Streptococcus or strep throat is caused by the group A Streptococcus bacteria, also called group A strep.
Believe it or not, this bacteria is found in our bodies, as well as environment, like our skin.
Thankfully, according to the CDC not everyone will need antibiotics, nor are serious complications common.
What are the first signs and symptoms of strep A?
- Throat pain that usually comes on quickly.
- Painful swallowing.
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus.
- “Red spots” on your throat, roof of mouth.
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck.
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Rash.
How do I know if I have strep throat?
Usually a regular sore throat will not cause a fever, headaches, or body aches. The “tell-tale sign” of a strep infection is a “white film” like coating on the throat and tonsils accompanied by red spots on the top of the mouth.
Can strep go away without the need for antibiotics?
For most of us, just like any other bacterial infection, your immune system has the ability to stop strep a in its tracks.
Under the best conditions, you might see symptoms subside in 24-72 hours when using natural earth based remedies.
Which makes these herbs a valuable option since, the antibiotics take at least 24 hours to “not be contagious” anymore, and 72 hours for symptom relief.
- Remember, as great as antibiotics are, they are specifically designed to be life saving, thus, it kills all the bacteria, including the good.
- Which all of that good bacteria MUST be replaced if you take antibiotics.
However, some folks with weakened immune systems, and some folks pre-exisiting conditions that contract reoccurring strep throat infections may need additional medical support.
Antibiotics or medical intervention may-be nessacary for people with the following
- PANDAS
- Scarlet fever
- cancer
- kidney or liver disease
- autoimmune disorders
How long are you contagious with strep?
Medical sources say that after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment, you are no longer contagious. However, a course of antibiotics for strep lasts 3-10 days, which means the bacteria could still be inside of you.
Many doctors from western medicine to naturopathic, and even homeopaths are saying its best to quarantine yourself or your child, in order to combat strep.
This may be sound advice, especially if the child is above the age of 12, can be made comfortable on their own, can soothe and nurture themselves when they need certain items like, cough drops, administer medication correctly, chicken noodle soup, etc.
Again, all sound advice, if the child is over the age of 12, but we must remember that apart of the healing; is the warm love we recieve when we feel ill.
Please dont be afraid of your child and ask ask them to quarantine if they contract strep a.
There are many natural based options to keep your immune system in tip-top shape while you care for someone with strep a.
While it is in the ill person’s best interest to get plenty of rest and to stay hydrated, it’s best to support and nuture your immune system (so it can do its job) – instead of fearing it!
Lets talk about a few herbs (some you may even have in your spice cabinet already :] ) that have antibacterial, antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties that may provide much needed symptom relief.
What happens if strep goes untreated?
The great news is that in most cases our bodies can fight strep and bounce right back, almost without missing a beat.
What if it doesnt go away?
If symptoms last longer than 7 days, it’s time to consider an antibiotic. Complications of untreated strep throat include:
- Scarlet fever
- Lung infection (pneumonia)
- Spinal meninges, or meningitis
Reoccuring strep infections?
If you or your child keep contracting reoccuring strep infections there might be a few reasons why. According to an Urgent Care clinic, the reason for reoccuring strep infections are listed below.
- Someone you spend a lot of time with is a strep throat carrier. A strep throat carrier is someone who has the strep bacteria in their throat, even when they exhibit no symptoms. Because the bacteria is present, it is possible for a carrier to spread it to others and infect them with strep throat.
- Resistance to antibiotics. Over time, bacteria can become resistant to an antibiotic, and the antibiotic will no longer work in fighting off the bacteria. Because repeated or improper use of antibiotics are the primary causes of drug-resistant bacteria, it is imperative that you strictly follow your doctor’s orders while taking antibiotics.
- Weakened immune system. People with HIV, AIDS, cancer, or other immune disorders are far more likely to develop recurring strep throat because their immune systems are not strong enough to fight the bacteria that causes it.
Echinacea
Echinacea is native to North America and been used here in western medicine since 1880.
Our ancestors also knew this herbal preparation to be safe and effective.
Andrew Chevallier, medical herbalist and author of The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants writes…
“Echinacea is one of the world’s most important medicinal herbs. Research shows that it has the ability to raise the body’s resistance to bacterial and viral infections by stimulating the immune system. Echinacea is also a natural antibiotic, and helps to relieve bacteral infections. Enchinacea contains polysaccharides which, a antihyaluronidase action, inhibiting the virus or bacteria to enter and take over the cells. ” Making Echinacea antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral.
Click the image to purchase our tea that contains echinacea
DOSING ECHINACEA –
TINCTURE
12 and up – 1:4 or 1:5 tincture 1/2 TSP 3x a day. Most people will add their tincture to a glass of water, or to a smoothie or a bowl of yogurt. Do not add it to cooked/hot food, as the heat from the food, may “cook out” the medicinal compounds.
3 years to 12 years – 1:4 or 1:5 tincture 1/4 of a TSP every 3 hours, not to exceed 1 TSP in a 24 hour period.
