At some point in life (usually as young people), most of us have experienced the uncomfortable symptoms of strep throat or tonsillitis.

To this day, Doctors are quick to recommend antibiotics or surgery as the standard treatment and the sad part is, that many school-age children have had their 'healthy' tonsils removed unnecessarily without suffering from any inflammation at all.

The first thing to realise is that the tonsils serve an important purpose in the body, otherwise they wouldn't be there.

Tonsils are a pair of specialised lymph nodes located on either side of the throat, just behind and above the tongue. 

Their purpose is to protect you from micro-organisms that can cause infection because the tonsils store white blood cells that "engulf" bad bacteria and viruses as they enter the nose and mouth.

If the bacteria or viruses are particularly overwhelming, the tonsils can react by swelling and becoming inflamed, causing what it is referred to as tonsillitis.

Common symptoms of tonsillitis include:

• Severe sore throat;
• Pain swallowing;
• Excessive headaches;
• Fevers and chills;
• Enlarged or sore glands in the jaw and neck;
• Loss of voice.

What causes tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis usually begins by some type of respiratory infection or virus that is floating around which enters the bronchioles and eventually infects the intestinal tract.

The problem with attacking only the "symptoms" of tonsillitis, is that it overlooks the greater cause which is typically a chaos or overwhelm that is now being allowed to proliferate in the gut.

That's why a combination of remedies should be used, to not only soothe the inflamed area, but also cleanse the digestive tract and rebuild the immune system.

Natural remedies for Tonsillitis 

First of all, it's best to avoid environments or contact with people who are already suffering from symptoms of tonsillitis.

One of the most effective natural remedies is to gargle salty water (make sure you only use unrefined, nature-made salts, such as Celtic Sea Salt or Himalayan Salt - and do this every two hours on the first day, then night and morning each day thereafter until the infection is gone.

Dissolve one teaspoon of good salt into a glass of warm water, gargle for 20-30 seconds and spit it out.

Bed rest is essential for quick and complete healing, so take it easy to allow your body and immune system to devote more energy to warding off the infection.

Our personal view is to avoid antibiotics at all costs, because they tend to change the bacterial environment in the gut. Also, they don't actually kill viral infections, instead they ultimately kill immune function and lead to 'superbugs'. 

Self Care tips for healing Tonsillitis:

• Drink two tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice mixed with a mug of cup of water and raw honey to soothe and heal throat soreness;
• Drink plenty of clean water each day to help flush out toxins in the body;
• Have gravity flow colonics or administer enemas morning and night to cleanse the digestive tract.  A Bentonite Clay, Psyllium Husk & Flaxseed natural fibre Colon Cleanse is also another powerful option;
• Use a vaporiser or diffuser at night time with essential oils such as Eucalyptus and Tea Tree (particularly during colder months);
• Limit processed meats and dairy in the diet, as well as refined sugars, vegetable oils and grains;
• Regularly eat vegetable soups and broths and drink herbal teas;
• Boost your intake of vitamin C rich foods such as citrus fruits which fight inflammation;
• Include plenty of good fats in your diet, such as cold-pressed plant oils including, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Almond Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Macadamia Oil and use Raw Coconut Oil for frying and baking due to it's natural high heat point;
• Eat 1 tablespoon of raw organic honey each day. Raw honey has been known for centuries for it's antibacterial and antiviral properties and is a natural respiratory medication;
• Soak in hot baths for at least 30 minutes each day that includes various bath salts, including pure Epsom Salts and Essential Oils;
• Have a 30-45 minute infra-red sauna or steam room at least every couple of days;
• In cases of a fever, stay at home and wear cotton socks dipped in cool vinegar water (equal parts vinegar and water). Renew every half hour;
• If the tonsils are excessively swollen, melt a couple of ice-cubes in the mouth to help soothe throughout the day;
• Massage essential oils topically to the external throat area. We recommend Golden Relief and Frankincense, including on the toes, balls of the feet and thumbs.

Another very beneficial protocol for healing tonsillitis is to fast on cold pressed fresh fruit and vegetable juices for several days at a time. Not only does this bring a flood Vitamin C and other anti-inflammatory nutrients into the cells, but it also takes stress off the digestive system, allowing the immune system to strengthen, promoting faster healing.

Products available in our store that can help reduce inflammation and support healing strep throat and tonsillitis, include Colloidal Silver, Nature's Silver Bullet, Congest Ease and Internal House Cleanse Throat Spray.

The Main Takeaway

Realise that by surgically removing the tonsils, you're removing one of the body's most intelligent defence mechanisms against foreign infection and viral overwhelm.

If it's too late and the tonsils have already been removed, the good news is that by embracing the tips and principles shared here, other inflammatory problems can be avoided, and in fact, it's even possible that the tonsils may grow back.

The main takeaway is that the tonsils are an important part of the anatomy and have a key role to play in protecting you from bacterial and viral intrusions. 

Rather than rush to have tonsils removed, try the self care approach first and you may be surprised at how quickly this can alleviate inflammation and discomfort. It's always best to think twice before removing a body part that has a purpose.

Tolman Self Care.