Ayurvedic Treatment of Tonsillitis

Tonsils are lymph nodes present on either side of the throat, act as defense system of the body, protecting against bacterial or viral infections by producing antibodies against them. They act as first line of defense of immune system. Sometimes while protecting against infection tonsils get inflamed and swelling occurs, defining the condition as Tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis can be acute, chronic or recurrent in nature. Mainly affecting children and teens but effects adults too.

Tonsillitis in terms of Ayurveda is referred as 'Tundikeri' means enlargement of tonsils.

Causes for Tonsillitis

Causative factor for Tonsillitis can be bacterial or viral infection, but most of the cases are due to viral infection includes adenovirus, enterovirus, influenza virus, para influenza virus, Epstein-Barr virus ,cytomegalovirus, measles virus, and herpes simplex virus etc.

Bacterial infection is due to Streptococcus.

Other reasons for the Tonsillitis are:

• Repeated throat infections.
• Continuous dry, hawking, dog-like cough.
• Constipation can also be one of the reason as there is no elimination of toxins from the body.
• Use of spices, pungent and astringent and frozen food items in excess.
• Constant and forcible use of high pitched voice.
• Nasopharyngeal disease when nasal discharge get dropped into the throat instead of discharging through the nose.
• When viscid mucus causes blockage of nose and chronic congestion.
• Smoking and usage of tobacco products.
• Excessive intake of toffees, chewing gum, sweets, ice cream, etc.
• Having iced water and iced drinks and repeated exposure to cold.

Ayurvedic Reason for Tonsillitis

Intake of cold foods and certain activities (as cold exposure, excess talking), causes Vata and Kapha Dosha imbalance to cause Tonsillitis.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

• Enlargement, redness and swelling of the tonsils which leads to difficulty of speech.
• Sore throat.
• Hoarseness or loss of voice.
• Difficulty and/or pain while swallowing.
• Difficulty in opening of mouth.
• Cough and running nose.
• Fever, headache, nausea, vomiting.
• Inability to open your mouth
• Difficulty in feeding (in babies).
• Abdominal pain.
• Bad breath.
• Glands of the neck become tender (swollen lymph glands).
• White patches or streaks on the tonsils (exudate).
• Redness of the eyes.
• Development of rashes may occur.
• Referred pain occurs in the ear (caused by nerves that go to the back of the throat and also go to the ear).

Complications due to Tonsillitis

Various health hazards are often seen, like acute otitis media laryngeal edema, quinsy, rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart diseases.

Preventive Measures

Tonsillitis is contagious by nature. To decrease the risk of getting tonsillitis:

• Stay away from people who are suffering from active infections.
• Often wash your hands, especially after coming into contact with someone who is suffering from sore throat, or is coughing or sneezing.
• If you have tonsillitis, try to stay away from others until you are no longer contagious.
• Have less spicy and fried foods in your diet.
• Try to cover your nose and mouth while you in any polluted area.
• Everyday yoga or exercise also helpful measures.

Ayurvedic Treatment available in Planet Ayurveda

1) Septrin Tablet

Balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha - doshas (Bio-Energies). Supports healthy respiratory system. Maintains healthy immune system and healthy digestion.

Ingredients: Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Haldi (Curcuma longa), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Marich (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum)

• Guggul (Commiphora Mukul): Its use is because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Gargling with the resin relieves Pharyngitis, ulcerated throat, and tonsillitis.
• Haldi (Curcuma Longa): It's a strong herb because of its ant-inflammatory properties which gives useful effects for various allergies, infections and inflammations. Its rich anti-biotic properties find a great use in fighting against toxins and infections.
• Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum): Herb with strong aroma, which makes it one of the components of various herbal products and teas. Its use in teas is having beneficial effects to the throat. Helpful to relieve everyday infections. Tulsi consists of anti-inflammatory properties too.
• Sonth (Zingiber Officinale): It consists of moisture, protein, fat, minerals, fiber and carbohydrates along with mineral and vitamins (phosphorus, calcium, iron, carotene, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin as well as Vitamin C). Excellent pain reliever.
• Marich (Piper Nigrum): Balances Kapha and Vata doshas. It is an Anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic in nature. Anti-cancer, Anti-oxidant, Anti-microbial, Antidiarrheal, Antispasmodic are its properties toos.
• Pippali (Piper longum): Good anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Effective use against sore throat.

Dose: 1-2 tablets once or twice daily.

2) Curcumin Capsule

Ingredients: Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): It is rich with anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic and antiviral properties. Good source of Anti-oxidant which reduces free radicals from the body and thus improving the health and immunity of our body.

Dose: 2 Capsules twice daily (morning and evening), with plain water, after meals.

3) Kaashar Churna

Supports the respiratory system. Helps to maintain overall health.

Ingredients: Mishri (Crystallized Sugar Lumps), Vanshlochan (Bambusa Arudinacea), Pippali (Piper Longum), Ela (Eletteria Cardamomum), Dalchini (Cinnamomum Zeylanica)

• Ela (Eletteria Cardamomum): It is a warm, pungent and aromatic herb. The oil in the seeds constitutes antibacterial and antiviral properties. Its seeds on chewing freshens the breath.
• Vanshlochan (Bambusa Arudinacea): It helps to keep the respiratory tract clean by suppressing the Vata and Kapha. Effective source against sore throat and dry cough.
• Dalchini (Cinnamomum Zeylanica): Commonly called Cinnamon contains moisture, protein, fibre, fat, potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, sodium as well as iron. It has ant-bacterial as well as anti-viral properties. Freshens the mouth.

Dose: Take one teaspoon with honey

4) Arjun Saar

Arjun Saar is a mixture of Terminalia Arjuna and Pure Indian Gooseberry (Amla) juices.

Arjun Saar is rich in flavonoids, anti-oxidants, minerals and vitamins like magnesium, calcium, copper and zinc.

Ingredients: Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna), Amla (Emblica officinalis)

• Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna): It has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It relieves fever.
• Amla (Emblica Officinalis): It's a rich source of Vitamin C. It is very effective anti-inflammatory agent and useful in relieving pain and swelling.

Dose: Gargles of 20ml with equal water twice daily