Strep Throat Causes, Medicinal Herbs And Herbal Preparations
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS), characterized by a severe sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
Herbal remedies have become a popular alternative to traditional antibiotics, offering a natural and effective way to treat this ailment.
Herbs such as Echinacea, Slippery Elm, and Goldenseal are commonly used to combat strep throat due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce the severity of symptoms and support the body's natural healing process.
Preparations such as tea infusions, tinctures, and salves made from herbs like Licorice Root, Sage, and Thyme have also been shown to be beneficial in soothing the throat, reducing inflammation, and promoting recovery, while also providing a non-invasive and gentle approach to treatment.
What causes strep throat?
The primary causes of strep throat are the bacteria group A Streptococcus (GAS), which infect the throat and tonsils.
Secondary causes of strep throat include viral infections that can weaken the immune system and create an environment for GAS to thrive, as well as poor hygiene and close living quarters that facilitate the spread of the bacteria.
Lifestyles that increase the chances of developing strep throat include living in crowded conditions, such as dormitories or military barracks, and participating in sports that promote close contact with others, as these environments allow GAS to spread more easily.
Additionally, stress can also lower the immune system's ability to fight off GAS infections, making individuals with high-stress lifestyles more susceptible to strep throat.
What herbs heal strep throat?
The medicinal herbs used to treat strep throat are Echinacea, Goldenseal, and Slippery Elm, which have been traditionally used to alleviate the symptoms of this bacterial infection.
Echinacea's therapeutic action of enhancing immune function, Goldenseal's anti-inflammatory properties, and Slippery Elm's demulcent action help to soothe the inflamed throat and reduce the severity of the infection.
These herbs contain bioactive compounds such as echinacosides in Echinacea, berberine in Goldenseal, and mucilages in Slippery Elm, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that help to combat the strep bacteria.
By incorporating these herbs into a treatment plan, individuals can potentially reduce the duration and severity of strep throat symptoms.
What preparations treat strep throat?
The herbal preparations used to treat strep throat are often taken in the form of teas, infusions, and syrups, which help to soothe the throat and reduce inflammation.
Drinking warm infusions that are rich in antimicrobial properties can help to combat the infection, while gargling with cool teas that contain anti-inflammatory compounds can provide quick relief from throat pain.
Some herbal preparations are taken as tonics, which can help to boost the immune system and reduce the severity of symptoms, while others are applied topically as oils or salves to reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
Additionally, drinking decoctions made from specific plants can help to reduce fever and promote overall recovery from the illness.
The articles in the following links discuss in detail the best herbal preparation used to treat strep throat.