How to Naturally Soothe Swollen Tonsils

Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, honey helps reduce throat pain while alleviating that uncomfortable dry feeling.

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Nelton Abdon Ramos Rojas.

Written by Nelton Abdon Ramos Rojas

Last update: 27 May, 2022

Tonsillitis is a condition that’s caused by a virus or bacteria in the throat area. In today’s article we’ll share some natural tips to soothe swollen tonsils that are caused by tonsilitis. We’ll also provide solutions to prevent it happening in the future.

What you need to know about your tonsils and inflammation

Tonsils exist to help defend your body from germs that you may be exposed to in the food you eat or the air you breathe. In addition, they protect you from any objects or organisms that may get in your mouth. When you’re exposed to certain microorganisms or have bad hygiene habits, the tonsils can become inflamed and produce pus to fight the infection.

This is what is called tonsillitis. Children are the most vulnerable ones to this disease, although it can affect anyone at any age.

Some of the symptoms of tonsillitis are the following:

• Trouble swallowing
• Sore throat
• High temperature
• Difficulty breathing
• Pus in the throat
• Earache
• Loss of voice
• Dry mouth
• Swollen glands
• Pain in the jaw area
• Headaches
• General malaise

Remedies to soothe swollen tonsils

Thyme, honey and lemon

For this cure, make a tea.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
• 1 cup of water
• The juice from ½ a lemon
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Preparation

• First, bring the water to a boil and then add the thyme
• Then let the tea steep for five minutes before straining the liquid
• Finally, add the lemon juice and honey, and drink while lukewarm

Baking soda and lemon

You can remove the pus that’s “stuck” to your tonsils and reduce your pain with baking soda.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• The juice from 1 lemon

Preparation

• Mix both ingredients together and gargle three to five times a day.

Figs and honey

This is an excellent remedy for a sore throat, which particularly helps in cases of tonsillitis.

Ingredients

• 3 figs
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• A little water

Preparation

• First peel and dice the figs, and heat them in a little water. After that, add the honey, stirring the mixture well with a wooden spoon.
• When it’s thoroughly mixed in, pour into a glass jar with a tight lid. You can store this in the fridge for up to two weeks.
• Consume one tablespoon on an empty stomach, another in the afternoon, and the last dose at night before going to bed every day for a week.

Milk and clay

Ingredients

• ¼ cup of milk
• 3 tablespoons of clay

Preparation

• First heat the milk and mix in the clay until a smooth paste forms.
• Then soak a cloth in this mixture and apply it to the neck area before it cools.
• Add a towel or woolen blanket to the compress to keep it warm longer.
• Finally, remove the mask when it has cooled. Repeat the treatment every night before going to bed.

Rosemary, white wine, and honey

This recipe helps eliminate the viruses that are affecting your tonsils.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of dried rosemary (45 g)
• 1 cup of white wine (200 ml)
• 1 tablespoon of honey (25 g)

Preparation

• First heat the wine and the rosemary.
• When it boils, remove it from heat and cover for a few minutes.
• Finally, strain the liquid and mix in the honey.
• Gargle with this mixture three times a day.

Water, salt, and lemon

Ingredients

• The juice from ½ a lemon
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• ¼ cup of water

Preparation

• Mix all ingredients and gargle with the liquid. It’s best to use while warm.

Sage and soapwort to soothe swollen tonsils

This mixture of herbs is beneficial for relieving any kind of pain. The two included here have especially useful properties for alleviating sore throats.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of sage
• ½ tablespoon of soapwort
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Preparation

• First bring the water to a boil and add the sage and soapwort simmer for five minutes.
• Then let it steep for an additional 10 minutes, and strain off the liquid. Finally, sweeten it with honey before drinking it as hot as you can stand it.

Radish, pineapple, and garlic

How about a smoothie to treat tonsillitis? You can drink this in the morning on an empty stomach, as often as you like to help reduce inflammation.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe radish
• 3 slices of pineapple
• 2 cloves of garlic
• A little water

Preparation

• First chop the radish and place it in the blender along with the additional ingredients.
• Process thoroughly until you have a homogeneous liquid and drink immediately.

Chamomile and sage to soothe swollen tonsils

Of course, we had to include a remedy that combines two plants with so many medicinal qualities!

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of chamomile flowers
• 1 teaspoon of sage
• A cup of water

Preparation

• First bring the water to a boil and add the chamomile flowers and sage. Simmer for five minutes.
• Then remove from the heat, cover, and allow to steep for an additional 15 minutes.
• Finally, strain the liquid and gargle it while it’s still warm, once every two hours.

Borage and honey to soothe swollen tonsils

Ingredients

• 1 liter of water
• 4 oz of borage
• 2 tablespoons of honey

Preparation

• First bring the water to a boil and add the borage. Cook until the liquid is reduced by one third.
• Strain the remaining liquid and add the honey.
• Gargle with this mixture once every three hours.

A multivitamin smoothie

This beverage will bring relief to your throat. It’s a natural antibiotic that helps fight all types of colds and congestion.

Ingredients

• ½ liter of orange juice
• 4 guava fruits
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1 slice of onion
• 2 tablespoons of honey

Preparation

• Squeeze the orange juice and chop the guavas and garlic.
• Add all ingredients to a blender and process until smooth.
• Drink this beverage immediately.