What can be consumed when experiencing tonsillitis?

Aug 24, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Patients with tonsillitis may appropriately drink chrysanthemum tea. First, rinse the chrysanthemum flowers thoroughly, then steep them in an appropriate amount of boiling water, and finally add a small amount of sugar. Moderate consumption of alcohol may also effectively alleviate throat symptoms caused by acute tonsillitis. Additionally, “Ba Bao” (Eight-Treasure) tea can be brewed and consumed, which is also beneficial for managing acute tonsillitis.

Pathogens naturally reside in the throats of healthy individuals. However, if the body’s immune defenses gradually weaken due to certain underlying factors, these resident pathogens may proliferate excessively. Concurrently, external pathogens may also invade, leading to pronounced inflammation of the tonsils—commonly known as tonsillitis—accompanied by distinct clinical symptoms. So, what beverages are suitable for individuals with tonsillitis?

What Can Be Drunk During Tonsillitis?

Patients with tonsillitis may appropriately consume chrysanthemum tea. To prepare it, rinse the chrysanthemum flowers thoroughly, steep them in boiling water, and add a small amount of sugar to taste. Moderate consumption of this tea can effectively alleviate sore throat symptoms associated with acute tonsillitis. Alternatively, “Baobao tea” (a traditional Chinese herbal infusion) is also beneficial for managing acute tonsillitis. Additionally, ingredients such as monk fruit, licorice root, red dates (jujubes), goji berries, lotus seeds, and lily bulbs may be added to the infusion. Drinking this mixture in moderation daily helps clear heat, detoxify the body, and nourish body fluids.

Pomegranates possess properties that quench thirst, arrest diarrhea, and stop bleeding. They are commonly used to treat conditions involving fluid deficiency, dry mouth, dry throat, and excessive thirst. Pomegranate decoction demonstrates notable efficacy in alleviating sore throat and tonsillitis-related discomfort. Bayberries (Chinese wax myrtle) contain multiple organic acids; when consumed raw, they stimulate saliva production, moisten dry tissues, and thus help relieve sore throat and dry, itchy cough caused by tonsillitis. Pears are considered a “cooling” fruit. Widely recognized for their high water content, pears promote salivation, relieve thirst, moisten the lungs, and suppress coughing. Some cases of tonsillitis stem from “excess internal heat” (a concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine); consuming more pears helps nourish yin and clear heat. During dry weather, increased pear intake also boosts vitamin C levels, thereby reducing symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.

When experiencing symptoms of tonsillitis, patients should seek timely medical evaluation and treatment to prevent disease progression. We hope this information proves helpful.