IMPORTANT
Unless otherwise stated on the package, most supplements and herbal remedies aren’t suitable for children under 12.
Click here for more details

Pharyngitis

What you need to know:

Children often get symptoms of this condition just because they’re children. Shouting for hours at a school football or hockey match, screaming during a gig with their favourite group can both bring it on. Conventional medicine may be needed if it’s caused by infection, but natural remedies can help, too.

The most useful Herbs:

The most effective herbs to use as a gargle are:
Use 3 tspns per cup of boiling water, cover, stand for 10 mins, strain and use as hot as comfortable. Repeat every hour.

Essential oils used externally or in a fragrancer:

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

Nutritional changes can also help, but as with many common ailments, you should first turn to kitchen medicine. Get them to drink lots of water - at least six large glasses a day.

Make a drink of hot water, a dessertspoon of pasteurised honey and the juice of half a lemon and sip slowly. Give it to them at least four times a day.

Fresh pineapple and pineapple juice contain healing enzymes and other tropical fruit like mangoes, paw-paws and guavas are particularly beneficial.

If your child has repeated bouts of pharyngitis, see a naturopath for long-term nutritional advice.

Homoeopathy

Homoeopathic remedies include Belladonna, Lachesis, Phytolacca, Causticum.

Other useful advice:

Children over 6 should also be given chewing gum sweetened with xylitol - look on the labels - which helps kill the bugs. You can also get teething gels and toothpaste containing xylitol.

Back

This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk).
The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.