Use these 7 home remedies instead of antibiotics to soothe tonsils

Suffering from tonsil issue? Read on to know some natural ways to get rid of the tonsils without using antibiotics.
tonsils
Relieve your tonsils with these ways. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Aayushi Gupta Updated: 3 Jan 2022, 18:16 pm IST
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Swollen tonsils can be very bothersome and painful. Tonsils are small glands in the throat, one on each side and their function is to protect against upper respiratory tract infection. If they become sore, it can be quite painful. Usually, a sore throat is a result of inflamed or irritated tonsils. If the condition is not treated properly, it can lead to fever or hoarseness. In fact, when swollen not only causes pain but also causes issues with eating food.

“Sometimes there is an infection of tonsils due to bacteria and that may lead to throat pain, painful swallowing, fever, and neck nodes,” Dr Aparna Mahajan, Consultant – ENT, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, tells HealthShots. To treat tonsils and throat infections many people practice natural remedies.

home remedies for tonsils
Don’t ignore a throat infection. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Here are certain simple remedies to treat tonsils

Dr Mahajan says that very rarely will an infection progress to the formation of pus. But to treat early cases of tonsils, you can follow use home remedies:

1. Gargles with saltwater

Saltwater gargling is one of the most recommended and effective ways to get rid of tonsils. Dr Mahajan says, “Gargles can be antiseptic (povidone iodine-based) or simple saline gargles can also help flush out early infection.” It can soothe a sore throat and pain and reduce the inflammation, treating the tonsillitis problem as well.

It may not provide you with immediate relief, but it is still an effective remedy for killing bacteria while loosening mucus and easing pain. Gargle for 2-3 minutes and repeat twice daily for several days.

2. Adequate hydration is important

Drink warm fluid to help with throat pain. “Sipping fluids and water frequently can ensure that infection will ease out earlier and the risk of dehydration due to inadequate intake can be prevented,” says Dr Mahajan. You can try soup, broth, honey and lemon water and tea—these all can help coat and soothe a sore throat. Do not drink alcohol, coffee and caffeinated soda, all of which can make dehydration worse.

3. Use a humidifier

This is a device that most people don’t know is important. One of the main reasons why your tonsils case is getting worse is because of dry air. It may also be because of dry mouth. However, when you get a humidifier to humidify the air, you are looking for the best method of relieving all the pain. It helps to moisten the air in your room, so turn on your humidifier, especially when you’re sleeping at night.

Also, read: Soothe your cough and sore throat with these 5 natural remedies

4. Honey and turmeric milk

Before hitting the bed at night, drink a glass of warm milk that is mixed with a little honey and turmeric. Both honey and turmeric contain antibacterial and soothing properties which can provide relief to the tonsils and alleviate pain. You can even add honey to the warm tea.

home remedies for tonsils
Drink this cuppa full of haldi for good health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

5. Chew on cloves

Cloves contain eugenol, a natural painkiller, and anti-bacterial agent. Put one or more cloves in your mouth, suck on them until they are soft, and then chew like gum. Cloves are safe to swallow

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6. Don’t strain your voice

Tonsils cause swelling and pain in the throat which can lead to the voice becoming muffled. Therefore, you should give proper rest to your voice because raising the voice can lead to further risks to the throat. Also, take proper rest. Rest allows the body to build up the strength to fight off infection.

7. Tulsi

Soothe a sore throat with the use of tulsi. Tulsi has been used to treat sore throat, cough, and cold. Boiled water with tulsi leaves impart a soothing effect to patients with sore throat. Also, tulsi acts as an adaptogen, a substance that helps counteract the effect of stress in the body.

home remedies for tonsils
Trust this tulsi concoction to relieve your cough and cold. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

The last words

“In case of fever, antipyretics can be used as and when required and you can also take paracetamol or ibuprofen after consulting with a doctor,” says Dr Mahajan, who warns against self-medication.

She says, “It is important to avoid taking over-the-counter antibiotics without a doctor’s advice as it can lead to inadequate treatment and the menace of antibiotic resistance.”

In case of severe pain or fever or decreased oral intake, treatment from an ENT (ears, nose, and throat) specialist should be taken.

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About the Author

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information. ...Read More

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