Strep throat is an incredibly common and very contagious condition. It plagues schools and workplaces, easily spreading from person to person through what can seem like minimal or even nonexistent contact. The symptoms of strep include a swollen and painful throat, and the condition is sometimes accompanied by cold like symptoms and a fever as well.
Strep is bacterial in nature and hence the typical course of action following a swab based diagnosis is normally antibiotics. For some people, taking antibiotics can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, appetite changes and more. But, it is important that medications prescribed by a health care provider, and that they be continued and used as directed, especially since untreated strep can manifest weeks later as the much more dangerous condition, rheumatic fever. However, as a supplement to medicinal therapies, there are also many herbs that can provide additional rapid relief from symptoms, and can be used in tea form which also helps provide soothing comfort to an irritated throat as well. It may come as no surprise that natural antimicrobial herbs top our list of the best herbs to use in a tea for strep throat. By combating bacteria naturally and keeping the throat moist and relaxed, symptom relief and quicker recovery time are possible. In addition, using a tea for strep throat may be able to help the condition from recurring over a season, as strep is known to do, by keeping the bacteria fighters in the body functioning at top performance.
1. Sage
Normally associated with cooking today, sage’s roots date back throughout history where it was used by the Egyptians for fertility and for cauterization and ulcers. Its role in soothing the symptoms of strep throat come from its infusion in tea form, which is either drank or gargled. Sage contains phenolic acids that are thought to be especially effective against the bacterium responsible for strep and staph infections. Aside from these benefits, sage is also attributed to the relief of stomach upset, a common symptom of strep, as well as fever reduction. This range of positive effects are what makes sage an excellent choice in a tea for strep throat, and its familiar and pleasant taste also make it a solid choice for inclusion in herbal tea recipes.
2. Oregano
Oregano is quite possibly one of the most effective antibacterial agents found in nature thanks to two specific phytochemicals that exist in the popular herb. These chemical compounds are called thymol and carvacol, and they’re precisely why oregano is a must-have addition to a tea for strep throat. Oregano is such a powerful natural germ killer that it’s even been associated with killing MRSA. Symptom relief may also be had with oregano thanks to its inflammation reducing properties.
3. Cloves
Cloves are incredibly popular for use in pain relief associated with oral distress and the reason why the sweet and curiously flavored spice is so popular in this regard is because of its effectiveness thanks to antifungal, antiseptic, antibacterial and anesthetic properties. It may come as no surprise then, that cloves can be incredibly useful in a tea for strep throat. Both the germ killing properties of cloves are beneficial here in combating the source of strep; additionally, the anesthetic properties that bring relief to dental pain sufferers are welcomed as well. Cloves make an excellent incorporation in a tea for strep throat for these reasons in combating the source and the symptoms of the common condition.
4. Thyme
Antibacterial properties make thyme a popular herbal addition in a tea for strep throat which is often combined with honey both for flavor and a boost of germ killing benefits. Thyme not only can help address the infectious cause of strep throat but may also be useful in helping to relieve its symptoms. The herb is a natural anti-inflammatory, which can lead to a reduction in swelling, irritation and discomfort that may persist with the condition.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary is a popular addition to many herbal tea recipes because of its notable flavor and enjoyable aromatic properties. It boasts astringent and anti-inflammatory properties naturally and has been used for sore throats as a treatment for a very long time. While not studied extensively in the treatment of strep throat, one interesting study conducted on tilapia found that those fed dried rosemary encountered a lower mortality rate as a result of their infections. This fishy study points to rosemary’s many uses against germs and illnesses and its potential in future studies related to treating strep throat.
