10 best herbal teas for strep throat

Herbal teas, such as chamomile, licorice root, and slippery elm, bring proven relief to a sore throat caused by strep.

Chamomile's anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation, while licorice root's soothing demulcent effect coats the throat for immediate relief. Slippery elm furthermore offers a protective barrier that aids in healing the damaged tissues.

These teas provide a natural, comforting remedy, helping to alleviate pain and support the recovery process.

1. Chamomile

Chamomile tea provides immediate relief from strep throat due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, reducing inflammation and alleviating pain in the throat.

Its antimicrobial and antiviral effects directly combat streptococcal bacteria, the primary cause of strep throat, accelerating recovery. Furthermore, chamomile tea's soothing warmth reduces muscle spasms and promotes relaxation, helping to alleviate tension in the throat. Additionally, chamomile's high levels of flavonoids and phenolic acids strengthen the immune system, aiding the body's defense against strep throat.

Ultimately, chamomile tea's therapeutic benefits effectively address the symptoms and underlying causes of strep throat.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in chamomile tea that help with strep throat.

• Flowers: Contain flavonoids and essential oils that have anti-inflammatory and antispetic properties, helping alleviate strep throat.
• Leaves: Rich in antioxidants and possess antibacterial qualities, helping to soothe irritation and combat streptococcal infection.
• Seeds: Packed with antimicrobial compounds that help reduce inflammation and fight off the streptococcus bacteria causing strep throat.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile tea that aid with strep throat.

• Alpha-bisabolol: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and swelling in the throat.
• Apigenin: Exhibits antibacterial effects, helping to fight streptococcus bacteria causing strep throat.
• Chamazulene: Its anti-inflammatory effects help alleviate irritation and pain in the throat.
• Flavonoids: Possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that combat strep throat symptoms.
• Matricin: Converts to matricin alcohol, which has anti-inflammatory effects useful for reducing throat inflammation.
• Terpinen-4-ol: Has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in fighting the infection and soothing symptoms.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile tea for strep throat.

1. Boil 1 cup of water to 212°F (100°C) for 1-2 minutes, releasing oxygen for optimal chamomile extraction.
2. Add 1 heaping tablespoon (2 grams) of dried chamomile flowers to a tea infuser, promoting even steep and easy removal.
3. Place the tea infuser in a mug and pour the hot water over the chamomile flowers, allowing them to steep for 5-7 minutes to ensure potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Remove the tea infuser once the steeping time has elapsed, preventing over-extraction of tannins that can cause bitterness.
5. Drink the warm chamomile tea, ideally before bedtime, to soothe a sore throat and promote a restful sleep.

2. Licorice

Licorice tea provides relief from strep throat due to its active component, glycyrrhizin, which possesses anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

This compound helps reduce inflammation in the throat, providing immediate soothing effects. Furthermore, glycyrrhizin demonstrates antiviral and antibacterial qualities, combating the streptococcus bacteria causing strep throat. Licorice tea also aids in thinning and loosening mucus, allowing for easier expectoration and less discomfort.

Additionally, its demulcent properties create a protective coating along the mucous membranes, reducing irritation and pain.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in licorice tea that help with strep throat.

• Roots: Contain glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce soreness in the throat.
• Leaves: Rich in flavonoids, providing antibacterial effects that can assist in fighting streptococcal infections.
• Flowers: Contain essential oils and antioxidants, helping to soothe inflammation and support the immune system.
• Seeds: Provide mucilage that can help to coat and soothe a sore throat.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in licorice tea that aid with strep throat.

• Glycyrrhizin: Possesses anti-inflammatory and Expectorant properties, helping reduce inflammation and soothe coughs in strep throat.
• Flavonoids: Exhibit antibacterial and antiviral effects, contributing to the fight against streptococcal bacteria causing strep throat.
• Chalcones: Demonstrate potential to inhibit bacteria growth, aiding in alleviating strep throat symptoms.
• Saponins: Known for their immune-boosting properties, supporting the body's defense against streptococcal infections.
• Essential oils: Contribute antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, assisting in eliminating infection and reducing inflammation in strep throat.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice tea for strep throat.

