Is there an herbal cure for

[Esther]

strep throat?

[ih8censorship]

well i dont know if it will cure strep throat, but the standard middle class white person way of cureing anything is 7up and chicken soup.

sorry just couldent help that one :lol:

[technomage]

If it's actual strep throat (a strep infection), then you can use herbs to treat the symptoms, but not the actual infection. There are no effective herbal anti-biotics ... at least, they're not that effective. For the symptoms, treat it as you would any sore throat.

Most strep throat infections fade away in one to two weeks ... however, there are occasions where strep can affect your joints, or your heart. Check with a licensed health practitioner ... he or she will be able to tell you what you need to know, and if necessary will be able to write a script for an anti-biotic.

Justin

[anthrogirl]

Great question, Esther! Due to overuse of antibiotics as a child (I have congenital heart disease, had open heart sugery, and doctors require pre-medication for EVERYTHING), I am unable to take most antibiotics as an adult (they land me each time, without fail, in the emergency room). So, I turn to complementary/alternative med for treatment.

For strep, you can gargle with a diluted solution of tea tree oil and salt 3x/day. Tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic.

The basic naturopathic protocol for strep is :

-bed rest
-Drink large amts. of fluids (preferably diluted vegetable juices, soups and herb teas)
-Limit simple sugar consumption (including fruit sugars) to less than 50 grams/day.

I cannot stress the importance of these things (pls. be sure to limit your sugar intake--because the streptococcus bacteria live on sugar)

Supplements:

-Vitamin C, 500 mg every two hrs
-Bioflavonoids, 1 g/day
-Vitamin A, 25,000 iu/day
-Beta-carotene, 200,000 iu/day
-Zinc lozenges, one lozenge containing 23 mg elemental zinc every two waking hours for one week (Note: prolonged supplementation at this dose is not recommended as it may lead to immunosuppression.)
-Thymus extract, 500 mg 2x/day

Botanicals

Echinacea and goldenseal can be taken at the following dosages (all doses 3x/day):

-dried root (or as tea) 1 to 2 g
-Freeze-dried root, 0.5 to 1 g
-Tincture (1:5), 4 -6 ml (1 to 1.5 tsp.)
-Fluid extract (1:1), 0.5 - 2.0 ml (1/4 to 1/2 tsp)
-Powdered solid extract (4:1), 250-500 mg

Also, you may enjoy this website:

http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/sore_throat.htm

But, it is always best to see a licensed practicioner for treatment. They can tailor a remedy to your particular body chemistry, and they can also properly diagnose your condition. Chinese Medicine is a fantastic modality--I have had great response to acupuncture and Ch. herbs.

In fact, I haven't been sick with a cold/flu in several years. I think this is due to my participation in Ch. Med, and a healthy lifestyle.

You may want to check your local health food store/nutrition center for the supplements. Often, they will carry a tincture specifically for strep.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do...

my very best,
ag

[Gabby]

Not that this will help with Strep, but my mom cured a bladder infection by taking mega doses of garlic. Boy she stank!! I really got worried about her as she was passing blood and could hardly stand straight when we came to see her. :no: Finally we convinced her to go to the doctor. Well by that time it must have been on the mend because they couldn't find any sign of infection.

chris

[Gabby]

I read the other day that Cilantro has some antibacterial properties to it also. Wish I could find the article. If I do, I'll try and post it.

chris

[Esther]

Thanks for all of your help you guys!

AG, I will be sure to save your recommendations. I used to get soooo sick with strep almost immediately. I don't think I have it after all but it's nice to know that there are options besides going to the doctor and having them say, "You need to have these symptoms for at least 7 - 10 days before it's worthwhile to risk giving you antibiotics." (I don't have them often at ALL but that doesn't seem to matter.) So I have to be dragged out and run down before it's worth it to go to the doctor. I prefer healthier alternatives anyway.

ih8censorship, lol the 7Up/chicken soup remedy was the standard cure for the poor too. ;-) (As long as they're not allergic to the chicken!)

Justin, I did not know strep would eventually go away. I was never able to wait long enough. As a kid I'd get it two or three times a year and I'd get really sick with it. The longest I was ever able to wait (I hated going to the dr so one time my mom allowed me to decide when to go) was 4 days. By then my temp was about 104 and I could hardly breathe or talk. When my grandfather was about 18, prior to antibiotics, he had strep for quite some time. I cannot imagine! He just kept right on working. :shocked:

Chris, no wonder I hate cilantro: It's good for me!!!