Can I drink cold tea when I have tonsillitis?
Jul 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, whether patients with tonsillitis can drink cold tea depends on the specific circumstances. When the symptoms of tonsillitis are mild, drinking moderate amounts of cold tea may be acceptable. However, if symptoms are severe or accompanied by spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, it is not recommended. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene, rinse the mouth with warm water after meals, and reduce bacterial growth in the throat. The diet should primarily consist of light and easily digestible foods, avoiding spicy and fried foods.
Generally speaking, whether one can drink cold herbal tea during a tonsillitis episode needs to be determined according to the specific circumstances. When the symptoms of tonsillitis are mild, moderate consumption of cold tea may be acceptable. However, if symptoms are severe or accompanied by spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, it is not advisable to drink cold herbal tea. Detailed explanations are as follows:
If the symptoms of tonsillitis are relatively mild, with only slight sore throat and throat discomfort, moderate consumption of cooling teas such as honeysuckle tea or chrysanthemum tea may help relieve throat dryness and heat. However, the tea should not be too cold to avoid irritating the throat mucosa, and each serving should be moderate to prevent increasing the burden on the gastrointestinal tract.
When tonsillitis symptoms are severe, such as significant sore throat and difficulty swallowing, or if the individual already has spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, manifested as frequent diarrhea and abdominal pain, drinking cold herbal tea may exacerbate throat irritation and gastrointestinal discomfort, which is unfavorable for recovery. In such cases, cold herbal tea should be avoided; instead, choose warm water or lukewarm salt water to reduce irritation to the throat and gastrointestinal tract.
Daily maintenance should include good oral hygiene, rinsing the mouth with warm water after meals to reduce bacterial growth in the throat. Diet should be light and easily digestible, avoiding spicy and fried foods. Consuming more fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement vitamins, ensuring adequate rest, and avoiding excessive voice strain can help promote the resolution of tonsillitis.
