Inflamed tonsils, also known as tonsillitis, is a condition in which your tonsils -- lymph nodes in the back of your mouth -- become swollen. PubMed Health states that your tonsils help clear bacteria and other microorganisms and help reduce your likelihood of developing infections. Strep throat is one possible cause of inflamed tonsils. Some herbal remedies have historically been used in treating inflamed tonsils, although you should discuss the safety and effectiveness of herbs with your doctor before using them.
Inflamed Tonsils
Inflamed tonsils may be caused by viral or bacterial infections, although viral infections are more common. The National Health Service of the United Kingdom states that tonsillitis may spread between people via hand contact or breathing in airborne droplets after an infected person has sneezed. Common signs and symptoms of this condition include ear pain, swallowing problems, fever, chills, headache, sore throat, jaw and throat tenderness and loss of voice. With appropriate treatment, your symptoms may improve within 2 to 3 days.
Useful Herbal Remedies
Useful herbal remedies for inflamed tonsils should help soothe your irritated tissues and possess antiseptic action. In "Therapeutic Herb Manual," master herbalist Ed Smith notes that the following herbal remedies may be helpful in treating your inflamed tonsils, especially when used together as an herbal throat spray: echinacea root, propolis resin, hyssop leaf and flower, sage leaf and fresh St. John's wort flower and bud. This herbal formula may possess antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory action and may a helpful adjunct therapy for tonsillitis, infected sore throat, pharyngitis and laryngitis.
A Helpful Botanical
Leaves from the sage plant are a helpful botanical remedy in the treatment of inflamed tonsils. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," notes that sage leaf has historically been used in treating mouth and throat conditions, including tonsillitis. This herb, also known as Salvia officinalis, may also help with treating night sweats, hot flashes and intestinal gas. Although sage may also treat inflamed tonsils, more scientific research may be required to explain its beneficial health effects.
Warning
Herbal remedies should always be used conservatively and under the guidance of a skilled health care professional, such as an herbalist, naturopathic physician or a medical doctor trained in herbal medicine. Possible health complications associated with tonsillitis include kidney failure, dehydration, rheumatic fever and several other serious conditions. If you develop the symptoms of tonsillitis, contact your family doctor as soon as possible to receive the proper care this condition warrants.
References
- PubMed Health: Tonsillitis
- National Health Service: Tonsillitis
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
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