Throats and tonsils are very vulnerable to infection. The throat is the passage through which we take in air - either directly or through the nose. The air that we breathe contains many pollutants (e.g. cigarette smoke or environmental pollution) as well as viruses and bacteria that may infect us with the flu and other illnesses.

Throats may become swollen, red and painful when viruses like the common cold or flu attack throat tissue. A bacterial condition commonly called 'strep throat' (caused by streptococcus bacteria) can also result in extremely sore throat and infected throat tissue.

The throat also contains our tonsils, which are two sacs of lymphatic tissue situated at the back of the throat. Tonsils are extremely important in protecting the body against infection and help to guard against inhaled or ingested organisms. They also produce antibodies which help to fight against nose and throat infections. They may easily become infected, especially in childhood. Symptoms of tonsillitis include swollen tonsils, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, bad smelling breath, fever, listlessness, flushed cheeks and a glassy eyed look.

Unfortunately recurring tonsillitis often leads to a tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils). Although doctors these days are more aware of the important role of the tonsils in immune functioning and children's tonsils are not whipped out quite as readily as they once were, this is still fairly standard practice for children who suffer from recurring bouts of tonsillitis and is one of the most common surgical procedures performed on children.

Once the tonsils have been removed, children lose a very important line of defense against infection and may be more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, as well as allergies. It is therefore important to be sure that there are no other options before agreeing to a tonsillectomy.

How are throat infections and tonsillitis usually treated?

For sore throat caused by viral infection like colds or flu, treatment usually involves OTC (over the counter) medicines like pain killers and lozenges to suck until the infection clears. Strep throat and tonsillitis are usually treated by antibiotics. While antibiotics can quickly clear the infection within a couple of days, regular use can weaken the immune system and result in recurring infections.

It is important that strep throat and tonsillitis are treated as they can lead to further infections elsewhere in the body. However, it is also important to know that antibiotics and OTC remedies are not the only options for treating these conditions.

There are many effective natural alternatives to OTC medicines and antibiotics routinely prescribed for strep throat and tonsillitis.

Natural herbal and homeopathic remedies can help to safely reduce the symptoms of these conditions, clear the infection, cut recovery time and also strengthen the immune system to prevent recurring infection.

What are the Ingredients of Throat and Tonsil Dr?

Gelsemium 6C is a homeopathic remedy well-known  for its ability to reduce the symptoms of sore throat and influenza. It is  also an effective hayfever remedy and has a calming and soothing effect.

Mercurius solubilis (Merc. Sol.) 6C has been used  medicinally in  its raw form since the  times of Ancient Egypt to treat a range of infections. However, in more recent  times, medicinal use of raw Merc. Sol. was discontinued due to the aggressive  nature of Merc. Sol. and the risk of side effects. However, in its homeopathic  form, one receives the therapeutic benefits of Merc. Sol. without the  associated side effects. Used homeopathically, Merc. Sol. is extremely  effective in the treatment of all mouth and throat infections, including  infected throats, tonsils, tooth abscess and oral thrush. It is also  recommended for fever as well as infections of the sinus and ears.