There are two masses of tissue at the back of your throat called tonsils.  They are like filters that trap germs, which might enter one's airways and cause infection.  Tonsils can get infected, though, if they are overwhelmed by bacteria.  They swell or become inflamed, which is Tonsillitis.  This contagious condition can occur at any age, but it is a common childhood infection that occurs between preschool ages and mid-teens. 

A person with Tonsillitis will experience swollen or inflamed tonsils, but other common symptoms are a fever or sore throat. Possible symptoms of Tonsillitis include:

• Sore Throat (and pain when swallowing)
• Scratchy-sounding voice
• Redness on the tonsils
• Fever
• Ear aches
• Chills
• Headaches
• Swolen lymph nodes (may make jaw or neck stiff or sore)
• Coughing
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fatigue

Since tonsils are the first line of defence against illness, they constantly fight viruses and bacteria that enter the body.  Even though they combat foreign invaders, they are also succeptable to infection.  Tonsillitis is caused by viruses or bacteria, such as a common cold or strep throat.  Because children come in contact with others at school, camp, or daycare centers, they are more exposed to a variety of viruses and bacteria.  If one child has Tonsillitis and plays with other children, they can easily contract it because it is contagious.  Common causes are:

• Influenza virus (the flu)
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Adenovirus (common cold)
• Herpes Simplex Virus (less common cause)
• Coronavirus (six known types, one of which casues SARS)
• Respiratory syncytial virus (causes respiratory tract infections)

• It's important to get plenty of rest to help your body heal.  If the body is overworked or under stress, it can be difficult for it to recuperate and fight off infection.  Give yourself a break and don't do anything you don't have to do.  Take a break from exercising and focus on getting rest.  Sleep is one of the easiest ways for the body to regenerate. 
• Since a sore throat is the a very common symptom of Tonsillitis, gargling with salt water can help relieve the itchy or sore feeling.  Mix about 1 teaspoon of salt in about 4-6 ounces of water and stir it in.  Gargle small amounts of the solution in the back of your throat and this may help relieve the pain. 
• Fenugreek has strong antibacterial properties that make it an excellent remedy for Tonsillitis.  It can help kill the bacteria that is responsible for the condition.  Add 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds to 2-3 cups of water and let it simmer for 30 minutes.  Strain the solution and let it cool.  Gargle a little bit of the solution for 30 seconds twice a day to help calm Tonsillitis. 
• Herbal teas are great for bringing relief to sore throats.  It's best to drink anti-inflammatory herbal teas such as echinacea, goldenseal, turmeric, or ginger tea.  These teas can help soothe the throat and help decrease inflammation of the tonsils.  You can also drink warm water with lemon because lemon has loads of vitamin C, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.  Lemon also helps the body detox, which can help eradicate the virus or bacteria out of the system. 
• Raw, organic honey is a tried and true remedy to relieve an itchy, sore throat.  Take a spoonful of honey and swallow it to provide a soothing coating on your inflamed tonsils.  
• Raw garlic is a fantastic herbal remedy because it has incredible anti-bacterial properties.  While consuming raw garlic cloves is optimal for the most benefits, you can incorporate garlic into your meals to reap its benefits. You can also put raw garlic into smoothies or you can juice it.  Pair it with ginger and dark leafy greens for a nutrition packed smoothie/juice.
• Using a humidifier may help moisten the throat, if you live in a dry environment.  This may be a viable during the winter months or for people who live in dry, cold climates.  If you breathe in cleaner, moist air, your airways may not feel irritated or inflamed.  
• Make sure you stay hydrated.  Drinking alkaline water can be beneficial as it helps restore the body's natural pH balance.  The suggested amount of water to drink is eight 8oz glasses per day.  A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water.  If you weigh 150lbs, then you should drink 75oz of water every day. 

• Citrus fruits (lemons & oranges)
• Raw organic honey
• Dark Leafy Greens (kale, spinach, & chard)
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Rosemary
• Carrots
• Raw almonds & walnuts
• Blueberries
• Pineapple
• Beets
• Broccoli
• Bok Choy
• Turmeric
• Coconut Oil
• Chia & Flax Seeds