Strep Throat
- Feb 19
- 11 min read
Updated: Jul 4
This post was collaborated with Jessica Bunkelman, FNP with Complete Renewal Health & Wellness, and is for educational purposes only. This Is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before giving supplements to yourself or your child.
What is Strep?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Group A Streptococcus. Unlike most sore throats, which are viral, strep involves active bacterial overgrowth and inflammation of throat tissue and is typically treated with antibiotics to reduce complications and limit spread. It’s contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact.
In clinic, Jessica been seeing a lot of strep show up as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting for older kids and adults vs the typical presentation. They also don’t all have white spots or even very red throats. Another symptom that happens to show up even without white spots is red dots along the back of the throat and palate.
Diagnosing Strep
Strep throat is diagnosed by using a combination of symptom history, physical exam of throat and lymph nodes, and confirmatory testing. Because many sore throats are viral, providers typically use a rapid strep test and sometimes a throat culture to confirm the presence of Group A Streptococcus before recommending antibiotics, which are most effective when started early in the illness.
Treatment Considerations
If strep is suspected, that is one situation where testing is recommended since it can become serious fairly quickly and lead to complications such as rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, PANDAS, and tonsillar abscesses. At the very onset of a sore throat, supportive, holistic measures can absolutely be started. However, by the time many seek care, a few days have often already passed.
If a rapid test is positive (or while waiting on a culture), holistic options can be considered for about 24-48 hours. If clear improvement is not seen within that window, it may be time to consider antibiotics. It is generally not recommended to extend holistic-only care much beyond 3-4 days total with suspected strep.
If improvement is seen within that 24–48 hour window, retesting about a week later is helpful to ensure it has fully cleared, since lingering strep can lead to more serious complications. Even when antibiotics are used, retesting is still worth considering. In some cases, strep can be persistent and require a few extra days, or occasionally need another round of treatment to fully resolve.
Additionally, if a child is unable to swallow their own secretions, is drooling, or showing signs of distress, care should be sought immediately. If antibiotics do end up being needed, there is no need to stress. There’s a time and place, and there are ways to support the body and help mitigate potential side effects alongside them.
If you suspect strep:
Go get tested. If positive and mild...
Attempt holistic measures for 24-48 hours max
If improvement within that window, retest a week later to make sure it’s fully cleared
If no clear improvements within that window, it’s time to consideration antibiotics (along with continuing holistic measures; just space them out by a few hours)
Even if you go the antibiotic route, consider retesting after the course to ensure it has fully cleared
If a child shows any of the following symptoms, antibiotics are immediately recommended:
floppy child
sore throat longer than 1 week or comes back even worse
behavioral change
no wet diapers or urination in a day
no liquid intake
mom intuition
A Note on Babies and Tots
Babies and toddlers are not routinely tested for strep throat unless they’ve had close exposure to someone who has a confirmed case. Serious complications are also uncommon in children under age three, which is why antibiotics are not always considered as critical in this group. That said, treatment may still be used to help shorten the illness and lower the risk of spreading it to others.
Treating Strep: Biofilm Buster
One of the first things to implement when dealing with strep, whether you’re treating naturally or using antibiotics, is a biofilm buster.
Biofilms are protective communities that bacteria and fungi build around themselves that allow them to hide from the immune system and making them harder for treatments to reach. Because microbes inside biofilms are more resilient, they can lead to to lingering or recurrent infections. They’re like brick houses without doors that we need to get inside of to overcome the bacterial infection. If we don’t clear out the house completely, the bacteria can get out and cause a recurrent or lingering infection.
Biofilm Buster: NAC
Based on research and clinic use, N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is widely recognized as the most thoroughly studied and understood biofilm buster.
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a compound derived from the amino acid cysteine that helps thin mucus and support the body’s production of glutathione.
In biofilm research, NAC is thought to help break apart the sticky protective matrix that holds biofilms together, making it harder for microbes to stay protected and hidden.
NAC Dosing with FNP Jessica Bunkelman
0-2yr: 150mg
2-5yr: 300mg
5-12yr: 450mg
^ FOR A MONTH
13yr+: 1200mg for a month, then stop; or can decrease and continue at 600mg
There are also many herbal biofilm busters used in functional medicine. We’ll get into those next.
Biofilm Buster: Usnea
I would also add in this herbal biofilm buster, on top of NAC. Usnea is the go-to herbal since it is known to be directly antimicrobial against Streptococcus, even antibiotic resistant strains.
Usnea Dosing
If not taking an antibiotic - take for 2-3 weeks
If taking an antibiotic (or reucurrent strep) - take for 2-3 weeks, then switch to Scutellaria and continue with that for another 3-4 weeks
If going with Desert Oak Apothecary (code ALEX10 for $ off)
1 drop for every 2lbs of body weight; 3x/day
If going with Supreme Nutrition
20 pounds 2-5 drops 3x per day
30 pounds 2-6 drops 3x per day
50 pounds 5-10 drops 3x per day
100 pounds 10-25 3x per day
100+ pounds 30 drops 3x per day
Usnea is advised to only take for 2 weeks. But if you have recurrent strep or are on an antibiotic about 6-8 weeks of a biofilm buster is ideal. So you could start off with NAC and Usnea for two weeks, then continue on with NAC for a few more.
