The Ultimate Guide to Healing Throat & Tonsil Infections Naturally

(Even Strep and Tonsillitis!)

Please note that I am not qualified as a medical professional. I am simply recounting and sharing my own experiences on this website. Nothing I express here should be taken as medical advice and you should consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.

I am no stranger to throat and tonsil infections. Over my lifetime, I have had far too many throat and tonsil infections to count. I have had strep throat numerous times and I had chronic tonsillitis in my early thirties. In fact, I fell ill with tonsillitis so often that I had my tonsils removed. Having chronic tonsillitis is painful enough, but having your tonsils removed in your early thirties is absolutely horrific!

In any case, I had always taken antibiotics to rid myself of throat and tonsil infections in the past. In fact, most people think that taking antibiotics is the ONLY way to rid yourself of these infections. This way of thinking about antibiotics cost me a trip to the emergency room with a horrible reaction to an antibiotic.

The truth is that antibiotics are entirely overused and are NOT the only way to rid a person of a throat or tonsil infection. In reality, taking antibiotics might possibly do more damage than good.

That is why, when I recently became ill with yet another sore throat that clearly resembled strep throat, I was determined to treat it naturally. My goal was to avoid antibiotics (and the ER) and to ONLY use the traditional method of antibiotic treatment if I was unsuccessful in treating my illness naturally. I am overjoyed to say, I was successful in treating myself!

Why Use Natural Home Remedies?

For starters, home remedies are non-toxic and they are relatively easy to use. Also, if you treat yourself at home, you save time by not having to make a doctor visit.

“Home remedies work with your immune system, rather than suppressing it.”
– Sarah Pope

The goal of home remedies is NOT to stop the symptoms, but to reduce their severity. Home remedies honor what the body is trying to accomplish and facilitate the healing process, without complications. Often times, it is best to let the illness run its course.

Antibiotics, on the other hand, contain many toxic ingredients. By definition, antibiotics are chemical compounds with antibacterial properties. A look at the package insert shows that the following ingredients may be in a capsule, tablet or liquid dosage.

1. Aluminum Oxides

Aluminum Oxides (A.K.A. Alumina) are added to most antibiotics to enhance the body’s response to the antibiotic and to help it work better. On one hand, aluminum is present in nature as various minerals and is said to be harmless when swallowed because the body doesn’t absorb it well.

On the other hand, the FDA and the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) claim that aluminum builds up in the bones and brain and can be toxic if more than the maximum required dose (of up to 5 mcg per kilogram of weight), is administered.

Aluminum can cause eye irritation, upper respiratory tract irritation, harm to the central nervous system and neurological harm, including cognitive impairment in healthy adults. Aluminum overdose can be fatal in patients with weak kidneys or kidney disorders or in premature babies.

2. Corn starch

Corn starch is a highly processed white powder, or starch, that is derived from corn. It is a carbohydrate additive in many processed foods to thicken them. Since there is no other nutritional value (i.e. no protein, fat, fiber, vitamins or minerals), it essentially adds empty calories to your food, all while raising your insulin levels and can lead to weight gain. In addition, most of the corn grown today is genetically modified (GM) and is full of pesticides. If you are concerned about avoiding genetically modified foods, it would be best to avoid corn starch.

3. Maltodextrin

Maltodextrin is a common additive in many processed foods. It’s a highly processed white powder made from corn, rice, potato starch or wheat. It is also high on the glycemic index, meaning that it will raise your blood sugar and insulin levels and can lead to weight gain. It is added to antibiotics to increase their shelf life.

You might want to avoid antibiotics with maltodextrin in them, since a 2012 study found that it can suppress the growth of beneficial probiotics in your digestive system, damaging your gut bacteria and making you more susceptible to disease. It can also increase the growth harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, associated with autoimmune disorders.

4. Polyethylene Glycol 400

Polyethylene Glycol 400 (PEG) is used as a thickener, solvent, softener and moisture-carrier in many products. It is often contaminated with ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen, and 1,4-Dioxane, which causes respiratory problems.

5. Polysorbate 80

Polysorbate 80 (A.K.A. Alkest, Canarcel and Tween 80) is an emulsifier used to keep all of the ingredients evenly incorporated into the solution. It assists in the delivery of compounds in the antibiotic across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). It is often contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, a carcinogenic by-product.

After injection, it can quickly break down into sorbitol and ethylene oxide. The sorbitol may increase the risk of diabetes as well as cell death, mitochondrial failure and DNA fragmentation. The Hazardous Substances Data Bank of the U.S. National Library of Medicine warns that sorbitol “is not to be injected.” When combined with polymyxin B, risks to infants increase and may cause hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis. A 1993 Slovakian study suggests that it might also cause infertility.

