I. Physiological Considerations

Tonsils have a creative purpose and function within the body. They are not superficial in their function, and when the tonsils are removed the whole activity is never again present in that particular physical body. In talking about tonsils and adenoids, the reading for (759) declared “These are for a normal healthy development in body and mind, as we find, necessary to a body. These removed may or may not be harmful to the better conditions of a body, for they are as scavengers of portions of conditions for the system; they are as the activities for the relief of tension and strain in system.” (759-7)

On occasion a tonsillectomy was suggested in the readings, this coming about when the body had not been cared for according to previous directions; or in those cases where other serious diseases intervened, and it became necessary to remove the tonsils which were adding toxins and poisons to the circulation, thus preventing more normal functioning of the body otherwise. This was seen in a case of rheumatic fever. (25-2)

The etiology of tonsillitis is the impairment of circulation either generally throughout the body or locally as the throat and head seek to bring about a local equilibrium. Tonsillitis results from the drosses (wastes and toxins) carried in the circulation. Eliminations – inadequate as a general measure of the body or as a local problem – underlie virtually every condition of inflamed tonsils and adenoids. Associated with this and often causative are lesions or subluxations in the cervical or upper dorsal vertebrae, these again producing a lack of proper function of the circulation in the throat and head.

As a portion of the total lymphatic system, the tonsils and adenoids act as local resistance to infection and find themselves related to the other lymphatic centers such as the Peyer’s patch area in the upper intestinal tract. Most of the readings given for tonsillitis were to individuals who were quite young, this being the age in which the disease is most commonly found.

II. Rationale of Therapy

In approaching therapy, we should remember that the body has a capability of normal function:

Thus, we would administer those activities which would bring a normal reaction through these portions, stimulating them to an activity from the body itself, rather than the body becoming dependent upon supplies that are robbing portions of the system to produce activity in other portions, or the system receiving elements or chemical reactions being supplied without arousing the activity of the system itself for a more normal condition. (1968-3)

Tonsillitis as such should be approached as a therapeutic problem with the whole individual in view. Other conditions, when present, need to be treated or brought into focus as part of the whole picture of the disease process.

The aim in therapy is to bring about adequate eliminations through all channels; to purify or clarify the blood and the intestinal tract; and to correct pressures and lesions which may be present in the upper vertebrae of the body. Corrections in diet should be made, and a period of time should be allowed without strain on the throat or on the entire organism.

In this manner eliminations will be brought into a high state of efficiency – even more so than during a state of normal health – and the system will be relieved of drosses and toxins which have accumulated. Through osteopathic adjustments the neurological impulses to the throat and the adjacent areas will be normalized, and the circulation will become more efficient and more balanced in its functioning. The dietary adjustments and the correction of the possible abnormalities of acid-base balance in the intestinal tract then produces a more normal assimilation-allowing the body to rebuild and resolving the inflammation and abnormalities of the tonsils.

III. Suggested Therapeutic Regimen

Tonsillectomy as such should be reserved for those cases which are refractory in their nature or which create a dangerous level of toxins within the system.

Osteopathic adjustments and manipulations should be begun immediately to correct abnormal impulses from lesions and subluxations and to bring about more adequate lymph drainage to the area of the tonsils and surrounding tissue.

Cleansing of the body should be instituted, using enemas or colonics where possible, or cathartics such as BiSoDol, phosphate soda, or syrup of pepsin (such as is found later in this commentary).

For those conditions in which drainage from inflamed nasal tissue and tonsillar tissue creates an acid condition in the stomach, Glyco-Thymoline in small doses is helpful. Most commonly an alkaline-reacting diet would be advisable.

Rest without straining of the body or throat or eyes is important in this condition. Persistence and consistency in carrying out the recommendations always seem to be a portion of the suggestions given in the readings.

It is important that the adjustments and the cleansing of the intestinal tract be done in cycles until the throat is completely normal and that a proper diet be maintained during this time.

Tonsillitis Tonic

If we would take a tonic such as Codiron, three tablets each day – these taken at mealtimes – we will find that we will make for greater improvement in the general health of the body. (815-4)

This 35-year-old man was advised by his doctor to have a tonsillectomy. The reading stated it was not best to have his tonsils removed; that he would have difficulty; that his blood was not in a condition to have this done. Preferably, he should have osteopathic treatments.

Tonsillitis – Sinusitis

If there is trouble with the face and throat, we would wrap about same a cotton cloth (two or three thicknesses) well saturated with the GlycoThymoline, and keep it on for an hour and a half to two hours. This will aid in reducing the inflammation. (1788-12)

Tonsillitis – Eliminant

… Caldwell’s syrup of pepsin as an antiseptic and an eliminant. Give about half to three-quarters of a teaspoonful two or three times a day, or about three hours apart, until there are good eliminations from the alimentary canal. Leave off two or three days (keeping the intestinal antiseptic and the massages, which we will indicate), then take again – until there are good eliminations. (1788-12)

Upset Intestinal Tract

Now to give ease and to supply to the system those properties necessary to rebuild within the body those things necessary to rejuvenate those portions of the body, break up conditions as exist in the stomach and intestinal tract, reaction of forces as applied to the body, we would add to the system those properties that are necessary to produce a balance or an equilibrium to the body. We would flrst take this into the system:
In one half gallon water there would be added 16 ounces of common garden sage (dried); this would be reduced by boiling to one quart, strain, and while warm there would be added 6 ounces beet sugar (not cane sugar), 15 grains amber grey [ambergris] (black) dissolved in one ounce of alcohol (or six ounces of gin); 3 drams cinnamon stick or bark, rather than dried or ground. Dose would be a tablespoonful three times a day. (4499-1)

In this case, the stomach, pancreas, liver, kidneys, and lacteal forces were all in a state of high disturbance. The tonsillitis came as a result of these imbalances.

Tonsillitis – Intestinal Antiseptic

… a few drops of Glyco-Thymoline; not more than six drops at a time, twice a day should be sufficient, in water. Keep this up until the odor of same may be detected in the stool. Leave off a few days and then take again. (1788-12)

Should we not attempt to awaken the inner forces to God’s presence? “For, all healing comes from the one source. And whether there is the application of foods, exercise, medicine, or even the knife, it is to bring the consciousness of the forces within the body that aid in reproducing themselves the awareness of creative or God forces.” (2696-1)

Note: The preceding overview was written by William A. McGarey, M.D. and is excerpted from the Physician’s Reference Notebook, Copyright © 1968 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation, Virginia Beach, VA.