Self Help

Self Help:

• Take foot baths

• Apply compresses on the throat

• Use body wraps to promote sweating

• Gargle for a few minutes at a time at least four times a day.

• At the first sign of tonsillitis begin gargling with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide mixed half and half with hot water.

Gargling is an easy way to speed the healing of throat ailments; the idea of gargling is to keep a healing solution in contact with the tissues of the throat without swallowing the solution. The simplest gargle is a warm saline solution: one quarter teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water. Use the warmest water you can comfortably tolerate – the heat increases blood flow to the affected areas.

You can add goldenseal powder, an herbal disinfectant – just a word of warning: goldenseal is an excellent herb, but it is very bitter and should be used only in small amounts. It should also be avoided during pregnancy.

Herbs

Herbs:

• A gargle of marshmallow tea can soothe a scratchy, burning throat

• Drink a tea with a mixture of Echinacea, calendula, cleavers and chamomile

• Echinacea – helps boost the immune system

• Calendula and cleavers – support the lymphatic tissue in its cleansing work

• Chamomile – calming and helps reduce fevers

To Soothe Inflamed Tonsils:

1 part lavender, 1 part peppermint, and 2 parts sage leaves. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of this herbal mixture. Steep 15 minutes. Strain and drink warm.

Gemstone

Gemstone for Healing:

• Shattuckite

Place on throat 30 minutes daily

Reflexology

Reflexology areas to emphasize:

• Neck – location of the tonsils

• Pituitary – primary endocrine gland

• Adrenal glands – secretes cortisol, which fights inflammation

• Lymphatics – to boost immunity, especially if this is a result of a viral infection