inflamed tissues, which are included mucus membranes of the throat.
In 2 cups of boiling water, you should add one teaspoon of the inner bark of slippery elm. You should allow it to steep for 5 minutes and then strain this home remedy. You should drink it slowly while it still warms 2 times per day for a period of a few days.
Also, there is another option, and that is to mix together 4 teaspoons of warm water, 2 teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder, and 3 teaspoons of the powdered bark of slippery elm. You should take one teaspoon of this home remedy at regular intervals for a period of 2 – 3 days. [2]
Fenugreek
This home remedy is also known as methi. It has antibacterial properties, which make it one of the best home remedies for tonsillitis because it can help to kill bacteria that cause tonsillitis. Also, it has anti-inflammatory properties that will give you relief from inflammation and pain.
You should add 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds to 2 – 3 cups of water. You should allow it to simmer for thirty minutes. You should strain it and let it cool. You should gargle with this home remedy for at least thirty seconds, and then you should spit it out. You should repeat this natural treatment 2 times per day until tonsillitis goes away. [3]
Figs
This is also a very effective home remedy for treating tonsillitis at your home. They have high mucilage content, and this can help to reduce soreness and pain [4].
You should boil 3 dried figs in water and mash them. You should eat it with one tablespoon of honey 2 or 3 times per day for a number of days.
Also, there is another option, and that is to boil and mash some fresh figs. You should mash the figs in the water that you have used for boiling them. You should apply this paste to the outer part of your throat. You should allow it to dry air, and then you should rinse it off using warm water. You should repeat this natural treatment once per day to get relief from tonsillitis.
Cinnamon
This home remedy can be used as a natural treatment for tonsillitis. It is rich in antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms in the tonsils, and it can help to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling [5].
In one glass of hot water, you should add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder. You should mix in 2 teaspoons of honey. Sip it on slowly while this home remedy is still warm. You should drink this home remedy 2 or 3 times per day for a period of one week.
Turmeric
This home remedy has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to fight off the tonsillitis infection and can give relief from the irritating symptoms [6].
In one glass of hot water or salt water, you should add one teaspoon of turmeric powder. You should gargle with this home remedy several times per day, and you should especially do this natural treatment before you go to bed.
Also, there is another option, and that is to add one teaspoon of turmeric powder and a pinch of ground black pepper to one glass of warm milk. You should drink this home remedy at night for 2 to 3 days to speed up the healing process.
Carom seeds
Carom seeds have a nutritional value which is very helpful in fighting symptoms of tonsillitis. Carom seeds are rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants which can boost your immune system to fight against infection.
In one pan, you need to heat ¼ teaspoon of carom seeds until they are brown. You should add a pinch of turmeric powder and stir it for a few seconds. Then, you should add one cup of warm milk and then mix it well. You should remove this natural cure from the heat. You should drink it while it is still warm. You should drink this home remedy for 2 – 3 days.
Mint
This home remedy has antimicrobial properties, which can help to kill viruses and bacteria that cause tonsillitis. Also, it has menthol, which can soothe the irritated mucus membranes and it will give you relief from the symptoms of tonsillitis. In one glass of water, you should boil a handful of mint leaves. You should allow this home remedy to boil until the water is reduced to half. You should strain it and then add one teaspoon of honey and drink this home remedy while it is still warm. You should drink this home remedy 2 or 3 times per day for a period of a few days. Also, you can gargle with mint–flavored mouthwash several times per day as long as you have tonsillitis. [7]
Basil
This is a very effective home remedy that can be used for the natural treatment of tonsillitis because it has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Also, it has soothing and healing properties, which can help to reduce swelling and it will speed up the healing process.
You should add ten to twelve basil leaves to one and ½ cups of water. You should boil it for ten minutes. You should strain it and then add the juice from one lemon to this home remedy. If you want, you can add one teaspoon of honey to it. This product will sweeten your home remedy, but also it has many health benefits that are good for your overall health. You should drink this tea 3 times per day for a period of 2 – 3 days. [8]
Lemon
This home remedy has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, which can help to take care of infection and inflammation. Also, lemon is rich in Vitamin C, which can improve the resistance of your body to infections [9].
In one glass of lukewarm water, you should add the juice from one lemon, one teaspoon of honey, and a pinch of salt. You should drink this home remedy slowly and drink it 2 times per day for a period of a few days.
Also, there is another option, and that is to sprinkle a little pepper and salt on a piece of lemon, and then you should suck on the lemon slice. This natural treatment will help force the phlegm out of your throat. You should do this natural treatment 2 or 3 times per day for a period of several days.
Saltwater
This is the most common and the best home remedy that you can use if you suffer from tonsillitis. The warm water has a soothing effect, and it can kill the bacteria or virus which is responsible for tonsillitis.
Also, salt can reduce inflammation, and it will give you instant relief. In one cup of warm water, you should mix one teaspoon of table salt. You should gargle with this home remedy.
You should not swallow it. You should spit the water out after gargling. You should repeat this natural treatment as often as possible because it can speed up your recovery process.
References:
[1] Kalaiarasi R, Subramanian KS, Vijayakumar C, Venkataramanan R. Microbiological profile of chronic tonsillitis in the pediatric age group. Cureus. 2018;10(9):e3343.
[2] Watts CR, rousseau B. Slippery elm, its biochemistry, and use as a complementary and alternative treatment for laryngeal irritation. Journal of Investigational Biochemistry. 2012;1(1):17-23.
[3] Alam T, Hasan I, Perveen A, et al. Hulba (Trigonella foenum graecum): the common indian spice full of medicinal values. International Journal of Preclinical & Pharmaceutical Research. 2014;5(1):41-46.
[4] Bahadori S, Salamzadeh J, Kamalinejad M, et al. Study of the effect of an oral formulation of fig and olive on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remission indicators: A randomized clinical trial. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2016;15(3):537-545.
[5] Nabavi SF, Di Lorenzo A, Sobarzo-Sanchez E, et al. Antibacterial effects of cinnamon: from farm to food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Nutrients. 2015;7(9):7729-48.
[6] Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. Curcumin: A review of its’ effects on human health. Foods. 2017;6(10):92.
[7] Singh R, Shushni MAM, Belkheir A. Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Mentha piperita L. Arabian Journal of Chemistry. 2015;8(3):322-28.
[8] Cohen MM. Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. 2014;5(4):251-59.
[9] Dhanavade MJ, Jalkute CB, Ghosh J, Sonawane KD. Study antimicrobial activity of lemon (Citrus lemon L.) peel extract. British Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology. 2011;2(3):119-122.
