Try home remedies for tonsillitis to get rid of the unpleasant symptoms caused by this condition. Tonsillitis is a condition where tonsils (lymph nodes located on both sides of the throat) get infected and swell up. The condition occurs due to many reasons including bacterial infection or, at times, due to a viral infection that causes swelling of the lymph nodes. Tonsillitis can be mild, moderate or severe. Although this condition mostly affects children, adults can get it, too. Common symptoms of tonsillitis include trouble with swallowing, pain and tenderness in the throat, headache, throbbing blisters or ulcers on the throat, and yellow or white patches on the tonsils.
Prepare a few simple home remedies for tonsillitis to quickly get back on your feet!
1. Warm Milk and Turmeric Powder
Turmeric is one of the best remedies for arresting inflammation and alleviating tonsillitis pain. This powerful herb has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-allergic properties that help in controlling the infection. Additionally, it soothes and reduces the inflammation. On the other hand, milk provides immediate relief for the scratchiness and pain associated with tonsillitis.
- Warm up one glass of milk.
- Add one teaspoon of turmeric powder to the milk.
- Stir well and drink while warm.
- Repeat the process at least twice a day for best results.
2. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is among the oldest home remedies for tonsillitis and sore throat. It is an excellent herbal remedy thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. As a result of these qualities, chamomile assists to reduce pain, soreness, and inflammation caused by tonsillitis.
- Add some chamomile flowers to boiling water.
- Allow it to boil for about five minutes then strain it.
- Add lemon and honey to it, stir well and drink it while still warm.
Figs are in the list of top tonsillitis home remedies that you should try. This fruit has high mucilage content that can reduce pain and soreness caused by tonsillitis.
- Boil three dried figs in water and then mash them finely.
- Apply the paste on the outer side of the throat on the areas of the tonsils.
- Repeat this process regularly until the pain comes down.
Alternatively, you can use dried figs, water, and honey to achieve the same results.
4. Salt Water
Gargling with salt water is among the most soothing home remedies for tonsillitis. This home remedy has been used for ages to relieve tonsillitis, swelling and throat pain. Using warm water provides a soothing effect while the salt helps in killing bacteria or virus and reducing inflammation, giving you instant relief. Salt water helps to cleanse the mouth, preventing the infection on your tonsils from getting worse.
- Place one tablespoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water.
- Gargle with the solution and then spit it out.
- Repeat the process as often as possible for a quick recovery.
Fenugreek has antibacterial properties that make it one of the best home remedies for tonsillitis. It acts by killing and inhibiting the growth of bacteria responsible for tonsillitis. Also, the anti-inflammatory properties of the herb will give you relief from pain and inflammation.
- Add two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds to about four cups of water.
- Boil the solution for about 30 minutes or till its quantity is reduced to half.
- Strain the mixture and let it cool at room temperature.
- Gargle with the solution for at least 30 seconds and then spit it out.
- Repeat the same process twice daily until you get relief.
The microbial effects of myrrh are so strong that the ancient Egyptians used the plant for mummification and embalming. Well, the healing properties of myrrh are currently used to treat a huge array of infections.
First, myrrh has antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that make it ideal for treating swollen or tender tissues. It also increases blood circulation to mucosal tissues; this helps in fighting infection and speeds up healing when you have tonsillitis, a cold, congestion or a sore throat. The herb assists in curing sore throat and reducing the inflammation of lymph nodes caused by tonsillitis. Myrrh is also used as an expectorant to help in the expulsion of mucus in cases of lung congestion and bronchitis.
- Put 10 drops of myrrh in a cup of water.
- Stir well and take a mouthful of the solution and gargle.
- Ensure your head is tilted back to let the solution reach the tonsils.
- Continue gargling with new mouthfuls of the solution as you spit until you finish the cup.
- Repeat this process at least three times a day.
7. Carom Seeds
Carom seeds, also known as Ajwain can be significantly helpful in the treatment of tonsillitis. This is because they are rich in antioxidants as well as a variety of vitamins and minerals that help improve your immune system to fight off the infection.
- Take a ¼ teaspoon of carom seeds and heat in a pan until brown.
- Put in a pinch of turmeric powder and stir, and then add a cup of warm milk into the mixture.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Drink it twice per day for two to three days.
Lemon has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that take care of the infection and the inflammation. Additionally, lemon contains vitamin C which boosts your immunity. You can easily prepare a lemon drink that will help speed up the healing process when suffering from tonsillitis.
