Herbs For Strep Throat

As a little girl I was always sick.  I was susceptible to every sniffle, every cough.  Perfect attendance at school and church were unrealistic for me and my immune system was virtually non-existent until I had my tonsils removed at the age of twelve.  Even now, my immune system is something that needs working on.  One of the most common problems for me as a sickly child was my susceptibility to strep throat.  In my mind, I had it at least once every month.  Although that may seem like being over dramatic, it probably isn't too far off.

Now, aside from my own childhood struggles with health, there are many more children and even adults that struggle with strep throat.  If you think that you may have strep throat, go see your family physician and talk about options of getting better.  Some of those options I'll discuss in this post.

The beginning of the virus Streptococcal pharyngitis.

What is it?

Streptococcal pharyngitis is the term used for naming strep throat, particularly the strain of group A streptococcus.  When someone is infected with this bacterial infection, their throat becomes red and sore, their lymph nodes swollen, and they run a temperature.  This illness is more common in children than adults, and it is important to be properly diagnosed by a doctor because these symptoms could also apply for other bacterial diseases stemming from Streptococcus such as scarlet fever (from the specific bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes). If you are infected with Strep, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and possibly an acetaminophen for the pain.

It's not about the amount of supplements you take, or the amount of hand sanitizer you use.  Your immune system needs to be raring to go and your body well cared for.  Washing your hands will help keep the germs down, but you need to think of the inside as well.  What are some protocols to follow that may help keep this sickness, and many more, away?

1. Drink plenty of water.   -  I don't care if I mention this in every blog post, I can't stress it enough.  If you aren't drinking enough water (not tea, not pop, not juice, not coffee), then your body will struggle to keep everything functioning correctly.  Without the proper daily amount of water (at least 64 oz for adults) you will not be able to absorb vitamins from your food well at all and your body will have trouble putting what nutrition you do have to work.  There's so much more to touch on the topic of proper hydration, but I'll save that for another post.
2. Eat nutritious meals.  -   Again, if I was to mention this in every blog post it wouldn't be said enough.  If you have a diet of mainly processed foods, such as fast food or even "organic junk food" (it exists: an organic chip is still a chip, an organic cookie is still a cookie), then you aren't receiving enough nutrients.  If your body is lacking in vitamins and minerals, then how is it going to maintain it's health?  Vitamins are what keeps your body from being vulnerable to so many problems, such as poor eye site or even diseases like anemia.  If your body has to work harder on poor nutrition then your immune system is likely the first to go.  Eat meals of fresh fruit and vegetables, preferably raw, and lean meat.  If you aren't sure what is a good start, try steamed vegetables with turkey in it.  Most vegetables are better for you raw, not including tomatoes which are healthier when processed (I know, shocker).  Also, sugar is a large problem in today's society.  It weakens the immune system, attacks the adrenal glands, and causes inflammation.
   
3. Exercise.  -  It's true, exercising helps reduce stress and therefore builds the immune system.  Exercising outside helps you receive vitamin D and sweating will help detox.  If you are busy or do not like most cardio exercises, a 30 minute walk a day is better than nothing!
   
4. Cleaning with natural products.  -  Did you know that many cleaners out there actually lower your immune system?  It's true!  Bleach and other harsh chemicals can weaken your immune system as your body has to fight off the toxins from them that you absorb in the air and through touch.  Respiratory problems and skin reactions have been linked to aerosol sprays.  So when you think you are protecting yourself and your kids, are you really just causing other problems?  Why not us natural cleaners, many essential oils and herbs have been scientifically proven to be antiviral and antibacterial and are safe for you and your children while protecting you.  Here's an example of a cleaner you can make yourself: DIY Cleaner.
5. Building your immune system.  -  I've mention many ways in the past to build your immune system, and if you are interested here are some blog posts I've done: A Few Thieves, and Six Herbs You Need Now.

          Herbs are meant for use as preventive medicine and to tone the body's systems.  If you are into drinking teas, teas of echinacea and elderberry are a great addition to your health.  Citrus essential oils in your bath are good for low energy and for fighting the onset of illness. 

         

What if you still end up contracting the illness?  Is there a way to naturally fight it off?  There definitely is.

Once you've been diagnosed with Strep, talk with your doctor about natural treatments.  Many herbs can help fight off illnesses such as strep and return your body to it's healthier state.  If you have been practicing the protocols I had listed above for preventing it, there's a good chance that it isn't as bad as it could be and if you hurry you could nip it in its early stages.  The following are herbs I would recommend in fighting Strep:

1. Marshmallow  -  Ever heard of marshmallow root?  Marshmallow Althaea officinalis isn't what you could be thinking right now, it's beautiful herb with light purple flower.  This herb is full of medicinal virtues, specifically its actions as a mucilage.  A mucilage is a secretion that lubricates, so you can extract the mucilage compounds from this plant in a decoction (if using the root).  This will coat the throat and help relieve inflammation of the infected area.
2. Yarrow  - A natural antibiotic can be found within the plant yarrow Achillea millefolium.  As an anti-inflammatory, it will relieve the swelling in your throat.  It also may bring down your temperature if you have one.  I believe that unless your temperature is above 102, you should let your body take care of the problem itself.  Your body is raising the temperature to kill the illness.  If it climbs higher, then do try to lower the temperature. Use the flowers in a tea.
3. Lavender  -  Lavender Lavandula angustifolia is very common and yet underappreciated for its use as an anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic.  It is useful for fighting off bacteria and viruses (antiviral and antibacterial) and studies have proven to find more uses for it as time goes on.  In the past, I have made my own version of NyQuil using it and two other herbs.
4. Horehound  -  Horehound Marrubium vulgare is mainly used to soothe a cough (as it is an antispasmodic) and a sore throat.  Although with Strep there may not be any coughing, it will still soothe your throat and do a heck of a good job at it.
5. Thyme  -  Thymus vulgaris is probably another underappreciated her with its use as an  antimicrobial herb.  Useful against bacterias, fungi, and viruses, this herb will help eat away at the infection.  I would recommend pairing it with another herb to soothe the affects.  Horehound would be a great herb to pair it with.
   

How would you go about taking these herbs?  I would suggest a tea, because teas are quicker to be absorbed and then quicker to start working.  I would pair these herbs as a tea blend (if you can handle the strong stuff).  If you would much prefer something not so strong I would suggest a tea blend of: marshmallow, yarrow, horehound, and then thyme with honey added.  (Starting with marshmallow being the most and thyme being the least amount added.)  Still too much?  Switch out yarrow for goldenrod!  It is sweeter unlike the yarrow.

Marshmallow Althaea officinalis

Wishing you all the best!  Want more?  Join The Healer's Nook community by subscribing to the email list down below. NEXT BLOG POST: Herbs for Croup (due to many requests).  See you then!

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