Gargle This Every Morning to Get Rid of Strep Throat
Your throat starts to feel scratchy, and it hurts to swallow. You peek in the mirror and see telltale white spots and redness that could only mean one thing…strep throat. This bacterial infection is among the most pesky and can lead to serious complications—not to mention the impact it has on daily life! But before you reach for antibiotics, try this simple strep throat gargle to ease the pain and fight the bacteria naturally.
Many prefer a treatment of traditional antibiotics, but there are natural remedies you can use to ease symptoms and speed the healing process.
In this post, we’ll discover why strep throat occurs, how to lower your chances of getting it and uncover an herbal gargle that combines potent ingredients for fast relief. Gargle this every morning to eliminate strep throat and possibly prevent future infections.
This simple gargle is a great addition to your morning routine. It can also freshen your breath and keep harmful bacteria away. It’s great for the entire family!
This apple cider vinegar remedy targets the source of the problem but also soothes pain, allowing you to thrive in the midst of illness. Be sure to read our instructions on how to best utilize this recipe. We guarantee you’ll want a batch to keep on hand when strep throat is on the rise.
What Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. It’s highly contagious and is spread through respiratory droplets, like fluid from sneezes or coughs, but you can also get it through contaminated surfaces.
Bacteria from Streptococcus pyogenes enter the body and release toxins in the throat that cause inflammation. This rise in inflammation leads to a myriad of symptoms, such as pain when swallowing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
You’re most likely to find this illness in fall and winter, though sometimes it occurs in warmer months. Some adults find themselves in bed with strep, but it’s most common among children ages 5-15.
This may be because children are in closer contact than adults, with time spent in schools and daycare. Other vulnerable groups include the immunocompromised.
Those with persistent strep throat (5-7 cases a year) often undergo a tonsillectomy, but antibiotics are the usual treatment. These can be useful in the most harmful cases.
However, if you feel strep throat coming on, an all-natural remedy may help stop it before it progresses into something unmanageable. Be sure to check out our safety tips for when it might be time to call your doctor.
Strep throat doesn’t just stop at a scratchy throat and fever. If left unchecked, it can cause congestion, mucus buildup, and lingering coughs that make it harder to recover fully. You might find yourself battling not just the strep but the domino effect it creates—your lungs feel tight, every breath feels heavier, and that stubborn mucus refuses to budge. It’s frustrating and exhausting, right?
That’s why I always reach for Bronchial Blend Tincture whenever strep throat—or even just a bad cold—starts to hit. This powerful tincture isn’t just for soothing your throat; it’s designed to help clear up congestion and loosen mucus in your chest and sinuses. It contains natural ingredients like lungwort lichen and mullein, both known for their ability to comfort congested lungs and promote easier breathing. Plus, it can help calm those annoying coughs that keep you up at night.
Don’t wait until the mucus gets thicker or the congestion turns into something worse. A few drops of Bronchial Blend Tincture could be the difference between struggling to breathe and finally feeling relief. Click here to learn more about this must-have remedy and how it can help you breathe easier—even when your achy throat tries to hold you back.
How to Prevent Strep Throat
Strep throat can’t always be avoided, but there are some holistic steps you can take to strengthen your immune system. These strategies combine to create a balanced approach to help you prevent illness and heal faster.
Usnea and Its Antibacterial Power
Let me tell you about one of nature’s best-kept secrets for battling strep throat—usnea, also known as “old man’s beard.” If you’ve never heard of it before, you’re in for a treat. This little lichen is packed with usnic acid, a powerful antibacterial compound that works like a natural defense system. It targets harmful bacteria, breaks down their cell walls, and helps your immune system kick them out for good.
When your throat is on fire, a usnea’s benefits can make all the difference. It goes right to the source, calming inflammation, soothing irritation, and stopping bacteria in their tracks. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny apothecary in your pocket.
Now, if you’re the adventurous type, you could forage for usnea yourself. It grows on trees, especially fallen branches after storms. Just make sure you’re picking from clean, unpolluted areas and check for that stretchy white core to know you’ve got the real deal. But let me warn you—it’s a slow-growing lichen, so harvesting it responsibly is key.
That said, I get it—making your own tinctures isn’t for everyone. It can take weeks, and honestly, who has time for that when strep throat is already making you miserable?
If you want to skip the hassle and get straight to feeling better, this ready-made usnea tincture spray is the one I swear by. It’s effective, easy to use, and the best option I’ve found after trying way too many that didn’t deliver. Why wait for strep throat to get worse when you’ve got such a simple, natural solution?
Cut out sugar. Processed sugar lowers your immune system, making it harder to fight illnesses. It also inhibits your white blood cells, which are your best weapon against sickness. Avoid processed sugar and instead incorporate rich, nourishing fruits and veggies into your diet.
Practice good hygiene. This may sound elementary, but washing your hands can prevent many illnesses. When out and about, wash your hands often to eliminate harmful germs. Be sure to cover your mouth if coughing or sneezing so you don’t spread germs to others!
Did you know your mouth is one of the first battlegrounds for bacteria and germs that cause illness, including strep throat? Keeping your oral hygiene in check isn’t just about fresh breath—it’s about protecting your overall health. A clean mouth makes it harder for harmful bacteria to thrive, giving your immune system one less thing to worry about.
