Tonsils are a pair of lymph nodes located at the back of throat. They are part of lymphatic system and serves as body's first line defence system in children. The principle function of tonsils is to clear away the infection by trapping the microbes entering the mouth. Tonsillitis is the condition in which tonsils are enlarged due to infections with bacteria or viruses.

Any of the symptoms including sore throat, bad breath, fever, chills headache, neck and jaw tenderness and painful swallowing may indicate that the tonsils are infected. It is best to try to solve tonsillitis naturally than with a surgery.

Quick natural remedies to help alleviate painful tonsillitis are:

• Gargle twice ( morning and at bed time) with plain salt water
• Drink boiled tulsi water mixed with lemon juice, a tablespoon of honey and 2 grams of black pepper two to three times a day.
• Drink warm water mixed with a teaspoon cinnamon powder and two teaspoons of honey twice o thrice a day, for a week.
• Gargling with warm water mixed with 1/2 teaspoon turmeric and 1/2 teaspoon salt in the morning and evening particularly before going to bed helps.
• Gargle with fenugreek water. This water is prepared by boiling three cups of water with two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds for 30 minutes and allow it to cool before using.
• Cinnamon, fenugreek, turmeric and tulsi (Holy Basil) possess anti-microbial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and antiviral properties, respectively and will relieve pain and inflammation.
• Gargling with onion juice works as best anti-inflammatory remedy.

You should not wait further if the symptoms don't subside after trying home remedies. A quick consultation with an experienced ENT specialist like Dr. Kalyan Chakravarthy, at BSR ENT Hospital may help. Persisting symptoms may indicate chronic condition or indicate other problems that must be investigated by an ENT specialist or a physician. Call 040-27848166 / 9059311554 for an appointment at BSR Hospital at Secunderabad.