Rob (Kentucky) on 01/05/2026
I’ve been noticing a few cases of SCARLET FEVER in my area due to the increase numbers of people getting STREP THROAT this winter season 2025/2026. Everybody in my area is getting strep throat.
Common Types of Strep A Skin Infections:
Impetigo:
Starts as red sores, often around the nose/mouth, that break, ooze, and form honey-colored crusts; very contagious, especially in kids.
Cellulitis:
Deep inflammation causing painful, swollen, red, hot skin, often on legs; can have blisters and fever.
Erysipelas:
Anchor Affects upper skin layers, causing a bright red, swollen, raised rash.
Scarlet Fever:
A rash (sandpaper feel) appearing with strep throat or skin infection, with red lines in folds, flushed face, and "strawberry tongue".
Causes & Transmission:
Causes: Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness from Group A Strep (same as strep throat) causing a red, sandpaper-like rash, fever, and sore throat, often with strawberry tongue; the skin infection aspect arises when GABHS infects wounds/burns, leading to the same toxins that cause the rash, which appears on the neck/chest/body and peels as it fades, but antibiotics prevent serious complications like rheumatic fever.
Spread: Via respiratory droplets (coughing/sneezing) or contact with infected surfaces, utensils, or open sores from strep skin infections like impetigo.
Symptoms to Watch For:
Treatment & Prevention:
Treatment: Antibiotics (penicillin or amoxicillin is common) are key.
Prevention: Keep skin clean, cover cuts, and wash hands often to prevent spread.
Natural Home Remedies that can also alleviate your Strep/Scarlet Fever Symptoms.
As stated above… Antibiotics are key to this treatment. I follow these listed protocols and it has worked very fast.
Internal Antibiotic –
First… Oregano Oil/Herb # 1 antibiotic on Earth. Oregano will kill any kind of "germ". Proof of this statement can be found in the Quarterly Review of Biology, March 1998 and the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, June 1977, among other authoritative publications.
When oregano oil was first tested in 1910 it was described by H. Merindale as "the most powerful plant-derived antiseptic known." It has been found effective both in killing multiple bacteria (germs) and preventing their growth. It demonstrated to be 26 times as potent as phenol known for its strong antiseptic properties. (Phenol is also a versatile precursor to a large collection of drugs, most notably aspirin, and many herbicides and pharmaceuticals).
Scientist W. H. Martindale found Oil of Oregano 26 times more active as an antiseptic than phenol (or carbolic acid, as it was known in 1910). Synthetic phenol, also known as carbolic acid, a strong antiseptic, was for much of the 20th century the standard by which all other antiseptics were measured. Yet research shows the “killing action” of naturally occurring carvacrol is superior to phenol - it is unmatched in its antimicrobial actions.
In 1918, French scientist Cavel found that Oregano Oil in very small amounts were able to destroy and prevent development of microbes in septic tank water.
Oregano oil is the "best of the best" active essential oils providing the amazing results in treating infectious diseases (P. Belaiche). It has been considered the closest to an ideal antibacterial agent.
Oregano oil at relatively low doses was found to be effective against staphylococcus bacteria and was comparable to antibiotics like penicillin in its germ-killing properties. Researcher Paul Belaiche reported his exhaustive studies of aromatherapy oils in his three-volume work, entitled, Traite de Phytotherapie et d’Aromatherapie (Treatise on Phytotherapy and Aromatherapy). He used a testing method that allowed him to examine the effectiveness of essential oils against specific bacteria, called an aromatogram. He found that oregano oil killed 96 percent of all pneumococcus bacteria, 92 percent of all neisseria, proteus and staphylococcus bacteria. Some strains of neisseria are responsible for diseases like gonorrhea or meningitis. Proteus is a type of intestinal infection.
He also found that oregano oil eliminated 83 percent of streptococcus and 78 percent of enterococcus. Various strains of streptococcus have been linked with strep throat, scarlet fever, rheumatic fever or toxic shock syndrome. Some strains of enterococcus are linked with cystitis, wound infections and anorexia.
What’s more is that oregano oil also killed 78 percent of candida bacteria, commonly linked with intestinal or systemic candida infections and 78 percent of klebsiella bacteria, which is linked to lung infections.
In a study by the National Institute of Pediatrics in Mexico, scientists found that oregano was effective at killing giardia, a parasite that causes abdominal distress.