6. Propylene Glycol

Propylene Glycol (propane-1,2-diol), although found in nature as a byproduct of fermentation, is most often created as a byproduct of oil refining or natural gas processing in a highly chemical process. This compound is found in thousands of products, ranging from antifreeze to flavored iced coffees. It is added to antibiotics to help your body absorb the chemicals more efficiently.

Although it is considered generally safe, extensive human-based research on its safety is lacking. It is known to cause skin irritations and allergic reactions in some people and may be toxic to kidneys and the liver. What’s more alarming, though, is that constant exposure to propylene glycol may allow the body to absorb other unwanted chemicals into the bloodstream, since it increases your skin’s tendency to absorb whatever it comes into contact with.

7. Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose

Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (A.K.A. Cellulose Gum or CMC) is a type of stabilizer and thickener. The FDA classified it as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance, even though it has been shown to cause reproductive disorders, tumor growth and inflammation in various laboratory animals.

8. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant, detergent and emulsifier that is often contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, a carcinogenic by-product. Nearly 16,000 studies have been done on SLS, showing that it causes skin and eye irritation, organ toxicity, developmental and reproductive damage, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption and cancer, among other things. When swallowed, it often leads to nausea and diarrhea. More research is needed to know what the long-term, cumulative effects are of repeated exposure to this chemical.

9. Synthetic dyes

Synthetic dyes (such as Blue No. 1, Yellow No.10, Red No. 40, etc.) are inactive, non-medicinal ingredients made from petroleum. Adding them to antibiotics serves no clinical function, other than to make them more appealing to consumers.

Synthetic dyes can cause allergic reactions in some people and hyperactivity in children. These dyes have also been shown to cause tumors in mice and lowered reproductive success rates in rats. Although they are considered probable carcinogens, more human-based research is needed on its safety. For example, Blue No. 1 has been shown to cross the blood brain barrier, but no one knows, yet, what it does when it gets there!

10. Titanium Dioxide

Titanium Dioxide (E171) acts as a semiconductor with antibacterial properties, when exposed to UV light. Nanoparticles have been specifically proven to be effective when dealing with multidrug resistant (MDR) genes in bacteria, as well as superbugs (bacteria resistant to nearly all antibiotics).

However, ingesting this naturally occurring mineral, especially in its nanoparticle form, could be toxic to your system. Research shows that ingesting nanoparticles of titanium dioxide has been linked to immune system disorders, leaky gut, inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), neurological dysfunction and cancer.

I, for one, had no idea that these chemicals were included in a dosage of antibiotics until I looked at the package insert recently! It was extremely shocking. I have taken antibiotics countless times and never questioned what was in a dosage. I wrongly assumed that a dosage just included the antidote to my illness and never considered that it was laden with harmful chemicals that might actually cause more harm than good, nonetheless.

Under certain circumstances, the benefits might outweigh the costs of taking these drugs. However, trying natural remedies first, might save you from having to even go down the prescribed antibiotic route. Perhaps, by avoiding antibiotics most of the time, your body will be healthier and more responsive to them when you need it most, thereby reducing your exposure to these harmful chemicals.

Do I Have A Common Sore Throat, Strep Throat or Tonsillitis?

A sore throat generally occurs as part of the body’s immune system response to a viral or bacterial infection. This natural response leads to inflammation and swelling of the mucus membranes in the throat. But how do you know whether you have just a sore throat associated with a common cold or if it is more serious, such as strep throat or tonsillitis?

Sore Throat

A simple sore throat is usually caused by a virus accompanied by a cold. Dry air and irritants, such as pollution, smoke and allergies, may also induce a sore throat. Although it can be quite painful, is not as painful as strep throat or tonsillitis.

Sore throats generally go away on their own. They may also be accompanied with the following symptoms:

Runny nose,
Watery eyes,
Cough,
Sneezing,
Post-nasal drip and
A low fever, below 101⁰F

Swollen lymph nodes under the chin and at the front of the neck could indicate any kind of infection. For example, a sore throat could accompany an ear infection or a sinus infection.

Strep Throat

Strep throat, on the other hand, is always caused by the Group A Streptococcus bacteria (“group A strep”), which infects the throat and the tonsils. Signs you may have strep throat include:

Sore throat with difficulty swallowing,
White patches or pus pockets on the tonsils and throat,
Red and swollen tonsils,
Swollen or tender lymph nodes in the neck,
Fever of up to 101⁰F to 102⁰F,
Headache and body aches and
Dark red splotches or spots on the roof of the mouth.

Scarlet fever may occur. However, this is nothing more than strep throat accompanied by a rash. In fact, the treatment of a person with scarlet fever is no different than that of a simple strep throat.

Tonsillitis

Many of the symptoms of tonsillitis are the same as with strep throat. For example:

Sore, scratchy throat with difficulty swallowing,
White or yellow patches or pus pockets on swollen tonsils and throat,
Red and swollen tonsils,
Swollen or tender lymph nodes in the neck,
Fever of up to 101⁰F to 102⁰F,
Bad breath,
Cough,
Headache and
Feeling tired or fatigued.

