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

What you need to know:

This common childhood illness is painful and distressing, and when it becomes recurrent it interferes with schooling and is a drain on the child’s health and exuberance. Herbs, supplements and natural therapies can all help.

The most useful Herbs:

The most effective herbs to use as gargle are:
  • Sage
  • Raspberry leaf
  • Rosemary
  • Echinacea
Use 2 tspns of fresh, chopped herb - 1 tspn of dried - 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:
  • Myrrh
  • Sandalwood
  • Tea tree - this herb can also be used as a gargle (3 drops to a glass of sweetened hot water)

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

Nutritional changes can also help, but like many common ailments, you should first turn to kitchen medicine. Make a drink of hot water, a dessertspoon of pasteurised honey and the juice of half a lemon and sip slowly. Take it 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. One of the most soothing and healing remedies is iced lollies made from a 50/50 mixture of water and pure pineapple juice.

If you have repeated bouts of tonsillitis, see a naturopath for long-term nutritional advice, but also use Echinacea , probiotics and live yoghurt to boost the immune system.

Homoeopathy

Homoeopathic remedies include Belladonna, Lachesis, Phytolacca, Causticum.

Other useful advice:

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