Dear Bob Liebert,

My five year old daughter has inflamed adnoids and chronic sinus problems. What is the cause of this condition? What is the long term consequences of removing the adnoids? Is there an alternative? Thanks.

Chuck

Dear Friend,

The adenoids are an area of lymph tissue where the sinuses and throat join. Like the tonsils, and other lymph tissue, their job is to filter toxins and infectious material from the bloodstream; with chronic infection or congestion they can become irritated and chronically enlarged, which can lead to breathing difficulties. An herbal approach is worth trying first, as in natural healing we do not think of any body part as dispensable. The herbal approach is to use anti-infective, lymph purifying and de-congestant herbs. The safest to use with a child would be the extracts of Echinacea (lymph, anti-infective) Cleavers (lymph purifier) and our Sinease Formula (contains Elder Flower, a very good de-congestant for children). Look into any food or other allergies your child may have (dairy is a common one).

You can buy these herbs and many more in the Formula and Single Herb sections of the Teeter Creek Herb website. Herbs that don't appear in the Formula or Single Herb lists can usually be requested in the "Message" section at the bottom of the order page.

The information expressed is the personal observations of Herbalist Bob Liebert based on his personal experience and his studies of folk and traditional herbalism. These observations are not meant to be a substitute for qualified medical diagnosis and treatment. Uses of many of the herbs have not been scientifically verified.