However, tonsillitis may have many causes, most of which are non-bacterial, meaning antibiotics will not help. I find this especially interesting, since I was prescribed antibiotics every time I had tonsillitis.

How Is Strep Throat & Tonsillitis Spread?

Strep throat is spread through person to person contact, especially when mucus droplets from the mouth are spread through kissing. It can also be spread through indirect contact by sharing utensils and cups.

Tonsillitis is spread through inhaling respiratory droplets generated from someone else’s cough or sneeze, as well as coming into contact with a contaminated object. Although tonsillitis most commonly occurs in children and teenagers, it can really affect people at any age that are exposed to the germs that cause tonsillitis.

How Long Am I Contagious?

If you do not get antibiotics, your strep infection will be contagious for two to three weeks after the infection. Once you start taking antibiotics, your potential to infect others disappears after 24 hours.

With tonsillitis, you may be contagious 24 to 48 hours before you begin showing symptoms. You may continue to be contagious until your symptoms go away.

The CDC recommends people stay home until their fever is gone or they have been taking antibiotics for at least 24 hours.

There have been no tests done on the contagiousness of people taking homeopathic medicines that I can find. It seems you would be contagious until your symptoms go away, which would be for only 2 to 3 days, if the proper medicine has been administered. But I am not doctor, nor have I done any testing.

How Long Does Strep Throat or Tonsillitis Last?

After being infected, it usually takes two to five days to start seeing symptoms appear. Without antibiotic treatment, throat or tonsil infections can last for 10 to 12 days. With antibiotic treatment, the infection is likely to get better within 3 to 5 days of starting treatment.

Homeopathic treatments are also very effective in treating these types of infections. If the proper treatment has been identified, the person should start to feel better after just a few doses on the first day. Treatment generally is only continued for 2 to 3 days, at which time the infection should be significantly better or even gone.

What Are the Side Effects of Taking Antibiotics?

The most common way to treat throat and tonsil infections is to take antibiotics, as in penicillin or amoxicillin. You are pretty much guaranteed a prescription if you head into your doctor’s office with a sore throat.

How I Ended Up In The ER

When I last had strep throat and was prescribed antibiotics, I subsequently experienced tightness in the chest, shortness of breath and severe weakness. I had difficulty just walking around my house, let alone climbing stairs. What was even more alarming was when my hands and feet started swelling.

When I returned to the doctor’s office concerned, my doctor caused even more fear in me when he informed me that I had gained 16 pounds in one week! He claimed he had no idea why I had these symptoms and rushed me off to the emergency room for testing.

As I stated earlier, I was no stranger to taking antibiotics or to having throat and tonsil infections. So, this was not my first rodeo. I was well aware of how to take antibiotics properly, with food, until the prescription was gone. And until this time, I had NEVER had a reaction of any kind. So my symptoms came as a shock to me. The last thing I thought of was that I was having a bad reaction to a drug I had taken countless times.

The Outcome

After having the whole gamut of tests run, the ER doctor returned only to tell me that I was completely healthy. He had no idea what was wrong with me. I had just retained a bunch of water. He sent me home with a prescription for a pill to reduce my water retention.

I was dazed and confused, to say the least. I wasn’t really sure what had just happened. It was at this point that I finally looked at the side effects of the antibiotic that I had taken. ALL of my symptoms were listed!

I was furious! How could neither doctor have considered that I was simply experiencing side effects to an antibiotic? And how could I have missed this? I wasn’t sure if the doctors purposely avoided this issue or if they were really that clueless. Either way, this mishap cost me thousands of dollars in hospital and doctor bills.

I was so distraught over this experience that I threw the prescription for reducing water retention in the trash. I wasn’t going to take a different prescribed pill to combat the ill effects of the last one. Instead, I used natural diuretics and shed the water weight myself within a week.

The antibiotic that caused my side effects was cephalexin. It is a stronger antibiotic than penicillin or amoxicillin. But since I had taken antibiotics so frequently in the past, these other antibiotics no longer worked for me.

Other Side Effects

As it turns out, about 5%-10% of people experience mild side effects, such as headache, nasal congestion, low-grade fever, sore throat, or muscle cramps. Some individuals may also experience short term side effects, including dizziness, nausea, and/or soreness or a mild rash at the injection site.

Many antibiotics also cause mild stomach upset, such as cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Before taking any antibiotics, you really should read the package insert and be aware of what side effects are possible, even if you’ve taken them before. It is also recommended that you refer to the package insert if you experience any side effects and bring this to your doctor’s attention.

How Effective Are Antibiotics?

Antibiotics, also known as antibacterials, are only effective when used to combat bacterial infections. But how effective are they, really?

Research shows that taking antibiotics only reduces the length of the illness by a half a day! And antibiotics don’t seem to affect time taken off for work or school at all.