1. Boil 8 ounces of water for 5-10 minutes.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of dried licorice root to the boiling water.
3. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Strain the liquid to remove the licorice root pieces.
5. Drink the tea while it is still warm, up to 3 times a day.

3. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm tea provides relief from strep throat due to its demulcent properties, which involve the production of a mucilaginous substance that coats and soothes inflamed mucous membranes.

This tea, derived from the bark of the slippery elm tree, contains tannins known for their astringent qualities that help tighten and protect the affected tissues. Moreover, the antioxidants in slippery elm tea combat oxidative stress caused by strep throat infections. The tea's immune-boosting capabilities, attributed to various nutrients and phytochemicals, bolster the body's natural defenses against the infection.

Lastly, slippery elm tea's anti-inflammatory properties work to reduce swelling and pain in the throat, expediting the healing process.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in slippery elm tea that help with strep throat.

• Bark: Slippery elm bark contains mucilage, a substance that forms a soothing film when coming into contact with moisture, providing relief to sore throats.
• Inner Bark: The inner bark is rich in antioxidants and has been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of strep throat due to its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties.
• Leaves: Slippery elm leaves also contain mucilage, which can help soothe irritation and reduce inflammation in the throat, providing relief from strep throat discomfort.
• Powdered Bark: Powdered slippery elm bark can be added to hot water to make a healing tea, providing a coating effect that soothes irritation and reduces pain in the throat.
• Gum: Obtained from the inner bark, slippery elm gum can be turned into a tea known for its emollient and anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for treating strep throat.
• Decoction: A decoction made from slippery elm roots, stems, and bark can help alleviate strep throat by reducing inflammation and providing a coating that protects the throat from irritation.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in slippery elm tea that aid with strep throat.

• Tannins: These astringent compounds help to reduce inflammation and soreness in the throat by tightening and providing relief to mucous membranes.
• Mucilage: This slimy substance coats the throat, forming a protective barrier against irritants, while also soothing irritation and reducing coughing.
• Gallic acid: An antimicrobial compound that helps to fight the streptococcus bacteria causing strep throat.
• Kaempferol: This flavonoid exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce soreness and swelling in the throat.
• Quercetin: A flavonoid known for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate symptoms of strep throat.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic slippery elm tea for strep throat.

1. Measure - Pour 2 cups of water into a pot and bring it to a boil.
2. Prepare - Cut 1 tablespoon of slippery elm bark into small pieces.
3. Steep - Place the bark pieces in a tea infuser and submerge in the boiling water for 10 minutes.
4. Strain - Remove the infuser and discard the bark, leaving only the tea.
5. Serve - Drink the tea while still warm, up to 3 times a day for strep throat relief.

4. Marshmallow

Marshmallow tea aids strep throat through demulcent properties that soothe inflamed throat tissues by forming a protective barrier.

This herbal tea contains mucilage, a substance that turns into a slick gel when combined with liquid. Strep throat, a bacterial infection causing redness, swelling, and pain, finds relief as marshmallow tea eases discomfort and reduces irritation. Furthermore, this tea's antitussive effect calms coughs, while its immune-boosting abilities come from its vitamin and antioxidant content.

Altogether, marshmallow tea provides multi-pronged support for strep throat sufferers.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in marshmallow tea that help with strep throat.

• Flowers: Rich in antioxidants, the flowers help soothe inflammation in the throat.
• Leaves: Containing anti-bacterial properties, the leaves aid in fighting streptococcal bacteria.
• Bark: Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, the bark helps alleviate pain and swelling.
• Roots: Packed with tannins, the roots assist in reducing throat irritation and inflammation.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in marshmallow tea that aid with strep throat.

• Mucilage: This constituent forms a soothing film over the mouth and throat, providing relief from pain and inflammation caused by strep throat.
• Flavonoids: These antioxidants help reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system, aiding in fighting strep throat.
• Ascorbic acid: This vitamin boosts the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties, helping combat strep throat.
• Phenolic acids: These compounds have antibacterial properties that help eliminate the streptococcus bacteria causing strep throat.
• Tannins: These astringent compounds help reduce inflammation and soothe sore throats by tightening and providing temporary relief to mucous membranes.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow tea for strep throat.

