Do you have a sore throat that hurts so much that you cannot swallow anything? It could be the result of a condition called tonsillitis, which can affect anyone from children and teenagers to adults. While you often need to see your doctor to treat your condition, you may try some home remedies for tonsils to manage your symptoms, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, coughing, and sneezing. Let's find out more about what you can do.

How to Know If You Do Have Tonsillitis

It is important to check the symptoms you have before you trying any home remedies for tonsillitis. Some of the most common symptoms of tonsillitis are inflamed lymph nodes in the neck, swollen tonsils, bad breath, headache, fever and chills, ear pain, and difficulty while swallowing. You may also have nausea, vomiting, runny nose, nasal congestion, hoarse voice, or redness of the eyes.

Home Remedies for Tonsils

If you have those symptoms associated with tonsillitis, you may find some relief after using the following home remedies.

Salt Water

Using a saline solution to help ease inflammation and pain caused by tonsillitis is a great home remedy. Simply add some salt to a cup of water and use it to gargle for a while. Do not swallow the solution.

Lemon

Lemon has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, so it works great to reduce inflammation and swelling. Lemon also contains vitamin C that improves your immunity and gives your body some strength to clear the infection.

Extract the juice from a lemon and add it to a glass of lukewarm water. Also, add a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of salt to the solution and mix well. Drink it twice a day for relief.

Basil

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, basil may prove beneficial in the treatment of tonsillitis. It also has soothing and healing qualities that may help reduce pain and swelling.

Take one and one-half cups of water and add 10 basil leaves to it. Now, bring the water to a boil and then strain it. Now, add some lemon juice to it along with a teaspoon of honey and drink thrice a day. You will notice improvement in a couple of days.

Turmeric

Turmeric is known for its potent antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help alleviate inflammation and pain caused by tonsillitis.

Take a glass of hot water and add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to it. Gargle with this solution a few times a day. Do it before you go to bed at night to help reduce soreness and inflammation.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon can be among one of the best home remedies for tonsil because it has powerful antimicrobial properties. It inhibits the growth of bacteria in your throat and accelerates healing.

Take a glass of hot water and add a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to it. Add a couple of teaspoons of honey and drink it slowly. Drink thrice a day for relief.

Mint

With its antimicrobial properties, it may help clear viral and bacterial infections in a short time. It also contains menthol that soothes your irritated throat and reduces pain as well.

Take a glass of water, add a few mint leaves to it, and bring it to a boil. Remove it from the heat when there is about half of the water left in the glass. Strain it and then add a teaspoon of honey to the mixture. Drink it slowly to soothe your irritated throat.

Chamomile Tea

A cup of chamomile tea may help ease inflammation and pain in your throat. It also helps clear the infection and accelerates healing.

Simply brew the tea and add some honey and lime to it. Mix well and drink it slowly to reduce inflammation and soothe your irritated throat.

Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seed has antibacterial properties, so it can help eliminate bacteria responsible for causing tonsillitis.

Take 500ml water and add two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds to it. Bring it to a boil and then let it simmer for half an hour. Strain it and gargle with the mixture a few times a day.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Many scientific studies have confirmed that apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties. Its acidic nature makes it difficult for bacteria to survive.

Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water and gargle with the solution. Be sure to do it every couple of hours until you find some relief.

Peppermint

Peppermint has the ability to treat bad breath caused by tonsillitis. You can also use diluted peppermint oil sprays to treat your sore throat. It works because it contains menthol. Regular use may help thin mucus and calm coughs and sore throats. Be sure to dilute essential oils first and then use them to treat tonsillitis.

What about Remedies for Infants and Kids?

As mentioned already, anyone can develop tonsillitis, so it is possible to have your infant suffering from this condition. While you usually do not need to seek immediate medical attention, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor if natural home remedies fail to make any difference. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Install a humidifier or use cool mist to add some moisture in the air. This will make breathing easier for your child.
• Ensure that your child drinks plenty of water. This helps keep them hydrated. Do not give them popsicles or juices.
• Do not give hard candy cough drops to your child under 5 years of age. This increases risk of choking. It is also important to talk to your doctor before giving cough drops to children younger than 10 years.
• Never give honey to children younger than 1 year. This can lead to other complications.