Penicillin, the first natural antibiotic, was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928. Even he predicted the rise of antibiotic resistance that we are seeing today. In his 1945 Nobel Prize acceptance speech, Fleming said,

“Then, there is the danger that the ignorant man may easily underdose himself and, by exposing his microbes to the non-lethal quantities of the drug, make them resistant.”

As predicted, the widespread overuse of antibiotics has encouraged many of the infectious bacteria to mutate and adapt to the antibiotics used to kill them, causing a growing number of the bacteria to become antibiotic-resistant superbugs or microbes and, thereby, less effective.

By incorrectly taking antibiotics for a viral infection or by taking antibiotics that are not suited for the bacteria infection at hand, the antibiotics prescribed will only kill the weak, sensitive bacteria, leaving the strong, resistant bacteria to survive.

Consequently, it is estimated that at least 2 million Americans become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, annually, and at least 23,000 people die as a direct result of those infections. Most notably, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRSA), Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), Clostridium difficile (D. Difficile) and gonorrhea bacteria are the most disturbing resistant bacteria known today.

How Do Antibiotics Work?

Antibiotics work by either stopping bacteria from reproducing (bactericidal) or by destroying them (bacteriostatic).

However, research is also showing that those antibiotics also actually kill the “good” bacteria that reduce infection and inflammation in the body that are already effective in maintaining immune cells and killing the “bad” bacteria. In fact, it was found that white blood cells were naturally very effective in reducing infection and unwanted inflammation and that antibiotics can prevent this natural process.

“We have good bacteria doing good work every day. Why kill them? As is the case with many infections, if you leave them alone, they will leave on their own.”
– Pushpa Pandiyan, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, School of Dental Medicine

Pandiyan agrees that “antibiotics are still needed for life-threatening infections,” but states that we should not “meddle” with our bodies natural defenses. By doing so, we may actually weaken our “immune memory,” leaving ourselves susceptible to reinfection with the same pathogen.

Two-Immune Systems

Did you know that we have two immune systems?

The cell-mediated immune system is responsible for eliminating intracellular (inside the cell) organisms.
The humoral immune system is responsible for producing antibodies that target extracellular (outside the cell) infecting agents or foreign proteins.

In a normal situation, our cell-mediated immune system produces white blood cells that essentially digest and then excrete cells that are dead and infected with a virus or bacteria. During this time, we feel sick (i.e. fever, rash, cough, mucus, etc.).

These sick feelings are not caused by the virus or bacteria, but by the body’s response to the virus or bacteria. In fact, the best traditional remedy for treating a sore throat is a fever. Therefore, the severity of any particular sickness we have is a function of how many cells are infected and the strength of our cell-mediated response.

The humoral immune system, by contrast, targets extracellular (outside the cell) infecting agents or foreign proteins and produces antibodies to REMEMBER what happened so our cells don’t get infected with the same pathogen again. Whether we repeatedly get sick is related to whether we can make an effective antibody response.

Effect of Antibiotics

By receiving an antibiotic, we are deliberately trying to bypass the cell-mediated immune system and only provoke a humoral response. This causes a problem in that the antibiotic recipient is left with a humoral immune system that is too strong and cell-mediated immune system that is suppressed, leaving a “weakened immune memory.”

If our cell-mediated immune system is suppressed, we have no way to clear the poisons that we have just been injected with from our tissues. We end up with chronic inflammation, as our bodies struggle to clear these inflammatory toxins (such as aluminum oxides, polysorbate 80, and sodium lauryl sulfate).

In addition, an overactive humoral immune system leaves us with increased susceptibility to chronic disease and often leads to auto-immune disease, where the humoral immune system attacks our own tissues.

As such, antibiotics only treat the symptoms of a problem. They do not strengthen the organism, so that it can fight the infection itself or make the organism less resistant to future infections.

And, given the fact that bacteria are becoming antibiotic-resistant, it is absolutely worth trying home remedies first. You might find you don’t need antibiotics, after all. In addition, your immune memory will grow stronger and you might find yourself getting sick less often or not at all.

How Can I Heal From Throat and Tonsil Infections Naturally?

Although you can take precautions to prevent getting a throat or tonsil infection to begin with, such as avoiding contact with infected people, avoiding touching your face and washing your hands often, you may still find yourself infected from time to time. Lucky for you, there are MANY ways you can support your immune system and heal naturally, without the overuse of antibiotics.

If you do find yourself ill, it goes without saying that you should stay home, reduce the amount of stress you are under and get lots of rest anytime you are sick. I think we also all know that we should continue to wash our hands frequently and avoid sharing utensils, food, cups or drinks with others to avoid spreading the disease.

Whether your illness is minor or on the brink of being major, following are 15 remedies you can try at home to heal from a throat or tonsil infection naturally, without antibiotics.

