Thursday, August 13, 2009

Treat Tonsillitis With Alternative Remedies

Tonsillitis is a condition that is characterized by the inflammation of the tonsils, which are located on the left and right sides of the back of your throat. Common symptoms related to tonsillitis are persistent sore throat, pain experienced when swallowing, swollen lymph nodes, congestion in the nasal area, headache and fever. Causes of tonsillitis include viral or bacterial infection, allergies and straining the voice. If you are prone to getting this condition, your doctor may suggest the use of antibiotics or may even recommend that your tonsils be surgically removed, if your case is more chronic. You may also want to give some alternative remedies your consideration.


Instructions


1. Take pau d'arco, which is extracted from the bark of the Tabebula avellanedae tree in Brazil, for its antibiotic properties. Drinking pau d'arco tea or taking it in capsule form will help to get rid of infection. Do not take this herb without speaking to your doctor, if you are suffering from a serious illness or are presently on anti-platelet and anticoagulant medications. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not take pau d'arco.








2. Try taking 1/2 tsp. of echinacea tincture every four hours to relieve your symptoms. This should only be done for short term, until you experience some degree of relief. You can also drink it in tea form. Echinacea is extracted from a tall-stemmed plant, originally used by Native Americans to treat various health problems. It is a popular herb, commonly used to help bolster immunity. You should avoid echinacea, if you are about to have an organ transplant or have HIV/AIDS, diabetes, liver disease multiple sclerosis or tuberculosis. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking prescription medications, do not take echinacea without consulting your doctor.


3. Gargle with saltwater. Add 2 tsp. of salt into a glass of warm water. Gargling with this solution, while the water is still warm, will relieve the pain of tonsillitis.








4. Ease inflammation with flaxseed oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in reducing inflammation. Flaxseed oil is extracted from the flax plant and can be found in both capsule or liquid form. Speak with your doctor before taking flaxseed oil, if you are on non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, blood thinners, or statin drugs, to make certain there are no interactions.


5. Drink liquids continuously. This includes water, vegetable juices, tea, and broth, all of which can be beneficial. Do not drink acidic drinks when you have tonsillitis, as it may worsen your symptoms.


6. Take a break from talking. It is important that you rest your throat during your recovery time.

Tags: your doctor, extracted from, arco taking, pregnant breastfeeding, your symptoms