1. Combine 1 tablespoon of dried marshmallow root and 1 cup of water in a saucepan, bringing it to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain the tea to remove marshmallow root solids.
4. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of raw honey for added soothing properties.
5. Serve the tea warm, allowing it to gently coat your throat as you sip.

5. Echinacea

Echinacea tea contains active compounds, primarily derived from its above-ground parts, that demonstrate immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

These properties encourage the immune system to mount a robust response against streptococcal infections, the causative agent of strep throat. The tea's polysaccharides, alkylamides, and cichoric acid directly interact with the immune system's cells, activating them and enhancing their ability to counteract pathogens. By reducing inflammation, echinacea tea alleviates symptoms like pain and swelling in the throat, promoting comfort and hastening recovery.

Additionally, echinacea exhibits antimicrobial qualities, potentially suppressing the growth of streptococcal bacteria, further contributing to its therapeutic effects on strep throat.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in echinacea tea that help with strep throat.

• Roots: Contain active compounds that boost the immune system, helping the body fight off strep throat.
• Aerial parts: Not used, as they do not contain significant medicinal properties for strep throat.
• Leaves: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe throat inflammation and promote healing.
• Stems: Not commonly used, as they have fewer medicinal properties compared to other parts.
• Flowers: Packed with antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which aid in reducing the severity and duration of strep throat.
• Seeds: Contain essential oils and bioactive compounds that support immune function and provide relief from strep throat symptoms.
• Rhizomes: Similar to roots, they contain beneficial compounds for immune support and fighting strep throat.
• Buds: Not typically used, as they do not offer additional benefits over other parts for medicinal tea.
• Bark: Not used in echinacea tea, as it is not a primary source of medicinal properties for strep throat.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in echinacea tea that aid with strep throat.

• Essential oil: Contains antimicrobial properties that help eliminate the streptococcus bacteria.
• Alkamides: Possess anti-inflammatory effects, reducing throat swelling and pain.
• Cichoric acid: Boosts the immune system, enhancing the body's defense against streptococcal infection.
• Polysaccharides: Stimulate the immune response, promoting recovery from strep throat.
• Flavonoids: Exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, supporting overall throat health.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic echinacea tea for strep throat.

1. Gather 2 teaspoons of dried echinacea flowers, 1 teaspoon of crushed echinacea root, and 1 cup of water.
2. Combine echinacea flowers, echinacea root, and water in a saucepan.
3. Bring the saucepan to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the solids.
5. Drink the tea while warm, up to three times daily for strep throat relief.

6. Goldenseal

Goldenseal tea helps with strep throat due to its potent antimicrobial properties derived from berberine alkaloids, particularly hydrastine and berberine.

These compounds inhibit the growth of streptococcal bacteria, the primary cause of strep throat, by disrupting their cellular function. Moreover, goldenseal exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, reducing swelling and redness in the throat. Its immune-boosting properties enhance the body's natural defenses, facilitating quicker recovery.

Furthermore, goldenseal's astringent qualities tighten and soothe mucous membranes, alleviating discomfort and irritation.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in goldenseal tea that help with strep throat.

• Leaves: Rich in antioxidants and have antimicrobial properties that help alleviate strep throat symptoms.
• Flowers: Contain antiviral and anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe throat irritation and help combat strep throat.
• Rhyzomes: Packed with antioxidants and antibacterial agents, rhyzomes aid in reducing inflammation and fighting streptococcal bacteria.
• Buds: High in antimicrobial properties and essential oils, buds assist in eliminating streptococci and soothing sore throats.
• Bark: Contains tannins and other compounds that relieve pain and inflammation, making it beneficial for treating strep throat symptoms.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in goldenseal tea that aid with strep throat.

• Berberine: A powerful alkaloid with antibacterial properties that can help eliminate streptococcus bacteria responsible for strep throat.
• Hydrastine: A bitter alkaloid that stimulates mucous membranes, promoting discharge and reducing inflammation in the throat.
• Canadine: An isoquinoline alkaloid that helps alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, providing relief from strep throat symptoms.
• Palmatine: A protoberberine alkaloid with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, helping combat strep throat and its symptoms.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic goldenseal tea for strep throat.