1. Follow the Homeopathic Protocol

I definitely recommend taking homeopathic medicines. Although a licensed and trained Homeopath should be consulted for chronic, long-term cases, homeopathic medicines can give you some control over your family’s health in acute situations.

Homeopathy works by NOT suppressing symptoms with drugs, but by introducing medicine that might actually CAUSE sore throat conditions in a person to augment the person’s immune and defense system to ignite. The theory is that “like cures like.” No side effects have been reported.

Here is the ultimate homeopathic protocol for treating throat and tonsil infections:

1. Belladonna

At the onset of feeling sick, take Belladonna 30C or Belladonna 200CK every 6 to 8 hours for 2 to 3 days. Stop administering remedies when definite improvement is seen. Another option is to take ThroatCalm. These quick dissolving tablets include a combination of Belladonna 3C, Byronia 3C, and Mercurius Solubilis 4C, among other medicines and may aid a minor sore throat.

2. Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum

If no improvement is seen after 24 hours or it appears symptoms are progressing, stop administering the current medicine and take Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum 30C or Hepar sulphuris calcareum 200CK, instead. Take Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum every 6 to 8 hours for 2 to 3 days. Stop administering remedy when definite improvement is seen.

3. Mercurious Solubilis

However, if you have a bad taste or sores in your mouth and if saliva is copious, take Mercurious Solubilis 30C or Mercurious Solubilis 200CK, instead, every 6 to 8 hours for 2 to 3 days. Stop administering remedy when definite improvement is seen.

4. Sulphur

If none of the three medicines listed above work, the last case scenario is to take Sulphur 30C or Sulphur 200CK. Take the Sulphur every 6 to 8 hours for 2 to 3 days. Stop administering remedy when definite improvement is seen.

If pain is severe, you may add Belladonna 3C, Belladonna 6C or ThroatCalm daily to any of the above remedies.

2. Use Essential Oils

Essential oils can be used to relieve sore throat symptoms, reduce headaches and lower inflammation. See my article on essential oils to learn 9 ways to use them. Following are the 10 best oils for relieving a sore throat.

1. Clove Bud Oil

Clove bud oil is antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Its ability to purify blood aids the body in resisting diseases, including sore throats. It is also used to effectively disinfect household surfaces, which is useful when there is a sickness in the home or office.

2. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil inhibits bacteria and fights infections. It is thought to be a natural antibiotic for several infectious diseases. Its ability to stimulate immunity, provide antioxidant protection and improve respiratory circulation are among its many benefits.

3. Fighting Five Oil

Fighting Five oil is a blend of oils that have antibacterial, anti-infectious, antiviral and antiseptic properties and is known to aid in eliminating symptoms from colds and flu quickly. It can be used to combat chest congestion, stuffy noses, sore throats, and reduce fevers.

4. Hyssop Oil

Hyssop oil has natural antiseptic properties that make it powerful in fighting infections and killing bacteria.

5. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil has antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It relieves stress, fatigue, depression and headaches, while promoting restful sleep.

6. Lemon Oil

Lemon oil has antibacterial properties and helps to clear toxins from the body. It is also able to limit the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains.

7. Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is known to be as effective as antibiotics. It has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-parasitic properties. It relieves sore throats and can combat viruses and infections.

8. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil reduces swelling in the throat. The menthol causes a cooling sensation and a calming effect on the body.

9. Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic. It is often used to treat gum infections and other oral problems.

10. Thyme Oil

Thyme oil is antibacterial and can help fight respiratory infections. In fact, in a 2011 study, it was shown to be extremely effective against several strains of bacteria, including those that are antibiotic-resistant.

3. Soothe with Syrup

Whether your throat is sore due to excessive coughing or it is raw from an infection, syrups that contain raw honey can be very soothing when used to coat the throat. Raw honey helps boost the immune system by raising the level of health-promoting antioxidants in the body. It is no wonder it has been used for centuries.

According to research published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, raw honey’s healing property is partly due to its antibacterial activity. It has been known for some time now that honey is effective in healing wounds, which may also include healing sore throats. One study found that honey was even more effective in aiding a cough than common cold suppressants.

Consider taking Elderberry Syrup, by Honey Gardens, to help boost your immunity and coat your throat. The company also makes a Honey & Lemon Syrup and a Wild Cherry Bark Syrup. I’ve tried all three and they work great!

4. Gargle with Salt Water

Gargling with salt water has long been known to help heal a sore throat. This is mainly because the salt helps reduce swelling in the throat by pulling water out of your throat tissue. In doing this, it may kill unwanted microbes in your throat. It also temporarily increases the pH in your mouth, creating an alkaline environment that makes it difficult for bacteria to survive.

Try adding 1 teaspoon of Himalayan Pink Salt to 1 cup of warm. Stir it well to dissolve. Gargle with a mouthful of this solution one time each hour for 30 seconds. Gargling hourly may help reduce swelling and ease throat discomfort.

