Tonsils are two oval-shaped glands that sit at the back of the throat. They are part of the immune system and help fight off bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the nose and mouth. Sometimes, tonsils can become inflamed or infected, causing them to swell and hurt. This condition is called tonsillitis or tonsil infection. Tonsillitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, such as cold, flu, strep throat, or sinusitis. Tonsil swelling can be annoying and painful. To get rid of tonsil swelling, you can use prescription drugs or sprays from pharmacies. However, these products may have side effects or cause addiction with long-term use. Therefore, looking for natural remedies for tonsil swelling may be healthier and cheaper.
What Causes Tonsil Swelling?
There are many possible causes of tonsil swelling. Some of them are:
- Viral infections: Cold, flu, coronavirus and other viruses settle in the tonsils and cause inflammation and swelling.
- Bacterial infections: Streptococcus, staphylococcus and other bacteria infect the tonsils and cause pain, fever and pus formation.
- Allergies: Allergens such as pollen, dust, animal hair, mold irritate the tonsils and cause swelling.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoke dries and sensitizes the tonsils. This increases the risk of infection.
- Immune system weakness: People with a weak immune system are more prone to tonsil infections.
What Are Natural Remedies for Tonsil Swelling?
There are some home treatments you can try to get rid of tonsil swelling. For example:
- Salt water gargle: Gargling with salt water is one of the best-known home remedies for tonsillitis. Salt water reduces inflammation, kills bacteria and provides instant relief. Add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and stir until dissolved. Gargle with this mixture for a few seconds and spit it out. You can repeat this several times a day.
- Ginger tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties that are good for tonsil swelling. Ginger cleanses the infection in the tonsils and soothes the throat. You can consume ginger raw, brew it as tea or mix it with honey. For ginger tea, grate or chop a piece of fresh ginger root. Add it to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and add some honey and lemon to taste.
- Garlic: Garlic is known as a powerful antibiotic and antiseptic. Garlic kills the infection in the tonsils and strengthens the immune system. You can eat garlic raw, boil it in water and drink it or add it to your dishes. For garlic water, peel and crush a few cloves of garlic. Put them in a cup of water and boil it. Let it cool down and strain it and drink it twice a day.
- Honey: Honey is a natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and moisturizer. Honey reduces inflammation in the tonsils, softens mucus and soothes the throat. You can add honey to your tea, mix it with ginger or garlic or take it by spoon.
- Mint: Mint contains a compound called menthol. Menthol opens up congestion in the tonsils, thins mucus and makes breathing easier. You can drink mint tea, rub mint oil on your nose and smell it or boil mint leaves and inhale its steam.
- Black pepper: Black pepper triggers sneezing reflex to expel allergens that cause tonsil swelling. It also increases blood circulation in the tonsils and reduces swelling. You can eat black pepper with honey, brew it as tea or smell it as powder.
- Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties that are good for tonsil swelling. Turmeric relieves inflammation in the tonsils, cleanses mucus and supports the immune system. You can drink turmeric with milk, add it to your dishes or smell it as powder.
How to Prevent Tonsil Swelling?
You can take the following precautions to prevent tonsil swelling:
- Drink plenty of fluids: Water, tea, herbal teas, fruit juices and other fluids keep your body hydrated and help thin mucus.
- Use a humidifier: Dry air irritates the tonsils and causes swelling. Use a humidifier or vaporizer to moisten the air in your home or office.
- Avoid allergens: Stay away from allergens that cause tonsil swelling as much as possible. To protect yourself from allergens such as pollen, dust, animal hair, mold, clean your home frequently, use an air filter, stay indoors, wear a mask, use allergy medications.
- Do not smoke and avoid smoking environments: Cigarette smoke irritates the tonsils and causes swelling. Quit or reduce smoking. Avoid being in smoking environments.
- Avoid spicy foods: Spicy foods can increase blood flow in the tonsils and cause swelling. Avoid or reduce spicy foods consumption.
- Pay attention to tonsil hygiene: To prevent tonsil swelling, pay attention to tonsil hygiene. If you see white or yellow spots on your tonsils, these are pus or debris. You can clean them with a cotton swab or gargle.
Natural Remedies for Tonsil Swelling
Tonsil swelling is a health problem that many people experience and causes discomfort. The causes of tonsil swelling include infection, allergy, smoking, immune system weakness and other factors. To get rid of tonsil swelling, you can use prescription drugs or sprays from pharmacies. However, these products may have side effects or cause addiction with long-term use. Therefore, natural remedies for tonsil swelling may be healthier and cheaper.
Natural remedies for tonsil swelling include natural ingredients such as salt water, ginger, garlic, honey, mint, black pepper and turmeric. You can brew these ingredients as tea, mix them with honey, spray them into your nose or smell them. These methods reduce inflammation, kill bacteria and ease breathing.
To prevent tonsil swelling, you need to drink plenty of fluids, use a humidifier, avoid allergens, do not smoke and avoid smoking environments, avoid spicy foods and pay attention to tonsil hygiene.
Do not let tonsil swelling lower your quality of life. You can get rid of tonsil swelling by trying natural methods. However, if your tonsil swelling is severe, long-lasting or accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult a doctor.