Can Elderberry Help Treat Strep Throat? A Science-Based Guide

Can Elderberry Help Treat Strep Throat?

Strep throat is an uncomfortable infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria that leads to soreness and inflammation of the throat and tonsils. With its high antioxidant content and reputation as an immune-supporting herb, elderberry is sometimes recommended as a natural remedy to help treat strep throat symptoms and speed healing.

But can taking elderberry syrup, tea, or supplements really make a difference for strep throat? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.

What is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is caused by an infection with group A Streptococcus bacteria, resulting in swelling and pain in the throat and tonsils. It leads to sore throat, pain with swallowing, fever, headache, nausea, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.

Strep throat requires treatment with antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria and prevent complications like rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis. Without treatment, strep throat symptoms usually last around 5-7 days.

How Might Elderberry Help with Strep Throat?

Elderberry comes from the flowering elderberry bush, which produces berries that are pressed into juice, syrup, and supplements. Elderberry is high in antioxidant compounds like anthocyanins, which give the berries their deep purple color.

Elderberry has an extensive history of traditional use for colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. Some of the potentially beneficial mechanisms include:

• Antiviral and antibacterial effects that may inhibit pathogen growth
• Anti-inflammatory properties that may ease sore throat pain and swelling
• Immune modulating effects that could provide protective benefits
• High antioxidant content that may support healing

This antioxidant profile and possible immune-boosting properties are why elderberry is commonly used alongside standard treatment to potentially shorten the duration or severity of strep throat.

What Does Science Say About Elderberry for Strep Throat?

There are currently no scientific studies specifically investigating elderberry for strep throat. However, some relevant research looks promising:

• In vitro studies show elderberry extracts have antibacterial effects against Streptococcus pyogenes, the bacteria that cause strep throat.
• Elderberry has been shown to inhibit the growth and spread of influenza and herpes simplex viruses in lab studies.
• Human trials found taking elderberry syrup 4 times per day shorted flu duration by an average of 2-4 days compared to placebo.
• A small pilot study found elderberry supplements shortened upper respiratory symptoms caused by a viral infection.

While not directly on point for strep throat, this preliminary research suggests elderberry could have antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-supporting effects that help the body fight off infectious invaders.

However more clinical research is still needed to confirm if elderberry is beneficial as a complementary therapy alongside antibiotics for treating strep throat caused by bacteria.

How to Take Elderberry for Strep Throat

If you want to try using elderberry products to help ease strep throat faster, here are some options:

Elderberry Syrup

Look for a syrup made from organic elderberries, free of artificial flavors/sweeteners. Aim for one standardized to contain at least 300-500mg anthocyanins per dose. Take up to 4 times per day.

Elderberry Tea

Steep dried elderflower and elderberries to make a soothing tea, adding honey or ginger for additional symptom relief. Drink 2-3 cups per day while sick.

Elderberry Capsules or Gummies

Choose a supplement with at least 300-500mg standardized elderberry extract per serving. Follow dosage recommendations, but avoid excessive intake beyond what’s recommended.

No matter which elderberry product you choose, always follow the manufacturer’s dosage guidelines. When using alongside antibiotics, take them at least 2 hours apart.

Elderberry Dosage Recommendations

Here are some general dosage recommendations for elderberry products when treating strep throat:

• Elderberry syrup: 1 tablespoon (15ml) 4 times per day
• Elderberry tea: 2-3 cups containing 2g dried elderberry per cup
• Elderberry capsules: 600-1500mg daily, divided into 2-3 doses
• Elderberry lozenges: Follow label dosing; slowly dissolve in mouth

For severe strep throat symptoms, you can take a higher dose, up to 5 times per day. It’s best to continue your elderberry regimen for at least 3-5 days after symptoms improve.

Benefits of Elderberry for Strep Throat

Using elderberry preparations along with antibiotics for strep throat treatment could offer benefits like:

• Shortened duration - Compounds in elderberry may help inhibit spread of bacteria and support immune function to help you recover faster.
• Decreased inflammation - The anthocyanins in elderberry demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects to potentially reduce swollen tonsils and sore throat pain.
• Improved symptoms - Elderberry appears to lessen severity of symptoms like fever, headache, congestion, and fatigue.
• Better tasting than antibiotics - The sweet, fruity syrups and gummies contain compounds that may aid healing and taste better than prescription meds.

While research is still emerging, elderberry provides antioxidants, phytochemicals, and vitamin C that may be helpful additions when recovering from strep throat.

Risks and Considerations When Using Elderberry

Before using elderberry for strep throat, be aware of these key considerations:

• May interact with medications - Consult your doctor before using elderberry syrup or supplements with prescribed antibiotics or other drugs.
• Choking hazard (lozenges) - Elderberry lozenges pose a choking risk for young children and should not be given to those under age 5.
• Allergies - Avoid elderberry if you have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to elderflower, elderberry, or plants in the Caprifoliaceae family.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding - Talk to your doctor before taking elderberry products if pregnant or nursing.
• Autoimmune conditions - Elderberry may stimulate the immune system, so use caution if you have an autoimmune disorder.

