Written By: Anusuya Suresh | Updated : November 16, 2015 4:02 PM IST
Read this in Hindi.
Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils, the glands situated in the throat region. This inflammation is generally the result of either a bacterial or a viral infection and is marked by increase in temperature, pus on the tonsils and tender or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck region. Natural remedies can help to reduce pain and discomfort in the throat; they may also help clear the pus and mucus in the throat and reduce coughing. Here are a few simple natural remedies you can try to relieve the symptoms of tonsillitis.
Ice pack
In the initial stages of tonsillitis, you are likely to suffer severe throat pain because the tonsils have got enlarged with the infection. At such times, applying an ice pack to the affected region can help reduce the inflammation. Wrap a few ice cubes in a cotton cloth and place this over the throat at the site where you feel the most pain. Repeat three or four times in a day for faster relief from the pain.
Gargling with saltwater
This is the simplest remedy and consists of mixing in a little salt into warm water and gargling. The combination of the warmth and the salt helps to thaw out the solidified mucus; in turn, this makes it easier to expel by coughing.
Garlic tea
Garlic is rich in antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. It also has valuable anti-viral and antibacterial action. Besides, it serves to improve functioning of the immune system. Prepare a tea by boiling two cloves of garlic in a cup of water for about 5 minutes; allow to simmer for a few more minutes and strain. When it has cooled sufficiently, stir in a teaspoon of honey and drink.
Turmeric, milk and black pepper
Both turmeric and black pepper have antibacterial properties. Turmeric is also a decongestant and expectorant that makes it easier to expel phlegm from the throat. Mix in half a teaspoon each of turmeric and black pepper powders into a glass of hot milk, mix and drink when it is comfortably warm.
Licorice or Jeshthamadhu is a root that has traditionally been used to treat sore throat.
Licorice has demulcent properties; this means it is able to soothe the inflamed outer surface of the tonsils, providing relief from the pain. It is also an anti-inflammatory and has expectorant action that makes phlegm more liquid and easy to expel. Mix half a teaspoon of licorice root powder into a cup of hot water and drink thrice a day for relief from tonsillitis.
Like licorice, honey also has demulcent property that enables it to soothe the throat inflammation. Besides, honey has anti-bacterial and wound healing properties which helps heal the infection faster. Just pour a teaspoon of honey slowly down your throat to soothe the throat pain in tonsillitis. Another way to consume honey is to make it into a tea along with lemon. Mix in a tablespoon of lemon juice into two tablespoons of honey and sip slowly.
Most of these natural remedies for tonsillitis provide relief from the throat pain that accompanies this condition. However, if you find that the fever does not subside or that the inflammation increases making swallowing difficult, it may be an indication of a severe infection. In such a situation, it is wise to see a doctor who will probably prescribe antibiotics to deal with the infection.
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