Treating Strep: Oil of Oregano
Oregano is a potent natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent against Streptococcus bacteria, including S. pyogenes and S. mutans. It works by disrupting bacterial cell membranes and reducing biofilm formation, making it effective for sore throats and respiratory infections, often as an alternative to antibiotics.
Ages 2-6: 5-10 drops up to 4x/day
Ages 7-12: 10-20 drops up to 4x/day
Ages 13+: 20-30 drops up to 4x/day
for 5-7 days
Throat Soothing Support
Stop all dairy and processed sugar. This will feed strep bacteria. And start drinking raw pineapple juice (or straight bromelain). Bromelain is an enzyme in pineapples with anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe a sore throat.
Echinacea can be very soothing to the throat, but also has antibacterial properties with some studies suggesting it can act against Streptococcus pyogenes. This can be found in tinctures or teas.
gargling salt water: can soothe throat & reduce inflammation and viral load. mix 1/2 tsp of mineral rich salt into 8oz of warm water and gargle multiple times a day
warm fluids: like bone broth, tea, honey/lemon water
raw honey: can add a tsp to warm water/tea, or take directly (1yr+)
Go with what you have on hand. If you have multiple options, try each and see which provides the most relief, then stick with the one that works best.
A note on colloidal silver
Silver is something that’s best used sparingly. While it’s often considered “natural,” it is still a metal, and the lungs aren’t designed to filter or process metals like silver.
Oral ingestion is generally not preferred, but in certain situations it may be used via nebulizer when properly diluted - typically just a few drops mixed into about 3 mL of saline. That said, many times saline alone can do the trick and is a much gentler first option.
It may also be used topically in some cases, such as for ear discomfort or eye irritation, but beyond that, it isn’t commonly suggested as a routine option.
Another potential nebulizing option is a hypochlorous acid solution (such as Briotech), diluted in saline (a tsp or less in 5ml saline). For more localized support, gargling or swishing and spitting with silver may offer similar benefits without ingesting it.
Additional At-Home Support
Steam showers can be an easy and effective way to soothe the throat, especially for a child who isn’t wanting to take anything orally. Turn the shower on as hot as it will go, close the bathroom door, and sit/inhale the steam. For older kids and adults, you can consider herbal face steamers.
Using a humidifier at night can also be very helpful. When kids are congested, they often switch to mouth breathing, which can further irritate the throat. Keeping the air moist helps soothe that irritation and supports more comfortable breathing overnight.
Mitigating Antibiotic Side Effects
When it comes to strep, antibiotics help prevent complications, and reduce infectious time. According to the AAP, children with group A strep pharyngitis may return to school or childcare setting 24 hours after beginning antibiotics, fever free, and diarrhea free w/o meds.
View my mitigating antibiotic side effects guide. Remember, when it comes to the bio-film buster, Usnea is the top choice for strep. Unless you are experiencing recurrent strep, then you can try Usnea + another buster like NAC or Scutellaria.
Minimizing the Spread
Other than antibiotics: separate personal items and don’t share things like cups, utensils, towels, toothbrushes.
Avoid kissing on the lips
Replace toothbrush 24-48 hours after antibiotics begin to prevent reinfection.
Wash hands frequently, teach to sneeze/cough into elbow, clean high touch surface like doorknobs, faucets, toys, tablets.
Wash bedding, towels, pajamas in warm/hot water. (No need to isolate laundry, just don’t share items).
Supporting the Immune System
Vitamin A
Vitamin A supports the immune system and helps maintain the protective lining of the respiratory tract and gut, which act as the body’s first barrier against pathogens. It also helps regulate immune responses and supports antibody production, allowing the body to fight infections more effectively.
0-19lb: 200mcg
20-39lb: 400mcg
40-59lb: 600mcg
60-79lb: 900mcg
80+lb: 1,110mcg
I have found Mary Ruth’s Vitamin A to be one of the easiest to dose when you want smaller doses for the whole family.
200 mcg ~3drops
400mcg ~5-6 drops
600mcg 8 drops
900mcg 12 drops
1,110 mcg ~15 drops
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects immune cells from free-radical damage and enhances the function of white blood cells that fight pathogens. It also supports your body’s natural defenses and may help shorten the duration and severity of illness.