- Extract the juice from one lemon.
- Add the lemon juice to a glass of water.
- Add a pinch of salt and one tablespoon of honey to the mixture.
- Drink it twice a day.
9. Slippery Elm
Slippery Elm (Ulmusrubra) is a species of elm tree native to North America. It has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries. This herb contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with liquids. Slippery Elm makes a protective coating of mucous membranes around the throat which helps in soothing the constant itchiness and irritation due to tonsillitis and thus is one of the effective home remedies for tonsillitis.
- Add one teaspoon (roughly 4g) of the powdered bark of slippery elm to two cups of boiling water.
- Let it steep for approximately four minutes, and then strain the solution.
- Drink the solution slowly while warm twice daily for a few days.
Alternatively, mix 6g of the powdered bark of slippery elm, two teaspoons of honey, 4g of cayenne pepper powder, and four teaspoons of warm water. Take a teaspoon of the mixture at regular intervals for up to three days.
10. Marshmallow root
Most of the common uses of marshmallow root originate from traditional healing systems. However, a recent study confirmed that marshmallow has mucilage and antitussive properties that help in decreasing irritation of the throat, dry cough and swelling in the lymph nodes. The plant also kills bacteria that can cause conditions like asthma, sore throat, bronchitis, and tonsillitis.
- Put some dried marshmallow root to boiling water.
- Make a cup of tea from the solution.
- Sip the tea twice or thrice a day.
Cinnamon is also one of the frequently used home remedies for tonsillitis. The herb has antimicrobial qualities that repress the growth of bacteria as well as other micro-organisms in the tonsils. Additionally, it helps reduce swelling, pain and inflammation.
- Add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a glass of hot water.
- Add two teaspoons of honey to the solution and stir well.
- Sip on the solution slowly while warm.
- Take two or three times a day until you get relief.
Basil is another effective tonsillitis home remedy that is widely used thanks to its amazing medicinal properties. Also known as Tulsi, basil has soothing, cleansing, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. These qualities help to reduce pain, swelling and also speed up the healing process. As an alternative to the basil drink, you can prepare a warm milk and honey mixture with crushed basil leaves.
- Add 10 to 12 basil leaves to a cup of water.
- Boil for 10 minutes.
- Strain one lemon and add the juice to the solution.
- Drink the mixture three times a day.
13. Onion Juice
Just like other home remedies for tonsillitis, onion has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help soothe a sore throat caused by tonsillitis. The majority of people consider it an excellent remedy for strep throat as well. Chew some raw onion and let its juice reach your throat. Spit out the onion juice and repeat the process at least thrice a day. If this sounds disgusting, gargle with onion juice as described below.
- Peel and grate two onions.
- Extract the juice of the grated onions.
- Add the juice to lukewarm water and mix thoroughly.
- Gargle with the solution and ensure it reaches the throat.
You can also chop a medium sized onion and mix it in half a cup of honey and half a cup of water. Bring the mixture to boil and leave it overnight. Strain the solution and use it as syrup. Honey acts as a demulcent and also has antimicrobial properties that help in quick recovery.
14. Mint Tea
It is believed that the popular herb is enriched with antimicrobial properties. Additionally, it has menthol that helps soothe irritated mucous membranes. All these qualities make mint effective in killing bacteria and virus that that cause tonsillitis.
- Prepare mint tea by boiling one glass of water with a handful of fresh mint leaves.
- Let the mixture to boil until the water is reduced to half the quantity.
- Strain and add one teaspoon of honey to the solution.
- Drink the solution while still warm.
- Repeat the process two or three times a day until you get relief.
15. Cayenne Pepper
Some individuals may wonder why anyone would want to have the cayenne pepper during an acute tonsils attack. But the thing is that cayenne pepper is very helpful in treating tonsillitis thanks to its strong antiseptic properties. It also helps to soothe inflammation and cure the infected tonsils. Be sure not to use a lot of cayenne pepper.
- Add two tablespoons of honey to a tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Add a small pinch of cayenne pepper and leave the mixture for almost 10 minutes.
- Sip it as often as possible for a quick recovery.
The tonsillitis home remedies mentioned above are just a few of the natural home remedies you can use to get rid of tonsils. Despite the type of home remedy you choose, the symptoms should go away after a few days. However, the infection can be severe at times and may fail to respond to natural home remedies. It is necessary to seek help from a physician if the problem persists.
Share with us your experience or any natural tonsillitis remedies we’ve missed to mention in the comment section below.