Can You Use Garlic for Strep Throat?

Strep throat, medically referred to as group A streptococcal pharyngitis, is the most common of the acute bacterial throat infections. Strep throat should be treated with an antibiotic. While garlic is said to have antibiotic properties, it's not indicated as a form of treatment for the bacterial infection.

Garlic and Strep Throat

According to a 2014 Polish review article published in "Annals of National Institute of Hygiene," garlic shows in vitro antibacterial activity towards some streptococcal bacteria. However, it is not known if garlic has any beneficial affects for an infection such as strep throat, and more research is necessary before recommendations can be made regarding its use.

Safety and Concerns

If left untreated, strep throat may lead to serious complications such as rheumatic fever or a kidney infection called post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Proper treatment with an antibiotic over the recommended number of days is necessary to kill the bacteria and help prevent complications. Call your doctor if you have a fever and a sore throat, and especially if you're having difficulty swallowing, your tonsils are red and swollen with white spots, or a red sandpaper-like rash appears.