1. Measure - Pour 1 cup of water into a saucepan and add 1 teaspoon of dried goldenseal root.
2. Heat - Place the saucepan on a stove, setting the heat to medium, and allow the water to reach a simmer.
3. Steep - Let the goldenseal root simmer in the water for 10-15 minutes, covered.
4. Strain - Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the goldenseal tea into a cup, discarding the used goldenseal root.
5. Serve - Drink the warm goldenseal tea, sipping slowly to soothe a sore throat.

7. Clove

Clove tea brings immediate relief to strep throat because it possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The eugenol in cloves, a potent antimicrobial compound, combats the streptococcus bacteria that cause strep throat. Clove tea's warmth soothes irritation and reduces inflammation, alleviating pain. Furthermore, clove tea's analgesic effects ease discomfort, while its germicidal properties boost the immune system to combat infection.

Drinking clove tea throughout the day ensures constant symptom relief and accelerates the healing process.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in clove tea that help with strep throat.

• Flowers: Contain antiseptic and anti-inflammatory compounds that help alleviate strep throat symptoms.
• Buds: Rich in eugenol, a potent antimicrobial agent with proven effectiveness against streptococcal bacteria.
• Leaves: Packed with flavonoids and volatile oils that soothe throat irritation and reduce inflammation.
• Seeds: Contain thymol, known for its antimicrobial and expectorant properties, aiding in strep throat recovery.
• Bark: Has tannins that help reduce swelling and provide pain relief for strep throat sufferers.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in clove tea that aid with strep throat.

• Eugenol: Possesses potent analgesic and antimicrobial properties that help alleviate pain and combat streptococcus bacteria.
• Acetyl eugenol: Displays strong anti-inflammatory effects, reducing inflammation and swelling in the throat.
• Oleanolic acid: Exhibits antibacterial properties, aiding in the elimination of streptococcal bacteria.
• Kaempferol: Offers antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to soothe throat irritation and fight infection.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic clove tea for strep throat.

1. Boil 1 cup of water for 3-5 minutes.
2. Add 2-3 cloves and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Strain the liquid into a cup, discarding the cloves.
4. Optionally, add honey or lemon to taste.
5. Sip the tea slowly, allowing it to soothe your throat.

8. Peppermint

Peppermint tea provides relief for strep throat due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which directly address the infection and swelling.

The menthol in peppermint tea soothes the pain by numbing the throat, making it easier to swallow. Additionally, its warmth increases blood flow to the throat, promoting healing and reducing congestion.

Furthermore, peppermint tea's calming effects alleviate symptoms of strep throat, while its high antioxidant content strengthens the immune system to combat the infection.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in peppermint tea that help with strep throat.

• Leaves: Contain menthol and rosmarinic acid, helping soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation.
• Flowers: Rich in antioxidants, they assist in boosting the immune system and fighting streptococcal infections.
• Stems: Packed with flavonoids, they contribute to relieving throat pain and inhibiting bacterial growth.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint tea that aid with strep throat.

• Menthol: A natural analgesic that helps reduce pain and discomfort in the throat caused by strep throat.
• Rosmarinic acid: A potent anti-inflammatory that reduces inflammation in the throat, alleviating symptoms of strep throat.
• Melissa officinalis: A compound with antimicrobial properties that helps fight the streptococcal bacteria causing strep throat.
• Limonene: A compound with antiviral and antibacterial properties that aids in eliminating the streptococcal bacteria causing strep throat.
• Menthone: A natural expectorant that helps clear mucus and phlegm, providing relief from respiratory symptoms associated with strep throat.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint tea for strep throat.

1. Boil 8 ounces of water to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, the perfect temperature for releasing peppermint's healing properties.
2. Steep one peppermint tea bag or 1 teaspoon of loose peppermint leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes to allow the tea to become a soothing anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory solution.
3. Remove tea bag or strain loose peppermint leaves to prevent over-steeping which can lead to a bitter taste.
4. Add 1-2 teaspoons of honey to the warm peppermint tea, as it has antibacterial properties and can soothe a sore throat.
5. Sip the peppermint tea slowly, allowing it to coat the throat for at least 10 minutes, providing instant relief from strep throat discomfort.

