Located at the back of your nose, hidden away from view, adenoids play a role in fighting infection in children. They are largest between the ages of 3 and 5 years and start to shrink when a child is around 7 or 8 years, pretty much disappearing and having no major function by the time you hit adulthood. In the interim, much like a sponge, this mass of tissue traps germs from entering through your throat. But they can become enlarged if they are infected by viruses or bacteria or even due to irritants and allergies.
[pullquote]If your child has frequent throat or ear infections, problems sleeping, obstructive sleep apnea, or trouble breathing, your doctor may recommend surgical removal of the adenoids and tonsils.1[/pullquote]
Swollen or enlarged adenoids can cause a range of symptoms such as a stuffy nose, trouble sleeping and swallowing, a blocked ear feeling, swollen neck glands, etc. Your doctor may advise antihistamines if allergies are behind your child’s swollen adenoids while antibiotics are typically prescribed to tackle bacterial infections. However, some natural remedies with antibacterial or antihistamine effects may also help you tackle this condition.2 3 4 5
1. Have Turmeric Milk
Turmeric has been greatly valued traditionally for its healing powers and may help you tackle your swollen adenoids too. Studies show that an antioxidant compound known as curcumin present in turmeric has antimicrobial properties and acts against a range of pathogens.6 Curcumin has also been shown to inhibit the release of histamine. Histamine is a chemical that’s released by your body during an allergic reaction and is responsible for the symptoms that you experience, including the swelling of your adenoids.7 To make the most of turmeric’s infection-fighting ability, have turmeric tea or, even better, turmeric milk. It’s quite easy to prepare – all you need to do is add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of milk and let it simmer on low heat for a while.8
2. Have Honey And Lemon Juice
Here’s a simple remedy for swollen adenoids that uses common kitchen staples. Honey has antimicrobial properties and also boosts your immune system. Lemon contains vitamin C, which strengthens your immune system, as well as a flavonoid known as hesperetin which has antihistamine properties. In fact, a case study that looked at a woman who was sensitive to a range of allergens such as pollen, detergents, perfumes, and dust found that she experienced relief from allergic symptoms when she consumed lemon juice. This sour fruit also has potent antiviral and antibacterial effects.910 11
To make a lemon honey drink, mix around 3 tablespoons of lemon juice in a cup of warm honey and add about 1/4th of a cup of warm water to dilute the mixture.12 Have 2–3 tablespoons of this mixture twice a day. Because it has honey, this remedy is not to be given to children under 1, though.
3. Drink Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is another herb that that has antibacterial and antihistamine properties. Studies show that it can cause a dose-dependent reduction in the release of histamine and work against a range of harmful bacteria.13 14
Prepare a cup of chamomile tea by steeping 2–3 teaspoons of chamomile in a cup of freshly boiled water for about 10–15 minutes. For children below the age of 5, limit consumption to half a cup of chamomile tea in a day.15
4. Have Garlic Juice
Let’s take a look at another potent medicinal plant that’s commonly available in kitchens around the world – garlic! Many herbalists advocate the use of garlic to tackle swollen adenoids. This therapeutic spice contains a compound known as alliin. When garlic is crushed, alliin is converted into the potent antimicrobial compound allicin.16 But that’s not all – garlic can stimulate cells such as lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells in your body and enhance the functioning of your immune system.17 Simply crush a few cloves of garlic and consume the juice to make the most of its medicinal properties.18
5. Have Tulsi Juice With Honey
Tulsi leaves consumed on an empty stomach can help boost your immune function. Research indicates that it does this by increasing levels of cytokines, which are chemical messengers used by your immune system.19
Essential oil extracted from the leaves and flowers of this medicinal plant also has beneficial constituents such as carvacrol, eugenol, caryophyllene, and methyl eugenol which give it potent antimicrobial powers.20 Research indicates that tulsi leaves have antihistaminic activity too.21 Consume the juice of fresh leaves of this herb along with healing honey to sort out enlarged adenoids.22
6. Try Ginger
A spice with strong antiseptic properties, ginger can help you fight many an infection. Peel and grate a little fresh ginger into a cup of hot water and let it steep for a bit before straining it to make a cup of ginger tea. You can also use this spice in your cooking – a steaming bowl of chicken soup spiced with ginger, garlic, and turmeric can do a sick child a world of good.23
7. Have Thyme Tea
A culinary herb with wide-ranging antibacterial effects, thyme can also be your ally if you’re dealing with swollen adenoids.24 Steep around 1/4 to 1/2 a teaspoon of this herb in 250 ml of hot water for a few minutes. Strain to make a cup of thyme tea and drink up.25
8. Munch On Some Apples
If your adenoids are swelling up as a result of exposure to allergens, snacking on apples regularly might be an easy and effective remedy. According to a study, taking apple polyphenol once a day significantly reduced symptoms of an allergic reaction in people who were sensitive to pollen.26
9. Have Tomatoes
Another common food that has an antihistamine effect is tomatoes. One study found that it could decrease nasal obstruction, sneezing, and runny noses in people with perennial allergic rhinitis as it inhibited the release of histamine. A polyphenol called naringenin chalcone found in its skin is thought to be responsible for this beneficial effect.27
10. Try A Salt Water Or Babul Decoction Gargle
If your child is old enough to be able to gargle, you can use this time-honored remedy for throat infections. A salt water gargle can flush out germs and help prevent upper respiratory tract infections.28
To prepare the gargle, mix a teaspoon of salt into 240 ml of warm water.29 Ayurvedic practitioners also recommend gargling with a decoction of the bark of the babul tree or acacia for children above the age of 8.30
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