Chances are, it's tonsil stones that are causing your throat-related issues. For example, tonsil stones symptoms include frequent bad breath, severe pain while swallowing, a regular sore throat or a metallic taste. If you've been experiencing these symptoms, you may be suffering from tonsil stones without even realizing it. While tonsil stones aren't frequently discussed at the dinner table, they are a very real issue. There are several natural treatments for tonsil stones but first it's good to know about symptoms and prevention.
Tonsil stones are lumps of calcified material that form in the fleshy pad at the back of the throat — the tonsils. They weigh between 0.3 and 42 grams, and are composed of calcium, although other minerals such as ammonia, phosphorus, magnesium and carbonate may also be present in small amounts. Tonsil stones are created when debris becomes trapped in the tonsils and calcifies. The tonsils are filled with nooks and crannies where bacteria, dead cells and mucus can accumulate. When the debris accumulates, white formations fill the pockets, causing problems such as chronic bad breath or a sore throat, among other tonsil stones symptoms.
The following are all tonsil stones symptoms:
- bad breath
- sore throat
- persistent cough
- trouble swallowing
- ear pain
- swollen tonsil
- white or yellow debris on the tonsil
Natural Treatments for Tonsil Stones
1. Medicine Dropper
Use a clean medicine dropper, press the rubber bulb and carefully place the tip as close to the tonsil stone as possible. Once it's in contact, gently release the rubber bulb and remove the stone. You may need to use a small but powerful flashlight in order to get a proper view for this method. Furthermore, it may be best to enlist the help of a friend--you only have so many hands!2. Salt Water
Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a glass of lukewarm water. Gargle vigorously to dissolve the stones. Be sure to try to make the lowest sound you can while gargling. Doing this will help the solution reach the furthest-back area of your tonsils, where the stones may be lodged. This solution also provides pain relief if your stones are accompanied by a sore throat. You may also want to try this method in conjunction with the medicine dropper. The warm salt water will help loosen a more stubborn tonsil stone so that you can more easily remove it with the medicine dropper method.
3. Garlic Cloves
Garlic is known for it's powerful antibacterial properties. Chewing on a raw garlic clove several times a day can help kill off the bacteria the causes tonsil stones. If chewing on the cloves proves to be too intense for you to handle, try chopping the garlic up into small, pill-sized chunks. Then you can swallow a few chunks at a time with a glass of water. For a sore throat remedy that will also help remove tonsil stones, try mixing freshly cut garlic chunks with pure, raw honey and cayenne pepper. This strong medicinal mixture will help knock out bacteria in no time!4. Onions
Onions are also known for their strong antibacterial properties. Adding onions to your daily diet can help break down tonsil stones and ward off new ones from forming. Try adding freshly chopped onions to your leafy-green salad. Eating them on a daily basis will help your body fight off the common cold and other illnesses, too.
5. Lemon Juice
Drink lemon juice on a regular basis to help dissolve tonsil stones. The natural acidity of lemon juice makes it the perfect substance to fight tonsil stones. For treatment of tonsil stones or tonsil stones symptoms, drink the lemon juice straight. For prevention of tonsil stones and for added health benefits, you can also add freshly-squeezed lemon juice to your water. This is a great way to reap the tonsil-stone-fighting benefits of lemons while adding a great, refreshing flavor to your ordinary water.6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar ( click here for International products ) can come in handy when you're suffering from tonsil stones. It has fantastic health benefits, including strong antimicrobial properties. Dilute some organic apple cider vinegar into an equal amount of lukewarm water, and gargle. While gargling, try to make the lowest sound you can produce. This helps the apple cider vinegar mixture to reach the deeper parts of your tonsils, where the tonsil stones may be dwelling.
7. Yogurt
Most yogurt contains probiotics —good bacteria that can help fight bad bacteria. Snack on yogurt regularly to dissolve tonsil stones. Look for "live and active cultures" on the label or ingredient list to make sure you're picking a probiotic option. You can also try other probiotic foods to help fight bad bacteria, such as sauerkraut or kimchi.8. Apples
Apple can dislodge stones on its way to your stomach, and apples' mild acidity is also great for getting rid of bacteria and dissolving tonsil stones.