The Journal Food Protection cites a study by researchers at the Department of Food Science at the University of Tennessee also report impressive findings regarding oregano oil’s potency against bacteria. Scientists found that oregano oil exhibited the most significant antibacterial action against common germs like staphylococcus, E. coli and listeria.
Researchers in the United Kingdom found that not only was oil of oregano effective against these common bacteria, it has antibacterial activity against 25 different bacteria.
A recent study found that oregano with tiny quantities of carvacrol (a naturally occurring compound in oregano) can be used significantly better than any of the 18 antibiotics currently used to treat infections with MRSA staphylococci. MRSA staphylococci are multi-resistant bacteria that have already developed resistance to conventional antibiotics. In contrast, the polyphenols (antioxidants) contained in oregano destroy such bacteria that are resistant to conventional antibiotics.
Studies and practical experience from hospitals show that oregano oil can prevent and treat effectively antibiotic-resistant germs (multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). The compound Carvacrol of oregano oil has been shown to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. (Nostro et al., 2004).
The University of the West of England researchers, working with partners in India, said carvacrol, which contains potent anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, has a range of medicinal uses. It can sterilise septic water, eradicate giardia, treat fungal infections such as candida and is considered a natural rival to pharmaceutical antibiotics such as streptomycin and penicillin in its ability to eliminate microbes. At SGS tests found that Himalayan oregano oil (is just common Origanum vulgare that grows in the Himalayas) was more effective at eradicating Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) than 18 antibiotics. Preliminary research into the oil found that tiny doses are capable of wiping out fungi and bacteria, including MRSA.
How to use it: Again… I make my own but two of the best on the market is North American Herb & Spice Oreganol™ (or oregano oil) is used by herbalists to treat a variety of ailments. Oreganol P73 is the original wild oregano blend from remote high-mountain regions of the Mediterranean. It comes in either liquid and capsule form.
NOW Foods, Essential Oils, Oil of Oregano 25% Oil Blend, it comes in 1 fl oz. bottle w/dropper. I have contacted this company in the past and their labs testing shows 80% carvacrol and thymol. It’s very affordable.
Throat –
If your throat is inflamed and sore, you could try gargling with warm salt water. I like to use a colloidal silver 10ppm throat spray. I make my own with added ingredients but you can purchase a similar product like NOW Brand “Silver Sol” spray to blast your throat with several times daily to kill the infection “Strep” in your throat.
Colloidal Silver is a near perfect antibiotic. Colloidal silver has been reported to kill 650 micro organisms, many of which are associated with human diseases. This does not automatically mean that taking colloidal silver will "cure" disease caused by these germs. Colloidal silver only kills micro-organisms when they are in contact with it for a sufficient period of time. The human body is a complex system, which may prevent high enough concentrations of colloidal silver from reaching the "affected area". Just about every known germ, bacteria, virus or fungus, will die within six minutes of contact with colloidal silver. In addition, there are no known bad side effects from using colloidal silver.
Internal Dosage: Spray back of throat several times daily. Take 1 oz CS in 3 oz clean water 3x/daily between meals for 10 days or more. And NO you won’t turn blue….
Skin Rash –
I follow to Amish teaching here. A hydrogen peroxide 3% brown bottle bath. This bath is especially helpful during illness as it helps clear congestion or alleviate body aches. It can also be helpful for allergies or skin irritation (including scarlet fever skin rash). General aches and muscle pains, aches and pains from over exertion and fatigue. Cold and Flu. STDs and all other infections.
Hydrogen peroxide was discovered in 1818 by Louis Jacques Thénard, professor at the Collège de France. It has a long history of medical use. Hydrogen peroxide will kill any anaerobic germs in the water and on your skin, and it is believed that it gives the body a surge of oxygen to help aid in your detox.
The use of hydrogen peroxide for therapeutic benefits was first reported 170 years ago during the reign of Queen Victoria. Minute amounts were added to drinking water to cure both common and more serious diseases. During World War I, it was used intravenously to successfully treat pneumonia. Over the years, it has been studied at medical research centers around the world including, Yale University, University of California-Los Angeles and Harvard University.
