CLAIM: Inserting fingers into the mouth can treat tonsillitis.

FACT: This practice is unsafe and can introduce new infections; proper medical treatment is necessary

First Check came across a viral video on Facebook in which a man claims to cure tonsils by inserting fingers into mouth. 

“I treat tonsils and jaundice free of cost here,” the person, who identifies himself as Narendra,   asserts in the video. 

The patient whose tonsillitis he allegedly cured endorses the claim “I had persistent tonsillitis and took medications twice, but I did not get better. I visited this place three times and recovered. Two years ago, my son was scheduled for tonsil surgery, but after coming here three times, he was cured as well.”

The video was earlier posted on Instagram  by @santosh_shamra_vlogs and has since been deleted. The screenshot can be found below:

Here’s the truth

Medical experts warn people against inserting fingers in the throat to treat tonsillitis. 

"Irritating, rubbing or trying to manipulate your tonsils is actually dangerous,” Dr. Saurabh Varshney, an Otorhinolaryngologist (ENT) & Head Neck Surgeon at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. “Your hands carry bacteria that could introduce new infections, and pressing on the delicate throat tissues can cause more harm than good. You could potentially injure yourself or trigger a gag reflex, which nobody wants."

Dr Varshney explained that tonsils are typically caused by viral or bacterial infections that require proper medical attention. “If it's a bacterial infection, you'll likely need antibiotics. For viral cases, the focus is on rest, staying hydrated, and managing pain," he said.

When asked if tonsillitis can be cured with any home remedies, Dr Varshney pointed out that the treatments depended on the type of infection. 

“In case of bacterial tonsillitis, we prescribe antibiotics like penicillin,” he said. “With viral cases, the approach is more about supportive care— like warm salt water gargles, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort.”

Dr Varshney  clarified that surgical removal, also called tonsillectomy,  was only recommended following  recurring tonsillitis, He also debunked the myth that the removed tonsils grow back.

First Check concludes that the method being used in the Facebook video cited above is unscientific and dangerous. It should not be tried or attempted. A doctor's consultation, in particular an ENT’s, is necessary if one is facing an issue with tonsils.

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