Your tonsils are clumps of infection-fighting tissue located in the back of your throat. Enlarged tonsils, notes the Kids Health website, are common in children, and they may or may not cause any symptoms. In some cases, your child's doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy, or the removal of your child's tonsils. Some teas, particularly herbal teas, may be useful in treating your tonsil problems. However, you should always clear the use of herbal teas with your child's doctor before using them for this health purpose.
About Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis -- inflammation of your tonsils -- is a common childhood health problem. The American Academy of Otolaryngology states that almost all American children experiece at least one bout of tonsillitis. The three principle types of tonsillitis include acute, chronic and recurrent. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of this health problem include throat and ear pain, swallowing difficulty, fever, chills, headache, throat and jaw tenderness and voice hoarseness. Blood tests are usually performed to confirm this diagnosis.
Beneficial Teas
Numerous herbal teas may be beneficial in treating your tonsillitis. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certifed nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch reports the following herbal teas may be useful in treating tonsillitis: catnip, chamomile, echinacea, elderflower, yarrow, marshmallow, pau d'arco, sage and St. John's wort. These teas may help enhance your immune function, fight infection and ease your tonsillitis-related pain. However, more research evidence using randomized controlled trials may be necessary to validate these teas' purported health effects.
Highlighted Tea
Marshmallow tea may be one of the most helpful herbal teas in treating your tonsillitis. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician, herbal medicine expert and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," marshmallow has historically been used to help soothe mucus membrane irritation in your gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Balch suggests steeping three heaping teaspoons of marshmallow blossoms in 3 cups of cold water for 12 hours before heating them and straining the liquid. More clinical research evidence may be needed to assess the true health benefits of this herbal tea.
Considerations
If you develop tonsillitis, you should not delay seeking treatment for your health problem. In some cases, tonsillitis may lead to other, more serious health problems such as blocked airways, cardiovascular disorders and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Though herbal tea is a commonly used natural remedy for this health problem, not all herbs may be appropriate for you or your condition. Before using herbal teas to help treat your tonsillitis, review the risks, advantages and limitations of this natural treatment approach.
References
- Kids Health: Tonsils and Tonsillectomies
- American Academy of Otolaryngology: Fact Sheet: Tonsillectomies
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
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