Tonsils are oval-shaped, pink masses located on each side of the throat. The adenoid has similar function to the tonsils and is located behind the nose on the upper portion the the throat. According to HealthyChildren.org, tonsillitis is a common ailment for children when tonsils become swollen due to infection. Some common symptoms include: sore throat, fever, painful swallowing or swollen lymph glands. If over a period of several weeks your child is still experiencing symptoms, please contact a pediatrician. In the meantime, you can try several home remedies that many help to bring down swelling. Note that the FDA has not proven herbal remedies effective for treatment to illness.
Step 1
Make a drink of warm lemon juice and honey. Anne McIntyre shares this remedy in her book "Herbal treatment of children: Western and Ayurvedic perspectives". This tonsil remedy also helps clear mucus and boost immunity.
Step 2
Take a cod liver oil supplement daily. McIntyre also writes to have your child take 200 - 500 mg of vitamin C supplement daily, along with a whole-food multivitamin for kids. All of these supplements are helpful to your child's immune system.
Step 3
Take a large pinch of each of the loose herbs cleavers, marigold and burdock. Throw into the bottom of a cooking pot with several cups of water. Bring to a boil and immediately turn off the stove. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes. Sweeten the tea with honey and strain into a glass pint. Serve up to 3 cups daily of the tea. McIntyre shares this tea blend for swollen glands and tonsils.
Tips and Warnings
- Chamomile, eyebright, hyssop and elderflowers are other herbs you may want to add to the tea blend. McIntyre writes these herbs help to also boost the immune system. You can also look for a tincture of some of these herbs in glycerite form, which is safe for kids. This is a quicker way to get the herbs you need since making a tea can be time consuming.
- Please be sure to check with your doctor before taking herbal medicine. Herbal remedies are not meant to replace medical treatment or advice. Your doctor may be able to prescribe certain medications and suggest surgery if necessary.
Things You'll Need
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Cod liver oil supplement
- Vitamin C supplement
- Whole food multivitamin for kids
- Cleavers loose herb
- Marigold loose herb
- Burdock root loose herb
- Cooking pot
- Strainer
- Glass pint
References
- HealthyChildren.org: Tonsillitis
- "Herbal treatment of children: Western and Ayurvedic perspectives"; Anne McIntyre; 2005