And no, I’m not talking about those lab-made, chemical-filled mouthwashes you find at the store. Most of them actually hurt your mouth’s microbiome—yes, your mouth has its own microbiome! Instead, this natural DIY mouthwash uses simple ingredients like mineral sea salt, peppermint, and clove buds to reduce harmful bacteria, keep your gums strong, and leave your mouth feeling refreshed. Let me show you how to make it by clicking here — you’ll never want to go back to store-bought!
Utilize throat-soothing teas. Herbal tea with raw local organic honey can coat the throat and reduce irritation. The best herbal teas for strep throat include thyme, licorice, and barberry, but you can always experiment to see which you like best.
Diffuse essential oils. Studies show that oregano and sage essential oils effectively combat Streptococcus pyogenes. Add a few drops to your diffuser to kill airborne bacteria. You can also utilize an immune-boosting essential oil blend by diffusing it or making a roll-on with a carrier oil.
Apple Cider Vinegar Gargle for Strep Throat Relief
This cost-effective gargle is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. It contains simple ingredients that, when combined, work synergistically to provide relief and quick healing.
If you’re wondering how I’ve learned so much about plants and their healing power, it’s all thanks to The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies II. This guide has been my go-to for discovering the incredible ways nature can support our health.
Apple cider vinegar is acidic and can prevent the progression of strep bacteria. We combined this tangy vinegar with pink Himalayan salt, eliminating infection and numbing the throat. A little dried thyme is antifungal and an effective infection fighter.
Here’s how to make this comforting Apple Cider Vinegar Gargle.
Ingredients
Ingredients- 1 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt
- 1 tablespoon raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup hot water
Step One
Add a teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt to a large cup. 
Step Two
Pour in the apple cider vinegar and stir to mix. 
Step Three
Place the dried thyme into a tea strainer and place it in the cup. Pour over 1 cup of warm water and let the mixture steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea strainer and stir the gargle until the salt is dissolved. Enjoy your soothing strep throat remedy! 
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar Gargle for Strep Throat Relief
To use, drink a big swig of the mixture, gargle for at least 30 seconds, and spit it out. Do not swallow the mixture! Repeat this process two to three times a day: once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once in the evening. This remedy is ideal for children over the age of five who know how to gargle and spit. Kids should always be supervised so they don’t swallow the mixture. 
The gargle is also safe for pregnant/nursing mothers. If you have mouth ulcers, be sure to consult with your oral health doctor before using.
This remedy is fabulous, but be sure to call your care practitioner if you have difficulty drinking liquids, develop a red rash, have a fever lasting a few days, if your symptoms persist or get worse, or if you have breathing issues. Be especially cautious with children, as their strep throat can worsen within hours.
Apple Cider Vinegar Gargle is most potent when made daily, but you can prepare a batch for the day and store it in the fridge. To reheat, gently warm over low heat on the stove, ensuring the mixture does not boil. We don’t recommend freezing the recipe as it can affect the bioactive properties of the apple cider vinegar.
You know how it goes—one day, it’s just a sore throat, and you think it’ll pass. The next, you’re drowning in mucus, coughing so hard you can’t sleep, and battling fevers that drain every ounce of energy.
And let’s be real—who has the time to run around gathering ingredients or the energy to make remedy after remedy when your whole household starts dropping like flies? Between work, kids, and just trying to survive the chaos, finding a simple solution feels impossible. That’s why the Winter Defense Bundle is a lifesaver.
It’s packed with everything you need to tackle strep and seasonal bugs:
- Usnea Spray Tincture for fast throat relief.
- Bronchial Blend Tincture to clear mucus and soothe lungs.
- Elderberry and Yarrow Tinctures to boost immunity and reduce fevers.
- Yerba Santa Tincture for sinus and chest congestion.
- All-Purpose Salve to stop germs before they spread.
Don’t wait for strep to take over—this bundle has everything ready to go when you need it most. Click here to grab yours and stay ahead of the season.
If you’re like me, you want solutions that actually work—without relying on endless chemicals or quick fixes that leave you worse off. That’s why The Holistic Guide to Wellness has been a game-changer for me. It’s not just about strep throat; this book is packed with practical, natural remedies for everything from respiratory issues to gut health, immune support, and even stress and anxiety.
For example, did you know you can make black garlic at home? It’s a powerhouse for boosting immunity and supporting respiratory health. Or how about this: cover fresh garlic cloves in honey and let them ferment for a few days. The result? A sweet, tangy remedy that works wonders for soothing sore throats, clearing sinuses, and strengthening your immune system. Add a little lemon, and you’ve got a natural tonic that helps you bounce back faster from illness.
This book doesn’t stop at garlic and honey. It’s a treasure trove of tips and protocols, like the Lungs and COPD Protocol, Sinusitis Protocol, and even a step-by-step Allergy Protocol—all designed to help you take control of your respiratory health naturally. And it doesn’t stop there! You’ll also find remedies for IBD, parasite elimination, digestive issues, anxiety, and so much more.
If you’re ready to ditch the guesswork and discover how to use natural remedies for a wide variety of health challenges, this guide is for you. Click here to explore the full list of protocols and see why this book has become a must-have for anyone passionate about holistic health.
