The Real Reason Tonsils Swell and Medicinal Recipes to Gently Cool the Body

Introduction

I received this question during a TikTok live stream.

"Should I have my tonsils removed? My doctor is recommending it."

When tonsils swell repeatedly, you may be advised to have them removed. However, there is nothing in the body that is unnecessary. Before having them removed, it is important to understand why they swell.

Conclusion

You should not have your tonsils removed.

There is nothing in the body that is unnecessary. The priority is to remove the cause of the tonsil swelling.

Reason

Tonsils are the "soldiers guarding the outer moat"

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the body's defensive function is called "Wei Qi." It is the work of protecting the body from bacteria and viruses entering from the outside. The tonsils stand on the front lines of this defense.

It is easy to understand if you compare it to a castle. The tonsils are the soldiers guarding the outer moat. If the soldiers are gone, bacteria and viruses can easily invade the castle. Removing the tonsils is the same as getting rid of those soldiers.

High fever is a "defense system"

A high fever is a defense system working to prevent bacteria and viruses from entering the body. It is not the fever itself that is scary, but rather it is important to be careful of dehydration caused by high fever.

The cause of excessive tonsil swelling is edema from drinking too much water or overeating. When there is an accumulation of excess substances in the body, the tonsils are more likely to overreact.

From a Western medical perspective, tonsils are part of the lymphoid tissue and are responsible for immune function. It has been reported that the risk of pharyngitis and bronchitis increases after removal.

Do not follow the wrong health regimen

Some people gulp down sweet juices when they have a fever, but this is counterproductive. Drinks high in sugar worsen water retention in the body.

It is important to drink water little by little and frequently.

Medicinal Recipe

May Medicinal Recipe: Tofu with Plum and Bonito Dashi Soy Sauce

This dish gently cools excess heat in the body and replenishes moisture. Since it can be made without using fire, it can be eaten without strain even when you are feeling unwell.

Ingredients (for 2 servings)

• Silken tofu: 1 block

• Pickled plums (umeboshi): 2

• Bonito flakes: 1 handful

• Dashi soy sauce: 1 tablespoon

• Green onions (finely chopped): a small amount

Instructions

1. Lightly drain the tofu, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and place in a bowl.

2. Remove the pits from the pickled plums and mince them finely with a knife.

3. Top the tofu with the plum and bonito flakes, then drizzle with dashi soy sauce.

4. Sprinkle with green onions and it is ready to serve.

Medicinal Points

• Tofu: An ingredient that cools excess heat in the body and replenishes bodily fluids. It is easy to digest and works gently on a weakened body.

• Pickled plums (umeboshi): Have antibacterial properties and help eliminate excess waste from the body. They are easy to eat even when your appetite is low.

• Bonito flakes: Replenish 'qi' and provide energy to move the body. The umami of the dashi stimulates the appetite.

Summary

• Tonsils are the front-line soldiers protecting the body from bacteria and viruses. Removing them lowers your defense function.

• A high fever is the body's defense system. What is scary is not the fever itself, but dehydration.

• The cause of tonsils reacting excessively is drinking too much water and overeating. Gulping down sweet juice is counterproductive.

It is not the illness that is scary, but the lack of knowledge. By understanding the meaning of your body's signals, you will be able to take the correct actions.

Course Information

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Medicinal Cooking Introductory Course 6-month program will begin on the second Monday of September 2026.

This is an introductory course that even beginners can learn with peace of mind. You will spend six months thoroughly learning the basics of medicinal cooking that are easy to incorporate into your daily meals.

• Format: Zoom and archive viewing

• Time: 20:00–21:00

• Tuition: 54,000 yen

Click here for details and registration
https://kawamoto.my.canva.site/yakuzen-kawamoto

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