Tonsil troubles
For the past 18 months, I have had a recurring tonsil problem - namely I feel my throat has a coating on it for anything up to two weeks. Then a “spot” appears on my tonsil, always in the same place and always for about a week. It then disappears. I have been told this is a cyst forming and it goes when it bursts. My doctor says the only cure is to have my tonsils out but I am 46 and this is a nasty operation. Is there an alternative?
You need to break the cycle of recurring infection says Kate Troup, senior naturopath at Apotheke 20:20, who suggests you gargle with the antibacterial bee propolis tincture which has a specific action on the back of the throat.
She would also prescribe a combined gargle of the herbs calendula, myrrh and sage. The calendula will promote wound healing, the myrrh will help heal the mucous membrane that keeps getting infected, and sage is an excellent tonic for that part of the throat.
Recurring infections of any kind are always a sign of a weakened immune system. To prop yours up, take between 2,000-3,000mg of vitamin C daily. A low-dose zinc lozenge will also help heal the mucous that lines the throat and when you have the infection, take echinacea too.
The bacteria causing the cyst feed on sugar, so Troup advises cutting both sugar and fruit juice from your diet. Avoid mucous-forming dairy foods and only eat fruit, either half an hour before or after other foods, in moderation. The antioxidant, Vitamin A, helps repair and maintain the mucous membrane that lines the throat. A daily dose of 5,000 ius (international units) should help.
*Kate Troup is the senior naturopath at Apotheke 20-20. A standard consultation costs £35 and lasts 45-minutes. Call 0181-995 2293 for details. The Nutri Centre sells a Bee Propolis tincture. It costs £5.85 for 25ml. Call 0171-436 5122 for mail order and add £1.25 for p&p.