Tonsillitis is essentially a sore throat gone bad, which is evident by the pain that accompanies swallowing. This condition tends to pick just about anyone as its victim, but it is more prominent amongst school going children.
The human body comes well equipped with its own defense mechanism which combats pathogens and infections- the tonsils, make a part of this mechanism. Your tonsils prevent bacteria and viruses from reaching the respiratory tract by trapping them, but this isn’t 100% effective all the time. It is when bacteria penetrate into the respiratory system that you are diagnosed with a condition that goes by the name of tonsillitis.
Also, tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils which are lymph nodes that are located on either side of your throat. Although not necessarily serious, bear in mind that tonsillitis is a highly contagious disease which spreads quickly from one person to another via air containing the virus or simply through coughing and sneezing.
Common symptoms of tonsillitis
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Headache
- Bad breath
- Runny nose
- Swollen glands
- Coughing
- Sneezing.
Diet to follow when tonsillitis strikes
Before we delve into the home remedies for tonsillitis, here are a few pointers to keep in mind:
- Switch to an all liquid diet in the initial days as it’s very likely that your throat will be giving you a hell at that point in time. Fresh fruit juice for the first few days will help to boost your immunity, allowing for your body to fend the infection. Continue this diet until you find the growing pain subsides.
- Post your liquid diet, you can embark on an all healthy and nutritious diet. To accomplish this, you would need to pile up on fresh fruits, nuts, and vegetables, and not to forget whole grains.
- Next up on your path to recovery would be water, soups and broths to keep your body hydrated and to prevent it from turning dry and itchy. Keep away from aerated drinks and coffee.
- Lastly, keep an arm’s length from spicy food as this will only aggravate your condition.
Here are some home remedies for tonsillitis that will come in handy for the next time you’re down with it.
The Easiest Home Remedies for Tonsillitis
1. Basil
Basil is one of the most effective home remedies for tonsillitis, particularly due to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. The healing properties that it possesses help to reduce swelling and also pain, thereby speeding up the entire process of healing.
For this remedy:
- To one and a half cups of water add about ten or twelve basil leaves.
- Boil this for about ten minutes.
- Strain this and add the juice of one lemon to the solution.
- Drink this thrice a day for best results.
Related: How to get rid of tonsil stones?
2. Salt Water
Your mom was probably right when she forced you to gargle right before you went to bed. Despite the fact that you fought her on doing just that, you have to admit that this is one of the most effective home remedies for tonsillitis. Warm water has a soothing effect on the throat while salt helps to zap those viruses and bacteria sticking to your tonsils. An added bonus of using salt is that it reduces inflammation- giving you the relief you seek.
For this remedy:
- Mix a tablespoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
- Gargle with this solution. (I’m assuming you’re wise enough to not swallow it- so I’ll refrain from pointing that out!)
- Repeat this process as often as you can for a quick recovery.
Related: Home remedies for sore throat
3. Mint
Mint is associated with powers of the antimicrobial kind which can fend off bacteria and viruses that cause tonsillitis. The menthol present in mint soothes the oh-so-irritated mucus membranes that constantly remind you of their presence. This helps to relieve you of the many symptoms associated with tonsillitis.
For this remedy:
- Boil a glass of water to which you later add a handful of mint leaves.
- Allow this to boil until the water has reduced to half of its original quantity.
- Strain this solution and add a teaspoon of honey to it.
- Drink this while it is still warm for one or two times a day until you feel better.
Mint flavored mouthwashes also manage to do the trick, so do get your hands on one of these.
Related: Home remedies for croup
4. Fenugreek
Fenugreek, or methi, as your grandma calls it, has antibacterial properties that make it an effective cure for tonsillitis, killing the bacteria associated with tonsillitis. An added bonus of fenugreek is that it also has anti-inflammatory properties which provide relief from pain and inflammation.
For this remedy:
- To three cups of water, add two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds.
- Allow this to simmer for about thirty minutes or so.
- Strain this and allow it to cool.
- Gargle with this for at least thirty seconds before spitting it out.
- Repeat this twice until you suffer no more!
Related: How to get rid of laryngitis?
5. Figs
Figs are packed with mucilage which aids in the reduction of pain and soreness associated with tonsillitis, making them one of the most ideal home remedies for tonsilitis.
For this remedy:
- Boil three dried figs in water.
- Mash them well and add a tablespoon of honey.
- Eat this twice or thrice a day and follow it up for a few days.
Another home remedy you can dabble with is:
- Boil and mash a few fresh figs.
- Mash the figs in the same water that you used to boil them.
- Apply a thick paste of this onto the outer part of your throat.
- Let this dry before rinsing it off with warm water.
- Repeat this once every day to gain relief from the pain associated with tonsillitis.
Related: How to get your voice back fast?
6. Carom Seeds
Carom seeds are great to get rid of tonsillitis as they are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that boost the immune system fighting off the infection.
For this remedy:
- Heat one-fourth teaspoon of carom seeds until they turn brown.
- To this add a pinch of turmeric powder and stir it for a few seconds.
- Add a cup of warm milk to this before mixing well.
- Allow this to cool before drinking it twice a day till you get better.
Tonsillitis can be treated right in the luxury of your home with these simple home remedies for tonsillitis. Why wait when your ideal remedy is tucked away in the pantry of your kitchen? Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience difficulty breathing, loss of appetite or should the condition last longer than 4 days of home treatment.
