Strep Throat - Holistic Tips
One of the most common questions I get is about strep throat. Antibiotics are typically used to treat a strep infection and if this is the route you take make sure you take the full course of antibiotics. Using probiotics containing lactobacillus acidophilus or bifidobacterium bifidus for at least 2 weeks after can help repopulate the good gut bacteria that is depleted with antibiotic use.
I want to provide some alternative options. These are not to replace medical advice and know that using these options are not the same as not treating it. These items are herbal remedies shown to be very effective. The dosing of going this route is frequent and I acknowledge that it is “easier” to take the antibiotic versus this route, but want to provide options.
Strep throat is a common childhood infection causes by the bacteria Streptococcus Pyogenes or group A Streptococcus. Most cases of sore throat are caused by viral infections. You cannot tell if a sore throat is viral or bacterial by looking at it. You will need a swab. There are home options, but not the most accurate. Strep throat should not be left untreated. Strep may lead to other complications like rheumatic fever or PANDAS.
Treat for 7-10 days
Echinacea tincture - This is the key component. For the biggest benefit direct contact with the tincture to the throat is important. Ideally diligent dosing every hour for the first day. Diluting in water decreases the effectiveness. After first day can decrease to 4x/day.
You can purchase a single tincture at Sage Woman Herbs (https://www.sagewomanherbs.com/echinacea-tincture.html)
or a great herbal combo at (https://woodlandessence.com/products/auntie-bio-liquid-extract?_pos=1&_sid=f7ac5d86a&_ss=r).
Biocidin also makes a great liquid formula with garlic, echinacea, oregano oil (on fullscript).
Follow dose amounts for each product. The key is frequent dosing for the first 24 hour.
A tablespoon of a syrup made from the below products every 3 hours for about a week can also help and be soothing.
1 cup filtered water, 1 cup ACV, 8 tbsp honey, 8 crushed garlic cloves and 1/8 tsp cayenne. Dash of ginger and cinnamon to make it taste better.
Biocidin throat spray (fullscript)
Can also gargle with Briotech Mouthwash or Argentyn colloidal silver (fullscript)
References
Buhner, Stephen Harrod. Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria. Storey Pub., 2012.
Balch, Phyllis A., and Stacey J. Bell. Prescription for Herbal Healing. Bottom Line Books, 2014.