10-19lb: 250mg
20-39lb: 500mg
40-59lb: 1,000mg
60-79lb: 1,500mg
80+lb: 2,000mg
BKN Vitamin C - 1 packet is 1,000mg + bee propolis
BKN Kids Vitamin C - 1 packet is 500mg + D + elderberry + propolis
Revitalize Wellness Immune Defense (20%) - Contains C, A, B, D, K
Dr. Green Mom this link gives $ off
Just Ingredients this link gives $ off
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supports the immune system by helping regulate immune responses and preventing excess inflammation during infection. It also supports the activation of T-cells, the immune cells that recognize and target infected cells, helping your body respond more effectively when you’re sick. Vit D deficiencies linked to recurrent strep ( PMID: 22841558)
0-1yr: 500 IU
2-13yr: 1,000-1,500 IU
14-18yr: 1,500-2,500 IU
18yr+: 2,000-10,000 IU
Seeking Health is my favorite. 1 drop is 500mg, so it's super easy to customize for any age/dosing.
500 IU: 1 drop
1000 IU: 2 drops
1500 IU: 3 drops
2000 IU: 4 drops
2500 IU: 5 drops
5000 IU: 10 drops
10,000 IU: 20 drops
Zinc
Zinc supports immunity by helping with enzyme function, wound healing, and the production and activation of immune cells. It’s also one of the top antiviral minerals which can help limit viral replication and support a stronger, more effective immune response when you’re sick.
0-19lb: 10mg
20-39lb: 20mg
40-59lb: 30mg
60-79lb: 40mg
80+lb: 50mg
10mg = 5 drops
20mg = 10 drops
30mg = 15 drops
40mg = 20 drops
50mg = 25 drops
These can also be added to water or electrolyte mix to help with fluid consumption, and get the necessary intake.
Magnesium
Magnesium supports immune health by helping regulate inflammation and supporting the activity of natural killer cells and white blood cells. Because magnesium is involved in hundreds of enzymatic processes in the body (and an estimated 48–60% of Americans are deficient) adequate levels are especially important for a resilient immune response when you’re sick. View my full magnesium guide.
We do daily mag lotion/balm on our kids, and when sick we do epsom salt or mag flake baths. This is an easy way to get in added magnesium without another oral supplement.
0-25lb: 100mg
25-50lb: 200mg
50-75lb: 300mg
75+lb: 325mg
For 0-25lb magnesium in bath water or topical magnesium cream is preferred, but if they are toddlers drinking water then don’t hesitate to add right to their water!
Magnesium spray this link gives $ off
Earthley magnesium lotion this link gives $ off
Echinacea
I would say everything up to now are my "must have's," but echinacea is a great herbal extra.
Echinacea is a powerful herb best known for supporting the immune system, especially when taken at the first sign of illness. It can help the body fight infections more effectively by supporting white blood cell activity, which can reduce the severity and duration of colds and other illnesses. Echinacea also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular herbal support option for things like sore throats, bronchitis, insect bites, and overall immune health.
Desert Oak Apothecary (ALEX10 for 10% off)
1 squeeze of dropper for every 50lbs, every 1-4 hours as needed.
If Strep Turns into Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever (scarlatina) is a red, sandpaper-like rash that occurs with a streptococcal infection such as strep throat or a strep skin infection. It may be less visible on darker skin but still feels rough, and a bright red “strawberry” tongue is common. Symptoms often include fever, sore throat, headache, and stomach pain, and the skin may peel as it heals. Antibiotics are advised to prevent complications.
You can follow the antibiotic mitigation recommendations earlier in this guide, and take steps to comfort Itchiness from the rash with:
SOOTHING & ANTI-INFLAMMATORY BATHS:
Oatmeal: anti-inflammatory, calms irritation
blend 1c organic (ideally glyphosate free) oats into a powder and add to bath water and soak for 15-20 min. Or can place whole oats into a mesh type baggie.
Epsom Salt and/or Magnesium: reduces inflammation, soothes muscles, and supports detoxing
add 1-2 c to bath
Baking Soda: relieves itching, skin healing
½ c baking soda to bath, soak 10-15 min
Herbal with Chamomile or Calendula: anti-inflammatory and soothing
Brew 2-3 chamomile or calendula tea bags and pour into bath
Chronic Strep: factors to consider
Strep still requires exposure to Group A Streptococcus, but these are some facts that can increase susceptibility or reinfection risk.
Sleep-disordered breathing or snoring
Chronic mouth breathing
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
Nasal obstruction or chronic congestion
Narrow palate or airway structure issues
Reflux (GERD or laryngopharyngeal reflux)
Deviated septum
^^Many times these are all related. See an airway dentist!
Frequent exposure in school, daycare
Household transmission cycle
Asymptotic carrier state
Incomplete antibiotic courses
This is a huge one. If antibiotics are needed, it’s important to complete the full course, even if it’s not your preferred first-line approach. Stopping early can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making infections harder to treat over time.
Biofilm formation in tonsillar tissue
Low vitamin D or immune vulnerabilities
Chronic stress and poor sleep
Environmental irritants like smoke and pollution
Dry indoor air and poor indoor air quality
fav humidifier (ideal humidity 40-60%)
Poor oral hygiene
Sharing drinks, utensils, or toothbrushes
Not replacing a toothbrush after infection
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