Herbal Tea For Tonsillitis

When you are experiencing the effects of an upper respiratory infection, your tonsils can become inflamed and sore as well. Your tonsils are part of your lymphatic system, functioning to block bacteria and viruses from entering through your nose and mouth. They are located one either side at the back of your throat. Along with other symptoms of a cold or flu, tonsillitis causes your throat to become swollen, red and excruciatingly painful, making swallowing difficult. You may need an antibiotic if tonsillitis is caused by bacterial infection, but also ask your physician about using herbs to soothe your throat pain.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a flowering member of the daisy family and is also known as purple coneflower. Echinacea tea can be used to help fight off upper respiratory infections because of its immune-strengthening properties. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm down an inflamed throat. Echinacea is most effective at reducing the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection with tonsillitis when it is taken as soon as symptoms appear. Do not take echinacea if you are pregnant, nursing or have an immune disorder such as HIV/AIDS.

Slippery Elm

Slippery elm, or Ulmus fulva, is a deciduous tree found in parts of North America whose inner bark can be used to make an herbal tea. Slippery elm contains mucilage, a slick gel-like substance that is mixed with water for medicinal use. Slippery elm coats the mucous membranes, which is soothing to a sore throat produced by tonsillitis. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking a tea made from slippery elm three times per day for a sore throat. Although slippery elm is considered a safe herb, do not take it while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Marshmallow

Marshmallow, know scientifically as Althea officinalis, is a perennial plant that grows in wet, marshy areas in parts of North America and Europe. The roots and leaves of the marshmallow plant are harvested for use in herbal remedies. Marshmallow also contains mucilage, a slippery substance that is very soothing to the mucous membranes of sore and inflamed throats. The University of Michigan Health System suggests taking marshmallow tea three to five times daily for a sore throat from tonsillitis. Although there are no known serious side effects, you should only take marshmallow under your doctor's supervision.

Licorice

Licorice, or Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a popular herbal remedy used to relieve the pain of a sore throat. Licorice is a perennial plant native to parts of Asia and the Mediterranean. The sweet-tasting wrinkled root of the plant is harvested in the autumn for use in herbal medicines. Licorice root possesses demulcent, or soothing, properties and can be made into an herbal tea beneficial for tonsillitis. AltMD states you should not take licorice for more than four to six weeks; the herbal tea can best be taken three times per day under supervision from your physician. Don't take licorice if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.