Recorded medicinal use of Hydrogen Peroxide dates back to the 1920 edition of the medical journal Lancet which described the successful use of H2O2 during World War 1 for pulmonary related conditions (often from chemicals used in war). Since then, over 7,000 publications have been produced highlighting the health benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide. Because the skin is the largest organ in our body and warm water opens the pores, a Hydrogen Peroxide bath is the best way to absorb the healing benefits of H2O2.
Your body makes hydrogen peroxide to fight infection which must be present for our immune system to function correctly. White blood cells are known as Leukocytes. A sub-class of Leukocytes called Neutrophils produce hydrogen peroxide as the first line of defense against toxins, parasites, bacteria, viruses and yeast.
How to take a Hydrogen Peroxide Detox Bath:
*Add 2 – 1 Quart 3% brown bottle hydrogen peroxide to a full bath.
*Soak for at least 20-30 minutes. Repeat daily for best results.
*Soak your head and hair… diluted peroxide will NOT bleach your hair.
Note: I’ve been told this bath mixture will kill even genital herpes with daily use. Use half the amounts given for children.
Topical Ointment for the Skin Rash –
Eucalyptus oil was in huge demand during World War 1, as it was used to control a meningitis outbreak and for the influenza of 1919.
Use of Eucalyptus Oil as a Disinfectant in Scarlet Fever
By Joseph Preistly MD March 15,1895
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5542455/
Dr. Preistly treated 120 children in London England after a scarlet fever outbreak page 73.
His mode of treatment was as follows: page 75
Carefully rubbing Eucalyptus oil all over the body 3 times a day followed by one rubbing (after a warm bath) daily for 7 days. The Eucalyptus oil disinfectant is sprayed into the patient throat, mouth and nose and diffused into the air of the room of the patient. No Eucalyptus oil was administered internally beyond the stomach during the spraying process.
To treat scarlet fever rash, mix one teaspoon of coconut oil to 5-10 drops of eucalyptus oil, and smooth over the areas affected by the scarlet fever rash.
(Note: Dr. Preistly does not state weather the eucalyptus oil was applied straight undiluted or diluted with carrier oil. Eucalyptus can be applied neet undiluted to the skin adults only.)
Children (younger than 18 years) Severe side effects have been reported in children after small doses of Eucalyptus globulus have been taken by mouth or applied to the skin. However, Vicks VapoRub contains 1.3% Eucalyptus globulus oil and is rated for children over 2 years old. Eucalyptus radiata does not cause this effect and is safe for small children. Eucalyptus is not recommended for use by infants and young children, especially near the face and nose.
Tea Tree Oil: A study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that a four percent tea tree oil ointment and five percent tea tree oil body wash performed better against staph infections than Mupirocin®, a topical antibacterial ointment.
To treat scarlet fever rash, mix one teaspoon of coconut oil to 5-10 drops of tea tree oil, and smooth over the areas affected by the scarlet fever rash. Because tea tree oil is strong, and in some people can cause irritation, always dilute it with a carrier oil.
Please note — tea tree oil is NOT to be ingested. While it is often suggested as a good mouthwash to combat bacteria, toothaches, mouth ulcers and bad breath, it is imperative that you spit out the oil afterward to prevent adverse side effects.
Oregano Oil topically: You can use the above Oregano Oils 25% diluted (listed in Internal Antibiotic section) on the skin rash. Repeat everyday til rash is gone.
There are also Oregano Oil Balm and Anti-septic Salves available on Amazon.
Suzanne (CA) on 12/20/2023
Having lived through strep when I was 14- it turned into scarlet fever, I fasted on water for 3 weeks- it was terrible, but I believe I gained the antibodies to not have strep again for 20 years.
So back up to three days ago- my throat swollen- fever of 103, aches, white spots all over my throat- the Dr confirmed it was strep AGAIN. I was prepared to jump right back on the antibiotics train, but also wanted to give it a couple of days if possible- having learned that if you wait even just a few days before taking antibiotics you build more antibodies.
Well a friend who is a nurse stopped by with soup and said I should gargle black cumin seed oil. The prospect sounded near impossible? Too intense? too viscous? It turned out just a couple of teaspoons actually could be gargled. I did it for only about 5 minutes and then just swallowed the cumin seed oil- knowing its a powerful antibiotic (looking back I probably should have spit that out- oh well). Anyway- my fever spiked a couple hours later and when I woke up I was 50% better. I spent today gargling with black cumin seed oil diluted in coconut oil- about 1 tsp for every 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
I also gargled with listerine several times, apple cider vinegar once and cleaned my tongue well.
