Strep Throat - Can Ayurveda Help With Repeated Infections?

Question

Every few months, I get hit with strep throat, and it’s getting really frustrating. The first time it happened, I thought it was just a bad sore throat, but when the fever kicked in and my throat felt like I was swallowing razor blades, I knew something was wrong. A doctor prescribed antibiotics, and it went away… but only for a while.

Now, I feel like I keep getting strep throat over and over again. Last month, I had it again, and my tonsils were swollen with white patches. The fever was unbearable, and I had body aches. Again, antibiotics. But now I’m wondering—why does this keep happening? Is my immunity too weak?

I started researching natural ways to prevent strep throat, and Ayurveda kept coming up. I read that turmeric, honey, and ginger can help, but I’m not sure if they actually prevent strep throat or just soothe the symptoms. Are there any Ayurvedic treatments that actually stop strep throat from coming back?

Also, is there a specific diet I should follow to reduce inflammation and strengthen my throat against infections? I drink cold water often, and I wonder if that’s making things worse. Could my daily habits be triggering strep throat repeatedly?

Another thing—whenever I get strep throat, my digestion gets messed up too. I feel bloated and tired all the time. Is this related? Can Ayurveda treat the root cause of strep throat, rather than just the symptoms?

I’d really appreciate any Ayurvedic recommendations for someone dealing with strep throat again and again. What herbs, remedies, or lifestyle changes should I follow to stop this cycle?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Recurring strep throat often indicates low immunity, weak digestion (Agni), and toxin buildup (Ama) in the body. Frequent antibiotic use can further weaken immunity by disrupting gut health. Ayurveda focuses on strengthening Ojas (vital energy) and maintaining a balanced Kapha and Pitta to prevent throat infections.

Turmeric Milk – Drink warm milk with turmeric at night to boost immunity.
Licorice (Mulethi) Tea – Soothes the throat and has antibacterial properties.
Triphala Gargle – Mix Triphala powder with warm water and gargle to cleanse the throat.
Tulsi & Giloy – Tulsi tea and Giloy juice daily help fight infections naturally.
Lifestyle & Dietary Changes
Avoid cold, fried, and processed foods, as they aggravate Kapha and lead to mucus buildup. Eat warm, home-cooked meals with ginger, black pepper, and honey to strengthen the throat. Oil pulling with sesame or coconut oil in the morning helps prevent bacterial infections. Practicing pranayama (breathing exercises) like Bhastrika and Anulom Vilom strengthens respiratory health.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

Recurring strep throat can often be a sign of a weakened immune system or imbalance in the body's internal environment. In Ayurveda, this could be linked to a disturbance in the Kapha dosha, which governs mucus production and immune function. To prevent recurrent strep throat, it’s important to focus on strengthening immunity (Ojas) and balancing digestion (Agni). Herbs like Turmeric, Ginger, and Holy Basil (Tulsi) can help reduce inflammation, soothe the throat, and boost the immune system. Consuming warm water with honey and turmeric regularly can also help. Avoiding cold foods and drinks, especially in excess, is crucial since they can aggravate Kapha and make the throat more vulnerable to infections. A diet consisting of warm, easily digestible foods and reducing dairy and processed foods can also help balance the immune system. Digestive issues, like bloating and fatigue, may be related to a weak Agni, so incorporating digestive herbs like Triphala or Cumin, Coriander, and Fennel (for digestion) can support both immunity and overall digestion. Along with these remedies, regular practices like oil gargles with sesame oil or salt water can soothe the throat and prevent infections. The key is a holistic approach—balancing lifestyle, diet, herbs, and daily habits to improve immunity and reduce susceptibility to strep throat.

Strep Throat - Can Ayurveda Help With Repeated Infections? - #16498

Doctors’ responses

If you need a detailed answer, ask the Ayurvedic doctor your question

About our doctors

Related questions