Not Medical Advice: Swollen tonsils are due to bacterial and viral infections like cold, strep throat, measles, herpes simplex virus etc. On a doctor’s visit for swollen tonsils, you may be administered antibiotic prescriptions if the infection is bacterial.
But there are also some home remedies that can help ease the discomfort of swollen tonsils and can get you feeling better. Here are some:
Saline Water Solution for Gargling
Warm saline water is an excellent soother for enlarged tonsils. Gargle at least 3-4 times a day to soothe the irritated throat.
This works by virtue of salt, which can help fight bacteria and warm water improvises the blood circulation to accelerate healing around the infected area.
A Mixture of Water and Orange Juice
For the gagging and swollen tonsils add one part of water and three parts of orange juice and have it warm every day until the symptoms subside. Orange juice is great source of Vitamin C which helps boost immunity to fight infection in tonsils. At the same time water can keep you hydrated sufficiently to flush the infection off the body.
Combination of Pepper, Dried Ginger, and Dried Basil Leaves
Prepare and consume this concoction by adding a little cayenne pepper, a piece of crushed ginger and a few basil leaves to get a soothing relief from the pain in throat. Ginger is very effective in fighting infection due to its action against inflammations. At the same time Vitamin C present in pepper boosts immunity against the tonsil infections. Basil leaves act as anti-biotic against bacteria.
A wide variety of viruses and bacteria can cause tonsillitis, so the best prevention is to follow basic health and hygiene precautions. Check out some tonsillitis prevention steps (especially helpful for children) at WebMD.