For added benefits, consider adding a drop or two of essential oil (listed above) and a ¼ to ½ teaspoon of baking soda to your salt water. Baking soda is a natural disinfectant and, combined with the salt and essential oil, may help prevent the growth of yeast and fungi, as well as kill the bacteria lingering in the throat.

5. Consume Immune-Boosting Tinctures

Tinctures are a key component to traditional herbal medicine that has been around for millennia. In fact, 80% of the world relies on herbal treatments, like tinctures, to treat some of their ailments.

Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid forms of one or more herbs. They are made by soaking herbs (berries, leaves, roots or bark) in alcohol (such as vodka or brandy) or vegetable glycerin for several weeks. By soaking the herbs in the alcohol or vegetable glycerin, the active components of the herbs, such as resins and alkaloids, are extracted, resulting in a strong tonic.

Although this process is actually very easy to do, you need lots of time and foresight to make a tincture. Not to mention, you need to be educated on which herbs should be used, as some are toxic. In addition, some tinctures may cause reactions with other medications you might already be taking.

But generally, herbs must steep in a sealed jar for 3 to 6 weeks and be shaken frequently, if not daily. Once steeped, the herbs must be strained before use. The resulting strong tincture can be consumed in small amounts orally or as a throat spray.

If you are not interested or do not have time to make your own tincture, there are lots of tinctures pre-made for sale at health food stores or online. I use the Kick-Ass Immune tincture by WishGarden Herbs whenever I feel an illness coming. The company also makes a Kick-It Immune for Kids tincture that I give to my children. Both tinctures seem to aid my family’s wellness.

6. Hydrate with Water & Tea

Stay hydrated with filtered and non-fluoridated water. Avoid citrus juices and alcoholic beverages. Citrus juices can irritate the throat and alcohol can dehydrate the body.

Sip warm beverages, such as tea, with honey, raw & unfiltered, lemon and/or slices of ginger. Raw honey can definitely make your beverage taste better and can be useful in soothing a sore throat.

In addition, apple cider vinegar has anti-bacterial properties and may also provide sore throat relief. Sip on 1 cup of warm water mixed with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and an optional 1 tablespoon of honey to treat flu symptoms, coughs and sore throats.

As mentioned above, drinking warm herbal teas can promote healing. Teas not only keep you hydrated, but can soothe a sore throat and are comforting. Following are the 15 best teas for soothing a sore throat.

1. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea or Chamomile with Lavender tea is calming and relaxing and may promote restful sleep. It is loaded with antioxidants and may also help fight infections and reduce sore throat pain.

2. Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon tea is a warming, antioxidant rich spice. It is also provides antibacterial benefits. If you don’t want to buy cinnamon tea, you can add ground cinnamon to your favorite tea or warm water.

3. Echinacea Tea

Echinacea tea has powerful benefits, including its ability to work as an immuno-enhancing herb that can stop the spread of bacterial conditions, like strep throat. Its anti-inflammatory effects will help reduce swelling in the throat and tonsils, as well as relieve pain from sore throats, headaches and body aches.

4. Elderberry Tea

Elderberry tea has antibacterial and antiviral properties. The berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C and B6, as well and potassium and iron. Their claim to fame are their immune-boosting and balancing properties.

5. Ginger Tea

Ginger tea has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can relieve sore throats and can loosen up congestion.

6. Green Tea

Green tea is rich in polyphenols, catechins and flavonoids, which show antioxidant, antimicrobial, alkalizing and immune-stimulating qualities. Catechins inhibit the growth of bacteria and some viruses, such as influenza, and lower the risk of infections.

7. Honey Lemon Throat Comfort Tea

Honey Lemon Throat Comfort tea is a blend of herbs containing licorice root, wild cherry bark, Echinacea root and slippery elm bark, among others.

8. Horehound Tea

Horehound tea has many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has traditionally been used to treat sore throats and colds, as it can reduce mucus buildup.

9. Lemon Tea

Lemon tea is full of vitamin C, which can help reduce the duration and severity of your symptoms. If a warm or hot tea irritates your throat, consider added lemon slices to cold water.

10. Licorice Root Tea

Licorice Root tea has aspirin-like qualities and may help soothe a sore throat.

11. Marshmallow Root Tea

Marshmallow Root tea coats and lubricates the throat when you swallow it.

12. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds that are soothing to the throat. The menthol in peppermint tea is also naturally calming and may numb the throat, helping to relieve pain.

13. Slippery Elm Tea

Slippery Elm tea is similar to marshmallow root, in that it has a mucus like substance in it. It coats and lubricates the throat to soothe it.

14. Throat Coat Tea

Throat Coat tea is a blend of herbs containing licorice root, slippery elm bark and marshmallow root.

15. Turmeric Tea

Turmeric tea may provide relief from sore throat pain, as turmeric has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

7. Use Homemade Throat Spray

Forget the store-bought throat sprays. Make your own using sage & echinacea!

