Tonsillitis

Definition

Tonsillitis is a short–term infection of the tonsils. It typically occurs in children, but in rare cases, adults also acquire tonsillitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of tonsillitis include swelling and pain in the neck, discomfort in the throat, painful ingesting, and radiating pain in the ear. Other symptoms include high fever, abscesses on the tonsils, temporary hearing problems, headache, hoarseness, coughing, throwing up, and exhaustion.

Cause

Tonsillitis is contracted one of two ways, either by Streptococcal germs or less commonly, through viral infections. Throat cultures are necessary to ensure strep throat is not present. Live-in family members should also be tested if they are feeling any of the above symptoms.

Note: Tonsils play an important role in adrenal performance, and are an integral part of the entire lymphatic system. Tonsil health should be properly maintained.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Inhalations made with bergamot, thyme, lavender, benzoic, tea tree, geranium, and lemon can help calm symptoms. Lemon essential oil can also be used as a gargle.

Diet: Consume plenty of fluids including pure filtered water, diluted clean organic veggie juices, clear broths, and lightweight soups. If you are taking antibiotics, eat plain, organic yogurt with live cultures to protect healthy intestinal bacteria.

Fasting: Drink pure drinking water or watered down juice for the first 48 hours you experience symptoms. (See Detoxification Therapy for more information.)

Herbs: Mix the tinctures of cleavers and Echinacea in equal parts and take 1 teaspoon of this mixture, three times a day. As an alternative, drink a warm infusion made from equal parts of dried elderflower, yarrow, and peppermint throughout the day.

Homeopathy: Belladonna, mercurius solubilis, phytolacca, lachesis, and aconite are helpful naturopathic remedies.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions and remedies.

Juice Therapy: The following juice combinations improve the immune system and help speed tonsillitis recovery time: Carrot, beet, and tomato; carrot, and pineapple; carrot, and orange; carrot, and apple; carrot, celery, and ginger root.

Nutritional Supplementation: The following nutrients are recommended to give your immune system a lift: Vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, and zinc lozenges. If you are taking antibiotics, supplements such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacteria and garlic clove capsules can add an extra boost.

Alternative Professional Treatment

If your symptoms persist despite following the steps listed above, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following professional therapies have all proven useful for treating tonsillitis: Acupuncture, Detoxification Treatment, Homeopathy (particularly the specific Homeopathies available from Germany), Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Nerve Organs Therapy, Osteopathy, Oxygen Treatment, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. (See References for explanations of these alternative therapies.)