Adenoids are tonsil-like tissues at the back of the nasal passage. For reasons unknown, they can get swollen and enlarged, causing pain and discomfort and obstructing natural air flow. Surgery is often the only treatment for adenoids but in some cases, patients can get relief by using the following home remedies for enlarged adenoids:
1. Cod liver oil
Cod liver oil supplements can help kids and adults with enlarged adenoids. The rich Selenium content of cod liver along with other anti-inflammatory compounds restores natural air-flow and prevents pain and inflammation. Cod liver oil is also rich in essential fatty acids which are beneficial for reducing swelling. Look for liquid supplements for children under 12 years.
2. Crushed raw garlic in honey
Garlic is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiseptic and helps reduce swelling. The allicin compound in Garlic is a natural antibiotic which fights infection and reduces pain and swelling. Crush or grate 2-3 cloves of garlic and mix them up with honey and lemon juice. Take the mixture 2-3 times a day to fight infection. If your child dislikes the smell of raw garlic, you can squeeze out the oil from Garlic oil capsules and feed it instead.
3. Hot water lemon juice and raw honey
This is a simple home remedy to relieve adenoid pain. To a glass of hot water, squeeze half a lemon and add a tablespoon of raw, local, organic honey. Honey is naturally antiseptic and anti-inflammatory and relieves sore throat. Drink this hot ‘tea’ 3-4 times a day to relieve pain, swelling and inflammation. You can make this tea even more powerful by adding some turmeric and/or ginger juice to it. Both ginger and turmeric are anti-inflammatory and fight swelling, prevent coughs and strengthen the immune system to fight infections.
4. Hot milk with turmeric at bedtime
This is a powerful Ayurvedic remedy for treating swollen adenoids in adults and children. To a glass of warm milk, add a teaspoon of organic powdered turmeric and some honey. Drink this at bedtime to prevent snoring, sore throat and inflamed airways. Do this every night to fight inflammation and pain.
5. Homeopathic remedies for treating swollen adenoids without surgery
Homeopathy is an effective branch of alternative science that is known to treat adenoids without surgery. Following remedies are known to be beneficial:
- Bacillinum 1 M
- Tuberculinum 1 M
- Juglans regia 10 drops 3 times a day until symptoms subside
- Barium Iodatum 4x potency
- For pale, obese kids who perspire excessively at night and have swollen tonsils and adenoids- Calc
- Merc –I, Cist, Bar-C, Agra, Calc-P are some other well known homeopathic remedies for treating swollen adenoids and tonsils.
6. Herbal remedies for adenoids
Make herbal infusion with sage, thyme, rosemary, myrrh, goldenseal or propolis and use them at herbal throat sprays or for gargles. For heat in throat, use demulcent herbs like mullein, licorice, marshmallow and slippery elm. Echinacea and Astragalus supplements strengthen the immune system and fight infections. Children prone to enlarged adenoids must take these supplements regularly to prevent an episode.
7. Essential oils for adenoids
Diffusing following essential oils for adenoids in the child’s room can help prevent snoring and difficulty in breathing: Eucalyptus, Lemon, Pine, Thyme or Rosemary. You can even add them to inhalers or vaporizers.
8. In case of fever
For fever management, administer the following teas: peppermint, chamomile, yarrow, elderflowers lemon balm etc throughout the day.
9. Salt water gargles
Make the child gargle three times a day with warm water and salt solution. This will relieve pain and bring down swelling.
10. Breathing exercises for enlarged adenoids
Yoga and deep breathing exercises can help relieve the irritation caused to the airways due to swollen or enlarged adenoids. Exercises like Bhastrika pranayama or Bellow breath can help. Also do Suryanamaskar as shown here.
While most of the above remedies for enlarged adenoids are completely safe, do consult a doctor if your child does not get relief within a few days. Your doctor will examine the adenoids to make sure they are not infected. However, do use the above remedies as a first line of defense in order to forgo the more invasive options.