Boil ½ cup water. Place 1 teaspoon each of ground sage and ground echinacea in a small jar. Pour bowling water over the ground herbs. Let steep for 30 minutes. Strain and combine with ½ cup of hard liquor (such as vodka). Place in an 8 oz spray bottle and spray into throat every two hours as needed.

A 2009 study published in the European Journal of Medical Research found that this natural throat spray has been shown to relieve sore throat pain as effectively as an antiseptic medication spray containing chlorhexidine lidocaine, but without the harmful chemicals!

To make an even simpler throat spray, mix 6 drops of the Fighting Five oil blend, 1 ounce of purified water and 1 teaspoon of Vodka, or other grain alcohol, to a small spray bottle. Spray into throat every two hours as needed.

8. Use Colloidal Silver

Consider taking Sovereign Silver Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol. Colloidal silver is a liquid with small silver particles that are small enough to be measured in nanometers. Unlike silver, which is a naturally occurring chemical element, colloidal silver is produced using a generator. See this amazing story on how one man cured his son’s strep throat by just administering colloidal silver!

9. Use Homemade Throat Lozenges

Throat lozenges are recommended to reduce and numb pain, help reduce swelling with anti-inflammatory agents and help reduce the growth of harmful microorganisms with antiseptics. If you are feeling adventurous, try making these Homemade Herbal Throat Lozenges.

If you do not want to make your own, try these healthy throat lozenges by Wedderspoon. Or try sucking on a 100mg to 500mg tablet of Vitamin C. However, avoid lozenges containing menthol or eucalyptus if you are taking homeopathic medicines, as these substances may interfere with the action of the medicine.

10. Try Steam Therapy

Steam therapy is another age-old trick used to relieve a dry throat. To get the maximum benefits from steam inhalation, boil 2 to 4 cups of water. Pour the water into a wide bowl.

For added benefits, you can add just one to two drops of essential oil (listed above) to your bowl of hot, steaming water. Then place your face over the bowl approximately 6 to 12 inches from the water. Be sure to cover your head and the bowl with a large towel so that the steam does not escape. Inhale deeply for 15 minutes.

11. Drink Nourishing Bone Broth

It is often difficult to eat anything when you have a sore throat. However, if you do get hungry, be sure to eat lots of nutrient-dense, gelatin-rich bone broth or soup made from bone broth.

It is commonly recommended that people eat chicken soup during an illness. But it is important to note that, although this is a way to keep hydrated, the body will not be getting the minerals it needs from store-bought chicken soup, alone.

Bone broth that is made well, not only keeps you hydrated, but also provides minerals, such as Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Silicon and Sulphur, that you need to boost your immune system. In addition, bone broth is a good source of gelatin, which provides the body with amino acids, the building blocks of proteins.

It is recommended that you make bone broth ahead of time and store it in your freezer in small portions for times in need. In addition, it is best if your broth or soup contains garlic, as it contains bioactive compounds that provide extra benefits for when you are sick.

Note that, although you can buy beef bone broth and chicken bone broth in the store or online, you should beware of additives and try to avoid brands that include them. Also be sure to look for organic, pasture-raised and grass-fed options that will be more nutrient-dense.

12. Eat Good Fats

Be sure to include lots of good fats in your diet, even when you are sick! Organic virgin coconut oil, specifically, is not only a healthy fat, but it is also very soothing to the throat and can lubricate the mucus membranes. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and may help your body fight infections. Try adding 2 tablespoons to your soup or hot tea daily during times of infection. Or, just take it by the spoonful!

13. Get More Vitamin D

Although we often call it a vitamin, vitamin D is actually a hormone. Our bodies make this wonderful hormone when enough sunlight is absorbed in our skin daily. It is responsible for keeping inflammation levels low, preventing depression and boosting our immunity, which is important in treating throat and tonsil infections.

According to Dr. Mercola, the optimal vitamin D level is 50-70 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). Mercola believes the best way to obtain an optimal amount of vitamin D is to get it from sun exposure.

Vitamin D Sources

Although you can certainly make vitamin D from sunlight, according to the Westin A. Price Foundation, most of our ancestors obtained vitamin D from their food. They recommend that you supplement with High Vitamin Fermented Cod Liver Oil, which will provide the body with 10,000 IU of Vitamin A and 1,000 IU of Vitamin D daily.

It is essential that you get a 10:1 ratio of Vitamin A and Vitamin D, respectively, so that the body can assimilate the two vitamins effectively. If less Vitamin A is consumed, it will result in a Vitamin D deficiency, and vice versa. However, a diet rich in butter, fat, cheese, egg yolks and livers, all from grass-fed animals, as well as wild-caught oily fish, may provide us with enough Vitamins A and D, naturally.

Vitamin D Supplementation

It is wise to have your blood levels of vitamin D tested before and during supplementation. Dr. Mercola claims that the correct test to order is 25(OH)D – also known as 25-hydroxyvitamin D – because it is the better marker of overall D status.

