STEP 1 Gargle a mixture of lemon juice and salt in 8 ounces warm water for one minute every hour. It will wash away mucus and improve circulation.

STEP 2 Drink a tea（茶） of apple cider vinegar（苹果醋）, lemon juice（柠檬汁）, a pinch of cayenne pepper（辣椒）, and honey in a glass of hot water at least three times a day.

Chamomile and licorice teas soothe a sore throat.

STEP 3 Keep the air moist with a cool or warm humidifier（加湿器） to relieve swollen air passages. Or, set out a shallow pan of water, which will evaporate and naturally humidify the air.

Don’t smoke and stay clear of secondhand smoke and other airborne pollutants.

STEP 4 Take a hot bath（热水澡） with Epsom salts. The magnesium sulfate is absorbed through the skin and draws toxins out of the body.

STEP 5 Take an anti-inflammatory（抗炎药） such as ibuprofen to reduce swelling and discomfort.

A tonsillectomy is the second most common childhood surgery.