Reflecting on Fleur Hupston’s Natural News article about Tonsillitis
What are tonsils and adenoids?
You can see the enlarged tonsils here, sit in the back of the throat. these usually two small masses of lymphoid tissue in the throat, one on each side of the root of the tongue, that produce lymphocytes to help fight infection.
Since the beginning of the 20th century through the 1960s, physicians removed inflamed tonsils as a matter of course. The typical ‘cut’ it out if something does not appear normal.
The adenoids, also of lymphoid tissue, lies in the back of the nose and is part of the Waldeyer’s ring in the human body, a ring of glandular tissue that encircles the back of the throat. While tonsils are easily seen by looking into the mouth, the placement of the adenoids makes viewing them more difficult. they are located high in the throat, just behind the nose and roof of the mouth (soft palate).
We are told that the body, our tonsils and adenoids cannot handle the amount of bacteria and virus in circulation today. We do not really know if these tissues may also be that these organs are relatively more important in dealing with certain types of infections, such as worms or other parasites. As mentioned, the tonsils may commonly become inflamed in childhood during times of illness which tells us the immune system is working. Generally, doctors will immediately prescribe antibiotics to treat the condition or recommend that the tonsils get removed to cure recurrent bouts of tonsillitis. Alternative remedies may be used to assist the body to heal.Homeopathic Remedies for TonsillitisFleur tells us that we may use belladonna, Calc. Phos, Hepar sulph, Kali bich and Kali mur for cases of acute or chronic tonsillitis.in the case of sore throat or chronic enlargement, we may look at Lycopodium, especially when the child is obstinate, demanding, and a very unhappy sick child.The gland remedy, Phytolacca, helps when the pain extends to the ears and has a strong relationship to the glands. We use it for mastitis, but can also be used for the throat, when it is inflamed like mumps and tonsillitis. Breathing feels difficult, restricted, and oppressed, with a sense of suffocation and emptiness in the chest.Kali muriaticum corresponds to the second stage of inflammations and is well known as a Schuessler Cell Salt; and cleans up from the leucocytes.
Natrum phos can be a good follow up remedy if leucocytes remain after the white exudates from the tonsils remain. Kali mur can be used for croup, diptheria, dysentery, and lymph disorders and also due to viruses and side effects from vaccinations.
Guaiacum goes hand in hand with phytolacca as another glandular remedy. when the tonsils are deep red, have soreness, difficulty swallowing due to swelling, and constantly clearing the throat from the phlegm. Guaiacus relates more the the right-sided swollen throat that feels dry, raw and aching.
One of our stand-bys, Hepar sulphurius calcarea, for infection comes to the rescue for glandular swelling, discharging eruptions and pain due to abscess. these folks are hypersensitive to wind and the open window. Other Remedies for TonsillitisMy favorite drinks for sore throat consist of tea with lemon, or good old chicken soup with the kitchen sink thrown in, that includes, garlic, astragalus, tumeric and any other healing herb like parsley and parsnip.
Everyone these days knows that echinacea, garlic, myrrh, sage and wild indigo boost the immune system. But not many realize limeflowers, chamomile, elderflowers and yarrow can reduce fever.
Echinacea purpurea comes in many forms, including tincture or tablets. Speak to your physician about taking this for a short time and whether it is okay for children.Zinc Echinacea Lozenges
A study showing that Zinc lozenges can cut the duration of cold symptoms in half was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo study, conducted at the Detroit Medical Center in Michigan and published in Annals of Internal Medicine, tested zinc lozenges containing 12.8 mg of zinc against a placebo. 25 cold sufferers were treated with the zinc lozenges, 23 received placebo lozenges. The results were: The zinc lozenges group had a shorter average duration of cold symptoms. Average for the zinc lozenges group was 4.5 days – the placebo group’s colds lasted 8.1 days on average.
Duration of coughs was reduced from 6.3 days for the placebo group to 3.1 days for those using zinc lozenges.
Duration of nasal discharge was 5.8 days for the placebo group, 4.1 days for those using zinc lozenges.
Severity of all of these symptoms was reduced for those using zinc lozenges. “Administration of zinc lozenges was associated with reduced duration and severity of cold symptoms, especially cough,” state the authors of the study headed by A.S. Prasad of Wayne State University.
Gargling With Salt Water
Don’t forget to irrigate. just like using the neti pot, gargling with warm salt water can be very comforting. That’s probably why the chicken soup feels so good. But, when you have swollen glands and it is impossible to swallow, those homeopathic remedies must be well selected.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) can be found both as a tea and taken as an extract, 250 – 500 mg daily, for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune effects.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has antiviral properties. People who take anticoagulants (blood-thinners), diuretics (water pills), medication for high blood pressure, or medication to lower blood sugar should not take astragalus without talking to their doctor first.
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), from 15 – 30mL of unsweetened 100% cranberry juice each day or one to five 300 – 400mg capsules of juice extract two times per day 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Cranberry appears to have antiviral properties and is often suggested for urinary tract infections.
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