Tonsillitis as defined by the Mayo Clinic is:

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat — one tonsil on each side. Signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include swollen tonsils, sore throat, difficulty swallowing and tender lymph nodes on the sides of the neck.

Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by infection with a common virus, but bacterial infections also may cause tonsillitis.

Because appropriate treatment for tonsillitis depends on the cause, it’s important to get a prompt and accurate diagnosis. Surgery to remove tonsils, once a common procedure to treat tonsillitis, is usually performed only when tonsillitis occurs frequently, doesn’t respond to other treatments or causes serious complications.

So for treating it we want to approach it from that perspective, using herbs that are broad spectrum and both antibacterial and antiviral.

I like chaparral.

I would add something to calm and sooth the throat as well. Mallow is a good one for that.

Probably would not need to add an activating herb because chaparral is pretty much self activating, isn’t it Patrick! :poke:

IdahoHerbalist wrote: Tonsillitis as defined by the Mayo Clinic is:

Probably would not need to add an activating herb because chaparral is pretty much self activating, isn’t it Patrick! :poke:

I know it activates a profound gag reflex in people with taste buds. 😛

Patrick

Chaparral is not the only option. That is just the one I would take and just consider Patrick is a, well he is sensitive to some things.

Oregon Grape is antimicrobial as well as its chemical cousins Goldenseal (expensive) and barberry. Also sage. Trying to think of some of the more tasty ones here. Gumweed could go either way depending on palette and if you can keep the lips closed until it is swallowed.

Moore says that elder, mullein, potentilla, rasberry, sage st. john’s wort and storksbill (REMEMBER THAT ONE PATRICK!) are antiviral. There are several more that are out there.

For some of the less tasty ones, maybe Patrick can teach you how to do a feeding tube? :boggle:

Herbs and Bees wrote: Any suggestions on working with Tonsils? Has anyone had good results dealing with them? Are they allergy related? I hate the surgery plan.

Help….

The tonsils are lymphatic tissue. One of the best herbs for draining inflamed lymph nodes and their friends is cleavers.

So, my approach would be 4 fold:

– Drain the lymphatics – Cleavers

– Kill the bugs – Calendula, Garlic, Barberry, Gumweed, Echinacea, cayenne, peppermint…ok, maybe chaparral :crazy:

– Stimulate the immune system Echinacea, Garlic, Astragalus,

– Soothe the pain (anti-inflammatories) Yarrow, Calendula, Gumweed, Hyssop, Licorice etc…

– Soothe the pain (demulcents) Mallow, Comfrey, Slippery elm, Marshmallow, etc…

– Soothe the pain (astringents) Sage, Rose, Cranesbill, blackberry leaf, Yarrow,…

You obviously wouldn’t need all of these herbs, but pick for or five that will cover all the bases.

Doc

Ahhhh, she’s a little bug.

Try this:

Hot infusion:

Peppermint

Calendula

Yarrow

Rose

Echinacea

Cleavers

Licorice

Cold infusion:

Mallow/marhsmallow/Slippery elm

Licorice

Peppermint

Those’ll taste pretty good.

Take the hot infusion several times a day. About a cup for a little tyke.

Have her sip the cold infusion throughout the day

Doc

And remember, if you don’t have them all, use what you have.