Herbal Remedies To Cure Galaayu (Tonsillitis)

Tonsillitis

An infection of the tonsils is known as Tonsillitis. Tonsils are two oval-shaped soft tissue masses located on either side of the back of the throat. Tonsils are part of the lymphatic system of the body. The primary function of tonsils is to defend against bacteria and viruses entering your mouth. Bacterial or viral infections cause inflammation on the tonsils. People from all age groups tend to suffer from tonsillitis.

According to Ayurveda, tonsillitis is known as ' Galaayu'. Accumulation of toxins in the body by poor digestion or due to the poor immunity system of our body to fight diseases causes Galaayu. Different reasons are behind the occurrence of Galaayu as per Ayurveda are intake of oily foods, cold climate, excess intake of cold foods, etc.

Ayurveda has natural ways to cure Galaayu to an extent with the proper care from the primary stage itself.

Symptoms Of Galaayu (Tonsillitis)

General symptoms of Galaayu (tonsillitis) are:

• Sore throat.
• Tenderness of the jaw and throat.
• Bad breath.
• Ear pain.
• Fever with chills.
• Redness of the tonsils.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Anorexia ( a psychological disorder and the symptom is a total aversion to food). .
• Ulcers on the throat.
• Yellow or white-colored coatings on the tonsils.

Ulcers on the throat, difficulty swallowing, fever with chills, ear pain, bad breath, yellow or white colored coatings on the tonsils, anorexia, redness of the tonsils, sore throat, tenderness of the jaw and throat are the general symptoms of Galaayu(Tonsillitis).

Types Of Galaayu (Tonsils)

Galaayu (Tonsillitis) can be classified into two types like Acute tonsillitis and Chronic tonsillitis.

• Acute tonsillitis

  Primary infection of tonsils is called Acute Tonsillitis. Poor hygiene, poor nutrition may be reasons for the development of acute tonsillitis and can be resolved within a couple of weeks with proper care.

• Chronic tonsillitis

  Recurrent acute infections and lack of proper treatment is the main factor for the development of chronic tonsillitis. .

Acute tonsillitis and chronic tonsillitis are the two classifications of tonsillitis.

Ayurvedic Classifications Of Galaayu (Tonsillitis)

Ayurveda classifies Galaayu based on the predominance of dosha and pain.

• Vata- Pittaja

  Here Galaayu is based on the dominance of Vata and Pitta dosha in the body. Symptoms of Vata- Pittaja Galaayu are Toda (pain) and Doha (fever).

• Kapha-Raktaja

  Kapha-Raktaja Galaayu occurs due to the dominance of Kapha dosha in the body. Major symptoms are Trishna, Shvasa and Kasa, and sthoola shotha (large tonsil swelling with Kapha).

Vata-Pitta and Kapha-Raktaja are the two Ayurvedic classifications of the Galaayu (Tonsillitis).

Causes Of Galaayu(Tonsillitis)

Poor digestion and accumulation of toxins in the body are the main cause of Tonsillitis. Other causes are Viral tonsillitis and Bacterial tonsillitis.

• Viral tonsillitis

  The major causes of tonsillitis are Viruses. According to studies, 80% of tonsillitis is caused by Viruses. This type of tonsillitis may spread from person to person through direct contact, coughing, sneezing, etc.
  
  Major viruses that affect tonsils are
  a. Adenoviruses.
  b. Influenza viruses.
  c. Parainfluenza viruses.
  d. Herpes simplex viruses.
  e. Enteroviruses.
  

• Bacterial Tonsillitis

  Inflammations caused due to bacteria are known as bacterial viruses. Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) bacteria are the major type of bacteria that causes strep throat.

General causes of the development of tonsillitis are Viruses and Bacterias.

Herbal Remedies To Cure Galaayu( Tonsillitis)

Ayurveda can cure Galaayu (Tonsillitis) very effectively through the use of powerful herbs.

• Tulsi

  Boiled water with tulsi leaves helps to get relief from tonsillitis pain because tulsi contains antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. .

