Home remedies for tonsils

That irritable, itchy feeling in your throat, where even swallowing feels like such a struggle - that’s tonsillitis for you. Did you know? Your tonsils play an extremely imperative role in trapping bacteria and germs, and can become infected themselves. As a result, this impairs their function and causes painful inflammation. While swollen tonsils can leave you uncomfortable and miserable, you might be surprised to learn that some of the best home remedies for tonsils might already be available in your home itself. So, before you think of reaching for those pain relievers, consider these natural solutions that can provide long-term relief and help your body heal the right way.

What are tonsils?

Two small, oval-shaped glands located at the back of your throat, one on each side - these are called tonsils. They are a key part of your lymphatic system, and play an essential role in your defense mechanism. Tonsils also produce antibodies to help fight infections. Interestingly, they work as the first line of defense. Tonsils act by trapping and filtering out various types of bacteria, viruses, and other harmful germs that try to invade the body. Typically, their entry point is either through your mouth or nose.
While their primary role is to protect you but as mentioned before they can sometimes infect themselves, this condition is called tonsillitis.

Common symptoms of tonsils include:

• Sore throat
• Red and swollen tonsils
• Painful swallowing
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Ear pain
• Headache
• Bad breath

Causes of tonsils?

To treat tonsils effectively, understanding the root cause is key to treating them in the first place. Some of the common conditions that can trigger tonsils are:

Viral infections: This is the most common culprit behind tonsils but is often mild and goes away on its own. It can result from common cold viruses, influenza (flu) virus, epstein-barr virus, adenovirus and herpes simplex virus (in rare cases).
Bacterial infections: The most common bacterial cause is Group A Streptococcus, which leads to strep throat. They can have more severe symptoms if left untreated like ear infections or abscesses.
Infection that spreads from other areas: If you have an infection in the mouth, sinuses, or upper respiratory system then there are chances that it can reach your tonsils and cause inflammation.
Weak immunity: A weak immune system increases the risk of tonsillitis as your body is not strong enough to fight off infections.
Environmental factors: Being exposed to irritants like allergens, dust, cigarette smoke and air pollution, can cause inflammation and swelling of the tonsils.

Types of tonsils

• Palatine tonsils: Located on either side of the back of the throat
• Lingual tonsils: Located at the back of the tongue
• Pharyngeal tonsils: Located in the center of where the nasal cavity meets the throat
• Tubal tonsils: Located on either side of where the nasal cavity meets the throat

Home remedies for tonsils

From comforting warm teas to the age-old saltwater gargle, there are simple, home remedies for tonsils to support healing. Let’s explore some of best ones:

1. Honey and lemon
Having a reputation for their soothing and antibacterial properties, they can relieve pain quickly. Honey reduces irritation by coating the throat and vitamin C in lemon helps boost your immune system.
How to use: Mix one tablespoon of honey with the juice of half a lemon in warm water. Drink this mixture at least 2-3 times a day.
2. Warm saltwater gargle
One of the most age-old remedies for tonsils is gargling with warm saltwater. Salt acts as a natural antiseptic for reducing swelling, fighting bacteria, and soothing a sore throat.
How to use: Take half a teaspoon of salt and mix it with warm water. Use this mixture to gargle for 30 seconds, ensuring to target the back of your throat. Do this multiple times in a day to find relief.
3. Garlic
Being a natural antibiotic and antiviral agent, garlic helps fight many types of infections including tonsils.
How to use: Add garlic to your meals or drink a warm tea with thoroughly minced garlic. You can also chew raw garlic for faster results.
4. Steam inhalation
It helps to ease throat irritation, reduce swelling and loosen mucus. A hot shower or even a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head can provide relief for your throat.

How to use: Boil some hot water and pour it into a large bowl. Place a towel over your head, lean over the bowl, and inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes. Or you can simply use a steamer. Follow this process for at least 3-4 times in a day.

5. Herbal teas
Some herbal teas possess anti-inflammatory and soothing properties like chamomile, green and peppermint tea. Along with reducing swelling they also provide comfort as you slowly swallow them.
How to use: Pick one of your favourite herbal teas, and add it to water. Then let it brew properly and drink it slowly while it's warm. You can also add honey for both added flavour and benefits.
6. Turmeric milk
The powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of turmeric make it a highly popular choice to fight infections and soothe sore throats.

How to use: Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a warm cup of milk and drink this once or twice a day to calm your throat and reduce inflammation.

7. Ginger water
Ginger is also rich in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can work wonderfully well for soothing a sore throat, reducing swelling, and even boosting your immunity.
How to use: Take a few slices of fresh ginger and add it to boiling water. You can also add a teaspoon of honey and lemon juice for extra vitamin C content. Sip the warm ginger water slowly in small quantities throughout the day.

Lifestyle and diet recommendations for tonsils

When it comes to taking care of your tonsils, maintaining an overall throat health can make a big difference in recovery. By initiating small lifestyle changes and sticking to a healthy diet that supports your immune system can surely prevent many related issues as well. Here’s a thoughtfully curated list of lifestyle and diet recommendations:

• Drinking fluids in large quantities keeps the throat moist and prevents further irritation.
• Keep in mind that tonsillitis is contagious. Thus, practicing good hygiene helps to avoid the risk of germs spreading and even protects you from catching a reinfection.
• Introduce anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, berries, leafy greens and nuts into your meals.
• Include antioxidant rich foods and fruits in your daily diet like oranges, lemons, grapefruits, bell peppers, broccoli, and spinach.
• Try to sit in the sun for sometime as vitamin D is also important for immune function.
• Cut back on the intake of sugary snacks, fried foods, fast food, and processed meats. Replace these with healthier options like whole, nutrient-rich foods for enabling your body to recover properly from the infection caused by tonsils.
• Consider using an air purifier at home, as the increasing AQI (Air Quality Index) can worsen your condition, making it harder to breathe comfortably.

Tonsils can be easily managed at home, if you arrest the symptoms early and start including these well-researched remedies in your day-to-day routine.