Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsils, which are located on both the sides of the throat. Tonsils play an important role in the body’s defense mechanism, as it helps to filter out the various invading microorganisms which enter the body through mouth, nose and throat and keeps the body healthy.
However, at times tonsils themselves may get infected by viral or bacterial agents and gets inflamed. The affected patient will suffer from head ache, sore throat, fever and the tonsillar lymph gland enlarges and become tender.
Tonsillitis that is caused by Streptococcus species of bacteria are more common in children between the age group of five to fifteen years, and that caused by viral agents are common in children below five years of age. In most of the cases doctors prescribe antibiotics to ward off the infectious bacteria. But, it’s advisable to have herbal remedies for a smooth recovery from tonsillitis.
Herbal Remedies For Tonsillitis
Banafsha Flowers
Banafsha flowers which are scientifically known as Viola odorata are ideal for treating tonsillitis. Boil about twelve grams of flowers in 50 ml milk and when the mixture gets reduced to one third, filter out the milk. Thereafter mix this milk with 200 ml normal milk and drink. The filtered banafsha flowers can be shallow fried in clarified butter and tied around the throat for the whole night.
Chamomile
Make a tea out of chamomile and mix it with fresh lemon juice and one tablespoon honey.Drink this tea to get relief from the discomforts associated with tonsillitis. Gargling with hot water that is mixed with chamomile and lavender is also beneficial.
Peppermint and Elder flowers
A tea made out of peppermint, elderflowers and yarrow leaves, if taken daily helps to reduce the discomforts of tonsillitis.
Licorice
Licorice is a widely accepted herbal remedy for tonsillitis. The wrinkled and sweet licorice roots are used for making the medicine as it has soothing and demulcent properties.Licorice roots are used for making herbal tea and this should be consumed thrice a day; however, this tea should not be consumed continuously for more than six weeks. This tea is not recommended for those having coronary diseases and blood pressure. You can even suck lozenges made out of licorice root throughout the day.
Echinacea
The flowers, leaves and roots of Echinacea are used for making herbal tea, as this can fight the infections of upper respiratory tract. This is because Echinacea has immense immune strengthening and anti-inflammatory properties. Echinacea if taken in combination with goldenseal provides fast relief.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow tea made by harvesting the leaves and roots of marshmallow helps to sooth the inflamed throat and mucous membrane. This tea if taken three to five time a day heals the tonsillitis.Similarly wild indigo, slippery elm and sage are also beneficial for tonsillitis. In order to prevent tonsillitis, do gargles daily in the morning with hot water. Also avoid drinking cold drinks along with fried foods and also the consumption of hot and cold foods one after the other.
Tonsillitis prone patients should also avoid sour items to keep their throat in perfect condition. However, the herbal treatment for tonsillitis should be followed with your doctor’s consent only.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.