1 year of age to 3 years of age – If the child is still breastfeeding the mother should consume the tincture and let the benefical properties transfer to the child through the breast milk. The compounds from the medicinal herbs and the antibodies the mother naturally makes will all be transfered to the child, thus “boosting” the infants immune system.
TEA
12 and up – brew 1 tsp of tea in 8 ounce of water, sweeten with honey, consume 3x a day for 7 days
3 years to 12 years – brew 1 tsp in 8 oz of water, sweeten with honey, consume 2x a day for 3-7 days.
1 year olds – raw honey is considered harmful to infants under one year of age. If the child is still breastfeeding the mother should consume the tea and let the benefical properties transfer to the child through the breast milk. The compounds from the medicinal herbs and the antibodies the mother naturally makes will all be transfered to the child, thus “boosting” the infants immune system.
CAPSULES
Capsules vary in size, amount of herb, quality of herb, etc, thus making it hard to give proper dosing information. If you are interested in Echinacea capsules, please contact me directly so they can be prepared correctly for you.
Medical studies on the effects of Echinacea.
Echinacea: an effective alternative to antibiotics – PubMed (nih.gov)
Usnea-
Depending on where you live, you may have some of this growing on your property, or you’ve walked under a branch with Usnea growing and didnt even notice.
Because it stimulates mucus production, usnea is also useful in fighting respiratory problems. It actually helps to protect the delicate tissues of the respiratory system, making this benefical during strep. The mucus acts as a lubricant and cushion for the system so that coughing doesn’t cause as much pain to the body.
Another interesting property of usnea is that it works as an antibiotic. That means it can fight off bacterial infections in the body. If you’re suffering from an infection brought on by bacteria, usnea can treat the problem and even eliminate it.
This herb is known for killing gram-positive bacteria, which strep is, while not harming beneficial gut bacteria.
DOSING USNEA –
12 and up – 1 full dropper a day.
2 years of age to 12 years of age – half dropper a day
under one year of age – please contact your health care provider
Medical studies on Usnea
Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is much different than traditional honey. This honey comes from bees that collected pollen from the medicinal Tea Tree, making it “extra” medicinal than traditional honey that is made from wildflowers. Research from Microbiology Society now shows Manuka honey inhibiting the development of strep including the white bio-film!
“Thanks to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, manuka honey can offer relief from a sore throat,” says Flora. (Registered dietitian)
The honey can help with inflammation and fight against the bacteria that cause pain. Research shows that those who use manuka honey have a decrease in Streptococcus mutans, a type of bacteria that causes sore throats, adds the Cleveland Clinic.
DOSING MANUKA HONEY-
3 years and up – 2 tsps every 24 hours.
1 year to 3 years of age – 1 tsp every 24 hours
(The FDA states that raw honey is not safe for infants under one to consume)
raw and spoonfed is a great way to consume manuka, especially if you like the taste.
Most children and even adults do not like the robust, earthy, medicinal flavor that Mankua is known for.
So heres a simple recipe to make it easier to consume.
NOTE* The temperature of water is key here. Do not add any type of honey to water over 135* as it will kill the benefical properties.
ingredients:
lemon, mankua honey, raw garlic, cayanne, water, apple cider vinegar
8 ounces water
1 tablespoon lemon
1 tsp mankua honey
1/4 tsp raw garlic
a dash of cayanne
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
bring 8 ounces of water to a gentle simmer, add ingredients and consume 2 cups a day. For small children, ages 1-3 consume one cup of tea containing 1 tsp daily, or 1 teaspoon full daily.
Medical studies on Manuka
5 Benefits of Manuka Honey – Cleveland Clinic
Apple Cider Vinegar
Thanks to its acidity, ACV can kill not just strep bacteria in the throat, but also MRSA and e-coli.
Just make sure your apple cider vinegar is raw, unfiltered and contains the “mother.”
DOSING APPLE CIDER VINEGAR:
UP TO 2 TABLESPOONS every 24 hours
ACV is a natural food product. The only safety concerns are if you have ulcers or a sensitive stomach.
“MOUTHRINSE”
Mix 1 tablespoon of ACV in a glass of filtered water. Gargle the ACV for as long as you can but try for atleast 60 seconds.
Every 2-3 hours until symptoms resolve. Mouthrinse is safe to use every two hours because you are not swallowing the mouthrinse.
BEVERAGE
NOTE* The temperature of water is key here. Do not add any type of honey to water over 135* as it will kill the benefical properties.
ingredients:
lemon, mankua honey, raw garlic, cayanne, water, apple cider vinegar
8 ounces water
1 tablespoon lemon
1 tsp mankua honey
1/4 tsp raw garlic
a dash of cayanne
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
bring 8 ounces of water to a gentle simmer, add ingredients and consume 2 cups a day. For small children, ages 1-3 consume one cup of tea containing 1 tsp daily, or 1 teaspoon full daily.
Medical study on apple cider vinegar
Conclusion
There are many natural remedies that are scientifically proven to provide symptom relief from strep.
Remember after 7 days of no improvement, or a fever that cannot break, you may need medical intervention, like an antibiotic.
None of these statements are meant to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat. They are for informational purposes only.
