This is an inflammation of the tonsils, which is due to acute infection. The tonsils are lymph nodes on either side of the back of the mouth, and their function is to protect against upper respiratory tract infections, if they become infected, they get inflamed and swollen with fluids and white blood cells, making swallowing painful and eating difficult. The main symptoms presented can be a sore throat, swollen and/or coated tonsils, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, possible fever, headache and earache, and breath may smell unpleasant, among others.
Many people practice natural remedies to treat tonsillitis and throat infections without even realizing it. The traditional remedy is a soothing drink of hot water mixed with honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
• Because swallowing is painful, eat blended vegetable soup made with onions and garlic, which have antiseptic qualities, cabbage, bell pepper, broccoli and tomatoes, which are good sources of vitamin C, and carrots and sweet potatoes for beta-carotene content.
• Add a few drops of tea tree, thyme, and lavender essential oils to heatproof bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and bend over the bowl, inhaling the steam.
• Make a gargle by blending four tablespoons of honey, six tablespoons of lemon juice, four tablespoons of apple cider, one crushed garlic clove, and one tablespoon of grated ginger
• Alternatively, gargle with raspberry leaf tea or add a teaspoonful of chopped fresh sage leaves to a cup of boiling water, then cover and steep for 10 minutes, strain, and use as a gargle when cool.
SOURCE: 1000 home remedies, safe and sensible treatments for everyday aliments, Anova Books, 2011
