How to Heal a Sore Tonsil

The tonsils are fleshy pads, at the back of the throat, that act as part of the immune system. The tonsils act as filters, stopping debris and bacteria from getting further down the throat. Sore tonsils are usually caused by a viral infection, like the flu, or a bacterial infection, like strep. Environmental irritants, like smoking, can also cause tonsil pain. If the infection is viral, it needs to run its course. If it is bacterial, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Whether the pain is viral, bacterial or environmental, there are things you can do to help speed the healing process.

Things You'll Need

• Sea salt
• Peroxide
• Menthol cough drop or throat lozenge
• Honey
• Lemon Juice
• Eucalyptus Oil

Instructions

Salt Water and Peroxide Gargle

1. Add 1/4 tsp. of sea salt to a ceramic or heat-safe cup.

2. Add 1 tsp. of peroxide to the salt. Mix the salt and peroxide together.

3. Add 8 oz. warm tap water to the salt and peroxide mixture. Do not use boiling hot water. Mix until the salt dissolves.

4. Gargle 1/3 to 1/2 the mixture for 30 seconds. Spit and gargle the next third. Continue gargling until the mixture is gone. The mixture may cause foaming in the mouth and throat. Spit the foam into the sink.

5. Repeat every four hours.

Hot Mentholated Lemon and Honey

1. Put one mentholated cough drop in a ceramic or heat-safe cup.

2. Pour enough boiling water, in the cup, to cover the cough drop. Stir until the cough drop melts. Add more boiling water if necessary.

3. Add 2 tsp. of honey and 1 tsp. of lemon juice to the cough drop mixture.

4. Add four more ounces of boiling water to the lemon, honey and cough drop mixture.

5. Let the mixture cool to a comfortable temperature and sip it. Repeat every two-to-four hours.

Eucalyptus Steam

1. Fill a ceramic bowl with boiling water.

2. Add ten drops of eucalyptus oil to the water.

3. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl. Inhale the warm, moist air through your mouth and nose. Repeat several times a day, as needed. 

References

• Mayo Clinic: Sore Throat Information
• Mayo Clinic: Tonsillitis Information