9. Sage

Sage tea provides relief for strep throat due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The active compounds in sage, such as sage essential oil and rosmarinic acid, demonstrate inhibitory effects on streptococcal bacteria. By reducing inflammation, sage tea soothes irritated throat tissues and alleviates pain. Furthermore, sage tea promotes immune function, enabling the body to combat streptococcal infections more effectively.

Regular consumption of sage tea strengthens the natural defenses against strep throat and fosters faster recovery.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in sage tea that help with strep throat.

• Leaves: Contain compounds with antibacterial properties that can help fight streptococcus bacteria.
• Flowers: Rich in antioxidants that boost the immune system and help the body fight off infections.
• Bark: Contains tannins and essential oils that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, helping to reduce pain and swelling in the throat.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in sage tea that aid with strep throat.

• Carnosic acid: This phenolic compound possesses antibacterial properties that help eliminate Streptococcus pyogenes, the bacterium responsible for strep throat.
• Rosmarinic acid: A potent anti-inflammatory compound, rosmarinic acid helps reduce swelling and pain in the throat caused by strep throat.
• Ursolic acid: This triterpene exhibits antimicrobial effects, contributing to the elimination of the bacteria causing strep throat.
• Caffeic acid: As a strong antioxidant, caffeic acid helps protect throat tissues from damage caused by strep throat and promotes faster healing.
• Thujone: This monoterpene has antibacterial qualities that aid in fighting streptococcal infections, thus alleviating symptoms of strep throat.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage tea for strep throat.

1. Gather 1 teaspoon of dried sage leaves and 1 cup of water.
2. Boil the water in a pot for 3-5 minutes.
3. Steep the sage leaves in the boiling water for 10 minutes.
4. Strain the tea to remove the sage leaves.
5. Sip the warm sage tea throughout the day to relieve strep throat symptoms.

10. Thyme

Thyme tea brings relief to strep throat through its potent antibacterial properties, which directly attack and destruct the streptococcal bacteria causing the infection.

This herbal remedy contains thymol and carvacrol, compounds known for their effectiveness in fighting against various pathogens, including those responsible for strep throat. Moreover, thyme tea soothes inflammation and reduces pain by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, promoting a faster recovery. Its antioxidant properties further strengthen the immune system, allowing the body to better combat the infection.

Ultimately, drinking thyme tea provides a natural, accessible, and holistic approach to alleviating the discomfort and symptoms associated with strep throat.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in thyme tea that help with strep throat.

• Leaves: Contain thymol and other antiseptic compounds that help to kill streptococcus bacteria.
• Flowers: Rich in flavonoids and volatile oils with antimicrobial properties, useful for soothing a sore throat.
• Stems: High in essential oils, offering antibacterial properties to alleviate strep throat symptoms.
• Buds: Packed with antioxidants and powerful oils that help fight infection and reduce inflammation.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in thyme tea that aid with strep throat.

• Thymol: A potent antiseptic that helps to kill the streptococcus bacteria causing strep throat.
• Carvacrol: Possesses strong antibacterial properties that aid in eliminating the infection.
• Linalool: Exhibits anti-inflammatory effects to reduce swelling and pain in the throat.
• Neryl acetate: Soothes irritation and inflammation, alleviating symptoms of strep throat.
• Geraniol: Offers antimicrobial benefits to help combat the streptococcus bacteria.
• α-Pinene: Provides anti-inflammatory effects and supports respiratory health during strep throat.
• Camphene: Possesses antimicrobial properties, assisting in suppressing streptococcus bacteria growth.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme tea for strep throat.

1. Boil 8 ounces of water in a kettle, taking 5-7 minutes.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves to a tea infuser.
3. Place the infuser in a cup and pour the boiling water over it.
4. Steep the thyme for 10 minutes, allowing the tea to acquire the herb's properties.
5. Remove the infuser and enjoy the thyme tea while it's still warm.