I feel about 80% now- the white spots are nearly gone. I am in DISBELIEF! Whatever it was (I think the black cumin seed oil) has worked nearly as well as the antibiotics! Its unreal. I can not tell you how relieved I am.
Thank you EarthClinic for all the many miracles over the years.
Gigg (CA) on 08/05/2023
My symptoms were only a slightly sore, red throat & extreme fatigue - NO fever - NO white or red spots.
Me with no energy, (never happens) … I knew there was more to this slightly sore red throat.
The test for strep came back positive and was given antibiotics. I followed the “rules” and took all the pills legalistically and on time as advised. I felt better almost right away but the tired feeling came back and I tested positive again, did a second round of antibiotics after being told that this was a bad strain of strep and many people were having rebound cases. (It was very resistant to antibiotics.) When it came back again after that round, I said, “thanks no thanks” and refused a third round. Instead, I searched quickly for a natural cure. I found 2 things that caught my attention… using garlic or oregano oil. In 2 days, all symptoms were gone and never returned! I will now use these ideas at first sign of throat issues and rarely get sick.
Gigg (Martinez, CA) on 08/05/2023
Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 07/25/2023
Over the weekend, my son's strep returned with a vengeance and his younger brother now had it as well. I certainly did not want to do antibiotics again. I battened down the hatches and began aggressively treating them both.
I have treated strep in the past with cayenne gargling and fresh garlic. However, my younger son was vomiting and those were just not good options. Here is what I did.
In 24 hours, they were improving, and my son's vomiting stopped.
At 48 hours their throats are no longer red and they are up and about.
I will keep them on these things for several more days.
I am thankful we didn't need to get antibiotics and I was happy that silver and garlic pills worked as well as cayenne and fresh garlic! Much easier for kids (at least, if they can swallow pills! )
~Mama to Many~
The Vegan Herbal Lover (Los Angeles, USA) on 04/10/2023
My daughter also slept most of the day these first two days and ate and drank very little as she was in constant miserable pain whenever she swallowed. Her sleeping so much actually became a concern as lethargy is not listed as a common symptom of strep.
So we were very relieved after discovering and implementing cayenne as an option. I made a gargle for her that consisted of hot lemon water and added sea salt and as much cayenne as she could stand. After 1 day of gargling about 4 times (3 hours apart), my daughter felt immediate relief and was able to drink an entire smoothie that night. As she gargled she noticed white cloudy stuff the mucus filled water she spit out. We noticed the white patches on her throat disappearing after every session. We wondered if what was coming out was the actual white stuff on her throat, but couldn’t be sure.
However as the patches decreased the pain also drastically decreased and by the end of day two of gargling all the pain was gone. She continued gargling 3 times daily for two weeks however even though she was pain free as we treated the cayenne like a medical antibiotic. I had read to do this to ensure the virus is completely gone. So CAYENNE CAYENNE CAYENNE FOLKS!!!! And shame on all those articles for not including this as a natural home remedy option for strep!!
Cayenne has done so much for me from detoxing me as well as regulating my blood sugar. It has also worked in lowering my sisters blood pressure.
Erin (Pittsburgh, PA) on 02/16/2023
I've been dealing with Strep Throat for a few days. I didn't take a test, but I was around people who got Strep Throat and my only symptoms were an extremely painful throat (almost unable to swallow) and aches. I haven't taken an antibiotic in decades and have no plan to start unless absolutely necessary. I didn't get much relief from ACV, gargling salt water, gargling cayenne. I got desperate and went to the store to get raw ginger. I grated it and gargled ginger water. Also put the rest of the ginger in a smoothie. Within an hour, the pain has subsided to half and I just feel better to the point that I know I'm finally on the mend. I've always known that ginger is an antibacterial, but wow, this stuff is powerful!
Ronda (Aho) on 01/23/2022
2 tablespoons A.C.V, 2 tablespoons raw honey, 8 oz warm water drink while warm is making the throat pain better and he's able to cough up mucus and phlegm.
also gargling with 1/4 cup A.C.V and water and swallowing 3 times a day. So grateful for the Homeopathic way instead of medications.