Vitamin A & D dose recommendations per the Westin A. Price Foundation website are as follows:

Age	Daily Dosage of Vitamin A	Daily Dosage of Vitamin D
3 Months to 12 Years	4,650 IU	975 IU
Age 12 – Adult	9,500 IU	1,950 IU
Pregnant & Nursing Women	19,000 IU	3,900 IU

Note that there is no way to know if the above recommendations are correct for you personally, as they are only guidelines. The ONLY way to know is to test your blood. You might need four to five times the amount recommended above. Ideally, your blood level of 25(OH)D should be 60ng/ml.

14. Get More Vitamin C

If you’ve ever watched Mary Poppins, you’ll remember when she sings “A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down…” Little did Mary Poppins know, unfortunately, that sugar can actually sabotage your health.

Sugar, The Anti-Nutrient

Did you know that sugar is an immune suppressor? As little as 3.5 ounces of sugar (equal to 7.94 tablespoons or 99.3 grams) can suppress your immune system up to 50%! In fact, your body requires nutrients and pulls minerals from your body to metabolize sugar. By doing so, your body depletes itself of vitamins and minerals and impairs white blood cells from doing their job.

Moreover, excessive sugar, or glucose, intake can actually inhibit your body’s absorption of Vitamin C. Researchers learned in the 1970s that sugar and Vitamin C have a similar structure and enter cells using the same pathway, called GLUT receptors. Unfortunately, these receptors prefer glucose, meaning they will choose sugar over Vitamin C, if given the option.

This can be detrimental to the body, since white blood cells need 50 times more Vitamin C than the surrounding blood plasma to effectively protect the body from invaders. This is why it is so important to, not only avoid sugar at all times, but especially when illness strikes.

What makes avoiding sugar difficult is that many high-dose Vitamin C supplements often contain up to eight times more sugar than Vitamin C, which virtually makes them ineffective.

Vitamin C Sources

So, what’s a better way to get more Vitamin C in your diet, you ask? First, start by avoiding sugar and refined carbohydrates as much as possible! Next, try to get 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C a day to fight off an oncoming infection and take up to 4,000 milligrams a day to get rid of an infection. You can take a supplement such as Alma C or you can eat foods high in Vitamin C.

Foods high in Vitamin C include kale, bell peppers, broccoli, thyme, parsley, spinach, kiwi, Brussel sprouts, lemons and strawberries. However, foods high in sugar should be avoided, as well as citrus foods, including oranges, since the acids in the fruit can irritate a sore throat.

15. Use A Warm Compress

Sometimes, a little heat will soothe a sore throat. Although it won’t heal your infection on its own, it might ease some of the pain while other medicines are working! Try applying heat, in the form of a warm compress, to the throat or neck to soothe tender lymph nodes.

To make a hot compress, add 4 drops of essential oil (listed above) to a pint of hot water. Wet a bandage or small towel in the solution and wring out the excess water. Place the bandage or towel on throat snugly. Replace with a new compress as soon as the old one has cooled to body temperature. Repeat this process for about 20 minutes.

Also, don’t forget to throw away your toothbrush as soon as your infection has been resolved! Otherwise, you may re-infect yourself and, in-turn, someone else!

When Should I See A Doctor?

Everyone is likely to get a throat or tonsil infection at some point in their lifetime, no matter how healthy they are. I hope this article prepares you for what to do in the event you find yourself with one. If these remedies do not help and you find yourself not getting better within a few days and your throat is extremely painful, it may be time to see a doctor.

Do your symptoms:

Last longer than a week?
Cause trouble breathing and swallowing?
Keep coming back?
Cause dehydration?
Make your voice hoarse for more than two weeks?
Cause severe pain?
Accompany a fever that does not go away after three days?
Worry you in some other way?

Obviously, if you have any of these concerns, it may mean a doctor visit is necessary. A doctor will most likely perform a rapid strep test, swabbing both the tonsils and back of the mouth. The test results are generally available after only 10 or 15 minutes. A throat culture may also be taken in the same fashion, only test results are sent to a lab for further testing and results may not return for a day or two. However, some medical professionals believe that these diagnoses mean little, as every throat contains the strep organism.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision of whether to take antibiotics or to treat an illness naturally will always be your decision to make. And although you may be tempted to take an antibiotic, just know that there are plenty of ways you can heal yourself and prevent a sickness from occurring or progressing that are proven to be effective, natural and much less expensive! Unless you feel that you are at an increased risk of disease, these other methods are worth giving a try. You might even find that they are more effective in keeping you healthy in the long run!

How have you treated a throat or tonsil infection naturally? Please share!

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Jillian

Hi, I'm Jillian! Jillian's World is about natural living, having fun with your kids and eating well. It's packed with ways to be healthier in mind, body and spirit. I'm so glad you're here!