While generally considered safe when used properly, be cautious with elderberry if you take any prescription medications or have underlying health conditions.

Treating a Strep Throat Infection

Alongside appropriate medical treatment, there are a variety of natural remedies that may help soothe the painful symptoms of strep throat while you recover.

Visit Your Doctor

It’s important to see your doctor if signs of strep throat develop. Diagnosis is made using a rapid antigen detection test or bacterial culture from a throat swab sample. Treatment involves antibiotics like penicillin or amoxicillin taken for 10 days to eradicate the strep bacteria.

Gargle with Salt Water

Gargling several times per day with warm salt water can help reduce swollen tonsils and loosen mucus. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds before spitting.

Soothe Pain and Fever

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can temporarily reduce sore throat discomfort and fever. Follow dosage instructions carefully.

Increase Fluid Intake

Drinking lots of water, broth, herbal tea, or other non-caffeinated fluids prevents dehydration and keeps mucus secretions thinner. Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses per day.

Get Extra Rest

Be sure to get enough rest while recovering from strep throat. Sleep allows the body to direct more energy towards healing. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours per night.

Consider Supplements

Vitamin C, zinc, probiotics, honey, and slippery elm may provide additional relief for strep throat pain and inflammation when used in appropriate dosages.

Use a Humidifier

Breathing in warm, humidified air can provide soothing moisture to the inflamed tissues. Use a cool mist humidifier in your bedroom when sleeping and resting.

Avoid Irritants

While sick, refrain from smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and consuming spicy foods or citrus juices which may further irritate the tender throat tissues.

Natural Remedies for Strep Throat

In addition to medical treatment, incorporating natural supplements, foods, and home remedies may help you get over strep throat faster. Useful options include:

Honey

The antibacterial and wound-healing properties of raw honey make it ideal for soothing sore throats. Take 1-2 teaspoons straight or mixed in tea every few hours.

Probiotics

Oral probiotic supplements help populate your gut and throat with protective bacteria to fend off pathogens. Look for multi-strain formulas with at least 10 billion CFUs.

Slippery Elm

The mucilage in slippery elm bark coats and protects irritated throat tissues. Take capsules or add powder to smoothies.

Marshmallow Root

Similar to slippery elm, marshmallow root contains mucilage that provides a soothing coating on the throat. Use lozenges, tea, syrups, or capsules.

Sage and Echinacea

Gargling with a combination of sage and echinacea extracts provides antimicrobial, astringent, and numbing effects to ease throat discomfort.

Apple Cider Vinegar

The antiviral effects of apple cider vinegar may help fight strep bacteria. Add 1 tablespoon ACV to a cup of warm water and gargle every few hours.

Turmeric

Curcumin in turmeric demonstrates anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Take capsules or incorporate turmeric into broths, smoothies, and tea.

Ginger

Gingerol compounds give ginger root its anti-inflammatory abilities to calm sore throat pain. Make ginger tea or suck on ginger candies.

When using natural remedies, be sure to follow dosing recommendations and watch for possible interactions or contraindications with medications.

Lifestyle Tips for Preventing Strep Throat

While not always possible to avoid, implementing some key lifestyle precautions may help reduce your risks of developing strep throat:

• Practice good hand hygiene - Wash hands frequently and thoroughly to limit spread of strep bacteria.
• Sanitize household surfaces - Use disinfecting cleaners on items like doorknobs, countertops, and toilet handles.
• Avoid sharing drinks or utensils - Don’t share cups or silverware with anyone who has strep throat or symptoms.
• Cough/sneeze into elbow - Cough into your sleeve rather than hands to minimize airborne droplets spreading germs.
• Don't kiss on mouth - Avoid direct mouth-to-mouth kissing with someone who has a strep throat infection.
• Use your own towels/linens - Do not share towels or bedding with an infected individual.

Proper hygiene habits, avoiding contact with contaminated items, and managing underlying conditions are key to preventing strep throat.

When to See Your Doctor

Schedule a medical appointment right away if you or your child develop these cardinal symptoms of strep throat:

• Painful sore throat and difficulty swallowing
• Fever greater than 101°F
• Enlarged, reddened tonsils, sometimes with white patches
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain

Seeking prompt medical care is crucial for proper diagnosis and antibiotic treatment to cure strep throat, prevent spread to others, and avoid complications like rheumatic heart disease.

Using appropriate natural remedies alongside antibiotics may help lessen the misery of strep throat. But elderberry and other supplements should never replace prescribed antibiotic medications.

The Bottom Line

Strep throat is a bacterial infection requiring proper medical treatment. While research is limited, elderberry shows promise as a complementary supplement that may shorten duration and reduce symptoms when used in combination with antibiotics. Speak with your healthcare provider before using elderberry syrup, tea, lozenges, or extracts to ensure safety and effectiveness when recovering from a strep throat infection.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.