Cayenne Pepper for Strep Throat Works Becca (Cedar Hills, Utah) on 09/20/2020
Gilbert R (SoCal ) on 03/17/2020
Sheena (Pearlington, Ms) on 10/30/2017
Eva (Tr, South Carolina) on 07/19/2017
I read on Earthclinic to gargle and swallow Apple Cider Vinegar & water mix. 1:3 ratio.
I use ACV for many ailments and it never fails me and this time is no different.
After three days of throat agony I swallowed then gargled the ACV mixture. I spit out a bunch of phlegm & went to bed. In the morning my throat
Was 90% better! It's a miracle really. Almost an instant cure! It burns on a sore throat but worth it!
Cayenne Pepper Remedy for Strep Throat Sugarandspice (Huntsville, Al) on 03/29/2017
Presley (Alabama) on 03/04/2017
Rachel (Brisbane) on 02/11/2017
In between gargling I frequently sipped apple cider vinegar and manuka honey mixed into warm water. I added as much as I could tolerate - the recipe I read (I think) said a few tablespoons of each in 1 cup of water but I found this too sharp and also didn't want that much sugar. I basically tried to keep my throat bathed in this drink as much as I could and the relief was amazing. I really started to feel better immediately. So much more relief than medicated lozenges. I was better in a couple of days, which is the length of time antibiotics are supposed to take to work too.
Danielle (Wisconsin) on 11/16/2016
I simmered slices of ginger and then added lemon, apple cider vinegar as well as raw honey. Throughout the day I would gargle cayenne pepper with warm water and apple cider vinegar as well. I even dabbed cayenne pepper directly on the white patches before bed.. I'm not sure if it would've made a difference had I not but I was willing to try anything at this point to relieve the pain.
Within 36 hours the pain had gone away, and 48 the infection gone! All that remains is a slight headache and inevitable tiredness. I'm aware I'm more than likely still contagious so I'm keeping my distance as well as going to continue drinking the ginger/lemon tea for a few days to come to make sure all the infection has been destroyed. Needless to say I'm amazed at how well and how quickly this worked and unless I'm in bed with a dangerous fever or violently ill I'm going to stick to trying to cure my ailments as naturally as possible to strengthen my immune system. Thank you for the tips and tricks!
Amy (Oregon ) on 06/04/2016
Kyia (New York) on 03/23/2016
Ingredients:
Boil ginger in water. You want a strong ginger flavor.
Once the flavor is potent, pour into a cup add a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, teaspoon of 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, a few mint leaves, squeeze 1/4 lemon and honey to taste.
Let the tea stew for about 5 minutes after mixing. You will have to continue mixing it as you drink but trust me you will feel relief right away. The cinnamon, honey, and mint help with the taste.
Also. If you are lazy, I use Honsei Ginger Tea with Mint. Just boil water add the powder mix to the water and add the other ingredients the same. Same results, better taste. You can also add agave nectar instead of honey.
** I wouldn't try sugar, it seems to have an adverse effect on strep.
Happy recovering!
D. (New York, Ny) on 03/22/2016
I remembered the remedy that Ted of Bangkok told me to do years ago. I took a little glass for liquor (the very small one for shots) and I filled half with water then I put about a quarter of a teaspoon of POTASSIUM BICARBONATE and I gargled. Some of it I put in my nose so that the water would flow to my throat. I did it repeatedly during the day. At the beginning every 15 minutes, then less. In 12 hours the pain had receded dramatically. The morning after the pain was completely gone. You can feel that it works right away. Just don't swallow it, not because potassium is dangerous per se, it is the quantity, you don't want to exceed in potassium because too much can be dangerous. But you just gargle with it so no problem. You must put enough potassium otherwise it doesn't work and it has to be bicarbonate. You must feel a very strong taste in the water.
As Ted explained to me, it is very basic and the strep bacteria just can't take it. They die right away. I didn't have to go to the doctor (before that remedy I had to take injections of penicillin for my strep throat, because it always got very bad). Not any more, thanks to the benefactor of humanity, Ted. May God protect him always.
Potassium bicarbonate is not easy to find. I found mine abroad. But I am sure that if you look over the internet you can find it somewhere. Just don't confuse it with other substances and when you get it, make sure to label it clearly "for gargles". It is incredibly powerful.
Other remedies like grape fruit seeds oil gargle and so on did not work for me. It was pretty bad already.
Sam (Long Island, Ny) on 03/20/2016
