Natural Remedies For Strep Throat

There seems to be 2 schools of thought on living with bacteria, viruses, parasites and other microbes. One is that if they are eradicated from our bodies and environment, we will be healthy. Therefore, we should do what we can do “disinfect” our bodies and environments at all times. The other school of thought is that we cannot eradicate these microbes from our bodies and environment; we can only live in balance with them. Therefore, we should do what we can to strengthen our immune systems and the beneficial bacteria in our bodies to “out perform” or “out number” harmful microbes to keep symptoms at bay. This article aims to explore the benefits and drawbacks of both theories, in relation to natural remedies for strep throat infections, as well as share our family experience.

Using Antibiotics for Strep Throat Infections

Our family does not take using antibiotics lightly, but are grateful to have them in circumstances where serious infections require them. Strep can be a serious infection with serious complications when left untreated. When our family had strep throat for the first time, we did use antibiotics. This was the first and only time our children have used them, and the first I have in many years. Unfortunately, the antibiotics were not effective in treating our infections, despite being very diligent about taking recommended dosages and adhering to “disinfect everything” practices. We continued to be symptomatic (sore throats, high fevers, body aches, vomiting in littles) and tested positive again after completion of antibiotics.

Natural Remedies As Treatment For Strep Throat

It was after this “second round” of infections (or the continued, unresolved “first” infection) that we sought natural remedies to help us heal. These natural remedies for strep throat helped us regain our health. I had a mindset shift during this experience: using natural remedies is not at all the same thing as “leaving strep untreated”. We were treating our infections with a combination of herbs, food, and plant-based natural medicine. These remedies are research based and can be very helpful in combating strep infections. The scientific studies cited below demonstrate the effectiveness of these remedies to inhibit or reverse the growth of (kill) strep bacteria in lab settings.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. Before you try any natural remedies or discontinue medications, talk with your doctor. This post shares 7 natural remedies for strep throat that helped our family and is not intended as medical advice.

Growing Popularity and Use of Natural Remedies

When researchers from the Avicenna Journal of Dental Research found grape fruit seed extract effective against strep and candida bacteria, they opinioned herbal compounds are healthier for human immune systems. Moreover, they stated public interest and demand for non-chemical compounds has been fueling the increased use of herbs and plants in medicine. Their article states:

Due to the increased microbial resistance to chemical compounds and the significant positive effects of medicinal plants on the treatment of diseases, the use of herbs and their active ingredients is increasing. Moreover, the greater compatibility of herbal compounds with the human immune system, availability, and the public preferences of using natural resources compared with chemical compounds are other factors that have influenced the increased use of plants in health problems (source).

We found both of these statements true for our family. We did not have any unpleasant side effects from natural remedies as we did with antibiotics. Our family also generally prefers to take a holistic approach to health for both prevention and acute illness. We have found food and herbs to be effective prevention and medicine!

Here are 7 natural remedies for strep throat our family used effectively:

1. Fermented Milk Kefir

Our family began fermenting milk kefir the summer we had repeat strep throat infections. Yes, the summer…it was a long lasting infection we could not seem to heal from, despite antibiotics, a healthy diet, fresh air, sunlight, and all efforts at immune boosting. A fellow GAPS mama shared this brilliant kefir remedy with me. I had no idea fermented milk kefir could reduce the levels of strep bacteria, and was so desperate for our family to be well again, I ordered the kefir grains that very day. We found kefir to be a very helpful tool in overcoming our infections, and I since learned the science behind the healing effects of this probiotic drink!

Research Study of Kefir And Strep Bacteria

A study of 80 children compared the effect of probiotic products in reducing the levels of salivary Streptococcus mutans before and after their consumption. None of the children were given antibiotics. The results demonstrated:

1. Children given probiotic products showed a marked reduction in colony-forming units (CFUs) at a 1-hour time interval when compared to children not given probiotic products.
2. On the 30th-day, children in group II (given kefir) and group III (given probiotic curd) have shown an equal reduction of CFUs when compared to the control group and the probiotic drink group. (source)

So while the three probiotics all reduced bacteria levels within 1 hour, those given kefir or probiotic curd over the 30 day period had sustained results. We began drinking kefir daily as a natural remedy for strep throat and have never stopped since! Our family really enjoys it in these smoothies.

2. Grape Fruit Seed Extract

Grape fruit seed extract is a powerful antibacterial agent. We used this brand, added to water, gargled and swallowed. The taste is a bit bitter, so our little ones consumed in juice or applesauce. I personally felt the effects of this remedy soonest. I have since used this remedy at any sign of a sore throat and it seems to help speed healing.

Research Studies of Grape Fruit Seed Extract and Strep Bacteria

1. In a study testing grape fruit seed extract as an antibacterial agent against 67 types of gram positive and negative bacteria, the grape fruit seed extract was consistently anti-bacterial against all 67 types of bacteria (source).
   
2. In the study The Effects of the Grape Seed Extract on Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, researchers found grape fruit seed extract effective against strep bacteria:
   
   The current in-vitro study aimed at investigating the effect of GSE, as a natural product, against two major microorganisms in oral and dental diseases. GSE has drawn the attention of researchers because of its biological and pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immune-stimulating features and the like (16). In addition, the grape seed is considered as a rich source of polyphenolic compounds, and the antimicrobial activity of polyphenols has been approved against a large number of pathogens (source).

