Health Conditions from A to Z

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is a short-lasting infection of the tonsils. It mainly occurs in childhood, although it can also occur in adulthood. usually caused by Streptococcal organisms and less commonly viral.

Symptoms
Symptoms of tonsillitis include swelling and pain in the neck, pain in the throat, painful swallowing, and pain that radiates to the ears. Other symptoms can include high fever, abscesses on the tonsils, temporary hearing loss, headache, hoarseness, coughing, vomiting, and general ill feelings and fatigue.

Cause
Tonsillitis is caused either by Streptococcal bacteria or, less commonly, viral infections. For safety sake, throat cultures are necessary to rule out strep throat and family members may also need to be tested, as they may be carriers and need to be treated along with the infected individual.

Self-Care Tips

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

Diet
Drink lots of fluids, especially pure filtered water, diluted fresh organic vegetable juices, warm broths, and light soups. To relieve pain, take two tablespoons each of honey with a squeeze of warm lemon juice and sip slowly. If you are taking antibiotics, also eat plain, organic yogurt with live cultures to protect healthy intestinal flora.

Fasting
A pure water or diluted juice fast for the first 48 hours of symptoms can often speed healing.

Flower Essences
Take Rescue Remedy for accompanying stress.

Herbs
Combine the tinctures of cleavers and echinacea in equal parts and take one teaspoon of this mixture three times a day. As an alternative, you can also drink a hot infusion made from equal parts of dried elder flower, yarrow, and peppermint throughout the day.

Homeopathy
Belladonna, Merc sol., Phytolacca, Lachesis, and Aconite are helpful homeopathic remedies.

Hydrotherapy
Apply a hot compress to your neck and throat. To further relieve symptoms, you can also gargle with hot water.

Juice Therapy
The following juice combinations can be helpful carrot, beet, and tomato; carrot, pineapple; carrot, orange; carrot, apple; and carrot, celery, and ginger.

Nutritional Supplementation
The following nutrients are recommended Vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, and zinc lozenges. If you are taking antibiotics, also supplement with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria. Garlic capsules can also be helpful.

Caution

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