Strep Throat: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Strep throat, also known as streptococcal pharyngitis, is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria, characterized by severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes.

If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever. Herbal remedies like slippery elm, marshmallow root, and licorice root can provide relief by soothing the throat and reducing inflammation. However, it's essential to note that while herbal remedies can alleviate symptoms, they should not replace conventional medical treatment.

Consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you have a weakened immune system or are taking medications.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of strep throat, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of strep throat?

The main causes of strep throat are Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria, specifically the serotype pyogenes, which are highly contagious and spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person's coughing, sneezing, or talking.

Person-to-person contact is the primary mode of transmission, often facilitated through touching contaminated surfaces or objects. Strep throat can also be spread through sharing food, drinks, or utensils with an infected individual. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with chronic illness or taking immunosuppressive medications, are more susceptible to infection.

Additionally, crowded living conditions, poor hygiene, and lack of proper handwashing can increase the risk of contracting strep throat.

• Group A Streptococcus: Group A Streptococcus, a type of bacterial pathogen, is the most common cause of strep throat due to its ability to infect the mucous membranes of the throat, leading to inflammation and infection.
• Colds and Flu: Colds and flu, caused by viruses such as rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and influenza viruses, can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of secondary bacterial infections, including Group A Streptococcus, which can lead to strep throat.
• Allergies: Allergies, particularly those caused by pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, can trigger allergic reactions, which can lead to increased mucus production and swelling in the throat, making it more susceptible to infection with Group A Streptococcus.
• Anemia: Anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin, can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infection, including strep throat, due to the body's reduced ability to fight off pathogens.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can increase the risk of developing strep throat due to the body's abnormal immune response, which can lead to inflammation and infection in the throat.
• Weakened Immune System: A weakened immune system, caused by factors such as HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, and long-term use of corticosteroids, can increase the risk of developing strep throat due to the body's reduced ability to fight off pathogens.
• Poor Hygiene: Poor hygiene, including not washing hands regularly and sharing personal items, can increase the risk of transmission of Group A Streptococcus and other pathogens that can cause strep throat.
• Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of developing strep throat due to the body's reduced ability to fight off pathogens and the increased production of mucus in the throat, which can provide a fertile ground for bacterial growth.
• Stress: Stress can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing strep throat due to the body's abnormal response to stress, which can lead to inflammation and infection in the throat.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for strep throat?

The main medicinal herbs used for strep throat are Echinacea purpurea, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Echinacea angustifolia, Ulmus rubra, Sambucus nigra, Achillea millefolium, Eucalyptus globulus, Thymus vulgaris, Echinacea pallida.

Echinacea purpurea has been shown to stimulate the immune system and increase the production of white blood cells, which helps to fight off the strep bacteria. Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the swelling and pain associated with strep throat. Zingiber officinale, or ginger, has antimicrobial properties that can help to fight off the strep bacteria, while also reducing inflammation and pain.

Echinacea angustifolia, Ulmus rubra, Sambucus nigra, Achillea millefolium, Eucalyptus globulus, and Thymus vulgaris also exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulating properties that can help to alleviate the symptoms of strep throat, and Echinacea pallida has been found to have immunomodulatory effects that can help to regulate the immune response and prevent the progression of the infection.

• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with strep throat by stimulating the immune system, enhancing its response to infection, and increasing the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off the bacteria that cause strep throat.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra may help alleviate the symptoms of strep throat by reducing inflammation and soothing the mucous membranes in the throat, thereby providing relief from the pain and discomfort associated with the condition.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, may help alleviate the symptoms of strep throat by reducing inflammation and relieving pain, which can help to reduce the severity of the condition and promote a more comfortable recovery.
• Echinacea angustifolia: Echinacea angustifolia helps with strep throat by stimulating the immune system, enhancing its response to infection, and increasing the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off the bacteria that cause strep throat.
• Ulmus rubra: Ulmus rubra may help alleviate the symptoms of strep throat by reducing inflammation and soothing the mucous membranes in the throat, thereby providing relief from the pain and discomfort associated with the condition.
• Sambucus nigra: Sambucus nigra may help alleviate the symptoms of strep throat by reducing inflammation and relieving pain, which can help to reduce the severity of the condition and promote a more comfortable recovery.
• Achillea millefolium: Achillea millefolium may help alleviate the symptoms of strep throat by reducing inflammation and soothing the mucous membranes in the throat, thereby providing relief from the pain and discomfort associated with the condition.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus, commonly known as eucalyptus, may help alleviate the symptoms of strep throat by reducing inflammation and relieving pain, which can help to reduce the severity of the condition and promote a more comfortable recovery.
• Thymus vulgaris: Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as thyme, may help alleviate the symptoms of strep throat by reducing inflammation and relieving pain, which can help to reduce the severity of the condition and promote a more comfortable recovery.
• Echinacea pallida: Echinacea pallida helps with strep throat by stimulating the immune system, enhancing its response to infection, and increasing the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off the bacteria that cause strep throat.

What are the main herbal preparations used for strep throat?

The main herbal preparations used for strep throat are Decoction, Tincture, Gargle, Lozenge, Capsule, Salve, Tea, Poultice, Ointment, Elixir.

Decoction of Echinacea and Slippery Elm helps to soothe the throat and reduce inflammation. Tinctures of Goldenseal and Yarrow are used to fight bacterial and viral infections. Gargling with Sage and Thyme tea reduces inflammation and kills bacteria.

Capsules or Lozenges of Echinacea and Licorice root are used to boost immune system and reduce pain, while Salve or Ointment of Calendula and Aloe Vera soothes the throat and reduces inflammation, and Tea and Poultice of Mullein and Plantain reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, and Elixir of Echinacea and Goldenseal is used to boost immune system and fight infections.

• Decoction: A decoction of the roots of the herb Echinacea purpurea helps with strep throat by stimulating the immune system to fight off the infection, reducing inflammation and alleviating pain.
• Tincture: A tincture of the herb Hydrastis canadensis, also known as goldenseal, helps with strep throat by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria in the throat.
• Gargle: A gargle made from the herb Echinacea angustifolia helps with strep throat by directly applying antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds to the affected area, reducing bacterial load and inflammation.
• Lozenge: A lozenge made from the herb Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, helps with strep throat by soothing the throat and reducing inflammation, while also providing antimicrobial properties.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the herb Astragalus membranaceus helps with strep throat by stimulating the immune system and reducing inflammation, alleviating symptoms and promoting recovery.
• Salve: A salve made from the herb Plantago major, also known as plantain, helps with strep throat by providing topical antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling and pain in the throat.
• Tea: A tea made from the herb Trifolium pratense, also known as red clover, helps with strep throat by providing antimicrobial properties and reducing inflammation, alleviating symptoms and promoting recovery.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the herb Calendula officinalis helps with strep throat by applying topical antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties directly to the affected area, reducing bacterial load and inflammation.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the herb Arnica montana helps with strep throat by providing topical anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling and pain in the throat, and promoting recovery.
• Elixir: An elixir made from the herb Propolis, which contains antimicrobial compounds, helps with strep throat by reducing bacterial load and inflammation, alleviating symptoms and promoting recovery.