3. Birch Xylitol And Strep Bacteria

Pure birch xylitol was by far the yummiest and most popular natural remedy for strep throat for our children! We consumed this straight from the spoon, slowly allowing it to dissolve and trickle down the throat. The children asked for this often, as it tastes very sweet! Too much can cause upset stomach and diarrhea, so we stuck with 1 tsp at a time, generally given upon waking and before bedtime.

Research Studies of Xylitol and Strep

1. In the study Effect of Xylitol on Growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the Presence of Fructose and Sorbitol, researchers state: “Xylitol is effective in preventing acute otitis media (ear infection) by inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae” (source).
   
2. The research report Effect of erythritol and xylitol on Streptococcus pyogenes causing peritonsillar abscesses states:
   “Our study showed that xylitol (XYL) was more effective than erythritol (ERY), inhibiting 71–97% and 48–84% of isolates, respectively, depending of concentrations. 48% of clinical and all throat strains were inhibited by polyols in all concentrations (PES 3). PES was negative or zero in 26% of the isolates in the presence of ERY and in 19% of XYL. ERY enhanced the growth of S. pyogenes isolated from pus with high amylase levels. Polyols in all concentrations inhibited the growth in exponential phase. In conclusion, ERY and XYL are potent growth inhibitors of S. pyogenes isolated from PTA. Therefore, ERY and XYL may have potential in preventing PTA in the patients with frequent tonsillitis episodes (source).
   
3. The study Effect of xylitol on cariogenic and beneficial oral streptococci published:
   “Based on the findings of this study, xylitol consumption reduced S. mutans and S. sobrinus counts in saliva but appeared not to effect numbers of S. sanguinis and S. mitis in saliva. So, habitual consumption of xylitol reduces cariogenic streptococci levels without any effect on beneficial sterptococci for the oral cavity“(source).

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Gargling with or drinking diluted apple cider vinegar (ACV) may be helpful in lowering the pain levels from sore throats as well as reducing microbial activity. Our personal experience with using apple cider vinegar as a strep throat remedy was that it helped reduce pain and speed healing. Make sure you use a brand of apple cider vinegar that includes “with the mother” on the label. We like this brand, and it has been used in lab testing against bacteria.

Research Study of Apple Cider Vinegar and mRSA and Resistant E-coli

In the study Antibacterial apple cider vinegar eradicates methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and resistant Escherichia coli , the measured effects of apple cider vinegar against mRSA and E-coli founded “results comparable to commonly prescribed antibiotics to these infections, such as clindamycin or trimethoprim” (source).
While this study was conducted on bacteria other than strep, the results may be similar against strep bacteria.

5. Homeopathic Remedies for Strep Throat

I am not well-versed in the science behind homeopathy, but can attest to the effectiveness of remedies for our family. We have seen arnica cream reduce a “goose egg” bump on the forehead in record time. I have taken arnica internally after child birth and felt much pain relief. We have successfully used belladonna to reduce discomforts associated with fevers, especially from an ear ache.

When we had reoccurring strep throat, I worked directly with a homeopath who recommend hepar sulph and merc sol as remedies. These remedies worked for our entire family. The homeopath recommended Joette Calabrese as a resource. Joette considers hepar sulph a “homeopathic antibiotic”. You can find more information here, if you are interested in more information on different remedies.

6. Food and Lifestyle Choices

1. During our course of antibiotics, then natural remedies, and following when we were well again, we followed a healthy diet to restore gut health and minimize the effects of antibiotics and illness. We had a couple months of lingering rashes and out-of-character behavior in some of our children that we knew needed to be addressed with gut healing with a round of GAPS intro protocol. This helped immensely and we have no long lasting effects.
2. We prioritized rest, sunlight, high mineral foods, healing herbs, and fresh air to help strengthen our bodies
3. We temporarily avoided gatherings with a lot of people or with people we knew were sick. Normally we are exposed to all the common illnesses as we live our lives at work, church, grocery stores, gatherings, etc. We stayed home until we felt we were well enough to combat new viruses and illnesses again.

7. Hygiene Considerations

Let’s get back to the school of thought on eradicating bacteria from our environment and bodies. While I lean more toward the theory of thought we need to strengthen our bodies’ abilities to live in harmony with microbes, I absolutely agree there is a time and place for “disinfecting” to reduce harmful bacteria levels while healing and strengthening our bodies.

1. Replacing toothbrushes. After testing positive, our doctor recommended discarding our toothbrushes after taking antibiotics for a few days. Because we have a large family and had spread out, reoccurring infections, we opted to dispose daily of our toothbrushes for 2 weeks straight (when everyone was completely symptom free). We did a bulk order for practicality.
2. Disinfecting common surfaces. We used rubbing alcohol and paper towels to make disinfectant wipes and regularly sanitized knobs, lights switches, electronic devices, car seat buckles, faucet handles, etc.
3. Washing pillow cases, bedding, and hands often.

I hope you find these natural remedies for strep throat helpful for your family (yet pray you never need them!)

Remedies Referenced In This Post

• kefir grains
• Grape fruit seed extract
• Pure birch xylitol
• apple cider vinegar
• hepar sulph
• merc sol
• bulk toothbrushes
• rubbing alcohol

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