• Amla

  Amla is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C. Amla can improve your immunity, hence the body can easily fight viral or bacterial infections.

• Curcumin

  Curcumin is a compound contained in turmeric which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Include turmeric in your daily routine to prevent throat infections.

• Honey

  Honey is rich in flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties which can soothe a sore throat effectively. By drinking a glass of lemon juice with a mix of honey ensure fast relief from throat infections.

• Ginger

  Ginger is rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger is effective in preventing various disturbances like opening up sinuses and clears mucus from the throat and nose.

• Cinnamon

  Cinnamon contains antibacterial and antioxidant properties that can prevent cold and sore throats.

• Cloves

  Cloves have anti-fungal and anesthetic properties. Drinking a glass of clove tea or clove water is effective in preventing sore throat.

• Coconut Oil

  Coconut oil has various health benefits. You can add a spoon of coconut oil to the hot tea or directly to the mouth that helps to soothe your throat. Coconut oil helps to lubricate the mucous membranes in the throat.

• Peppermint tea

  Consuming peppermint tea is very effective in treating sore throat as it contains anti-inflammatory properties. .

• Chamomile tea

  Chamomile tea is very effective in fighting bacteria and viruses. Chamomile tea is rich in flavonoids, antioxidants, and anti-microbial properties. .

Tulsi, amla, chamomile tea, peppermint tea, cloves, cinnamon, curcumin, ginger, honey, coconut oil, etc can be added to your daily diet to prevent various bacterial and viral infections. These herbs have the power to boost your immunity and keep you healthy. Natural ways to treat disease are always safe and in most cases have no side effects. Moreover, herbs are the real gift of nature.

Ayurvedic Treatments To Cure Galaayu (Tonsillitis)

Ayurveda has natural ways to prevent Galaayu (Tonsillitis) symptoms.

• Kavala (Gargling)

  Ayurveda recommends Kavala treatment twice a day after food prevents infections of the tonsils. Salt can be added to warm water for gargling. .

• Gandusha (Oil Pulling)

  Gandusha is an ancient Ayurvedic technique to improve oral hygiene. The procedure is to place a tsp. of oil around the mouth for about 10 minutes for better results. .

• DhoomaPana (Smoke Inhalation)

  DhoomaPana is the method of inhalation of herbal smoke to prevent various respiratory diseases. Here the smoke is inhaled through the nose and exhaled through the mouth. .

• Nasya

  Kapha and Vata disorders are the main reason for the development of Galaayu as per Ayurveda. Nasya is the fine remedy to bring balance between doshas. Here herb-infused oils are installed in the nasal cavity that naturally decreases the occurrence of underlying causes of Galaayu (Tonsillitis).

Kavala, Gandusha, DhoomaPana, and Nasya are the treatments recommended by Ayurveda to cure Galaayu effectively.

Ayurvedic Diet And Lifestyle Recommendations To Cure Galaayu (Tonsillitis)

Ahar (Diet)

• Avoid sour and spicy foods which irritate your throat.
• Avoid dairy products for the time being because that kind of food aggravates Kapha dosha. .
• Prefer cooked vegetables.
• Drink plenty of warm liquids.

Vihar(Lifestyle changes)

• Drink more warm water.
• Consume warm foods.
• Give enough rest to your throat, keep silent.
• Stop smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Gargle with warm saltwater.
• Avoid cold food and water.
• Try to avoid day sleep, as it creates more Kapha in the body.
• Try to maintain proper oral hygiene. .
• Practice yoga regularly to prevent the accumulation of toxins in the body. .
• Daily dry massage throughout the body improves proper blood circulation.

Through proper ahar and vihar (diet and lifestyle), the development of Galaayu (tonsillitis) can cure very positively.

Conclusion

All the information regarding Galaayu (Tonsillitis) was collected from ancient Ayurvedic resources. Seeks the advice of your Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any kind of herbal remedy.

References

• Sushruta Samhita.
• Ashtanga Hridaya.