Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by streptococcal and its symptoms include difficulty in swallowing, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, sore throat and yellow or white spots on the throat. Even though the conventional treatment refers to antibiotics for strep throat, research shows that it is preferred to opt for natural remedies for relieving some of the symptoms of strep throat. Below are a few effective home remedies for strep throat to help relieve the symptoms.
Effective home remedies for strep throat
Strep throat often results in many painful and disturbing symptoms like fever, lethargy, painful swallowing, swelling, headaches and much more. These symptoms affect our daily chores and become a hindrance to our daily lives. We can effectively reduce these symptoms with home remedies for strep throat, using ingredients that are readily available in our pantry or kitchen. Below are a few effective home remedies for reducing the symptoms of strep throat.
Raw honey
Honey is known to strengthen the immune system by providing health-promoting antioxidants but also because of its antibacterial properties. It retains a moist wound state and its thick consistency develops a protective barrier preventing the spread of infection. Out of the home remedies for strep throat, honey is one of the few that acts directly on the bacteria, albeit just to constrain them.
Having a spoon or two of honey daily will provide effective relief from pain. You can also add honey to your tea or mix it in warm water and drink it.
Saltwater
Salt water is your best friend when it comes to sore or strep throats. Gargling with salt water creates an unfriendly environment for the bacteria. The salt breaks up the mucus and reduces water retention which results in a reduction of swelling of the delicate tissues. Hence, this results in reduced pain and irritation. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle throughout the day for relief. You can do this method after 3 hours for relief.
Apple cider vinegar
One of the easiest ways to treat strep throat naturally is by using apple cider vinegar as it acts as a natural antibiotic. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid and other powerful healing compounds that eliminate harmful bacteria and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Make a water and apple cider solution by mixing 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in warm water. You can gargle with this solution throughout the day. You can also add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar along with a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm water and sip daily till you get relief.
Consuming herbal tea
Consume herbal tea throughout the day to ease and soothe your throat. Many herbal teas like, chamomile, green and dandelion contain antioxidants that reduce pain, redness, and swelling and also boost your immune system. So next time you get infected with strep throat, sipping herbal tea will definitely give you some relief. You can add a few drops of lemon to your herbal tea for added benefits. Not only will it taste better but will also provide fast relief and quick recovery from strep throat.
Bone broth
Boost your immune system by consuming bone broth. It not only keeps you hydrated but also contains minerals that boost your immune system. Drinking bone broth helps soothe the throat because it contains numerous minerals like sulfur, phosphorus and calcium, which are needed to reduce pain and swelling.
Oil pulling
Oil pulling is used by many people to maintain their oral health as it reduces the bacteria in the mouth, creating a germ-free environment. It can also be used to treat strep throat because of its antibacterial properties.
Use 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil, swish in your mouth for about 10-15 minutes and spit it out in the trash (do not spit in the sink or flush as it might clog). You can try this method daily. It’s recommended doing this in the morning when you wake up. You can brush your teeth afterwards.
Ice
Ice can look a bit strange amidst the other home remedies for strep throat. It is only frozen water after all. However, you can numb the painful throat by sucking on some ice; this will also help reduce the inflammation and the pain. You can make some fruit flavored popsicles for your children so they can enjoy eating while also reducing strep throat symptoms. Cold beverages are also known to reduce pain by numbing the throat.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been used singly and combined with other ingredients as natural home remedies for strep throat by many generations in Asian communities. The anti-inflammatory and healing properties of turmeric reduce the growth of bacteria and provide relief to a swollen, painful throat. You can add a teaspoon of turmeric in warm milk and drink daily for best results. It will definitely reduce the pain and irritation.
Onion
Onion is used by many people as a natural home remedy for many problems. You can treat your strep throat with onion also as it contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties that kill harmful bacteria and also speeds up recovery. You can either chew on raw onion slices so that the juice acts upon the bacteria in your throat or you can gargle with onion juice diluted with water throughout the day for getting rid of strep throat.
Cinnamon
Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in warm water or in herbal teas can also boost the recovery from strep throat and provide a soothing effect. Cinnamon is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that are used to treat a sore throat as well as strep throat. You can drink cinnamon water or tea for a minimum of 3 times a day to notice a difference in your strep throat condition. Also, add in honey for a quicker recovery.
Baking soda
Baking soda seems to have a million uses, so it doesn’t surprise to find it among the many home remedies for strep throat. Gargling with baking soda and salt water can give effective relief to a painful swollen throat. Baking soda kills the harmful bacteria and promotes a faster recovery. You can either gargle with baking soda water solution or add baking soda powder to a salt water solution for a quicker recovery. Gargle this solution for at least 3-4 times a day.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is another natural remedy many illnesses. It makes sense it is also amidst the home remedies for strep throat. It can effectively kill bacteria and relieve inflammation and swollenness and has many other healing properties. The best part about fenugreek is that it comes in many different forms. You can either directly eat the fenugreek seeds or you can drink the fenugreek tea. You can choose how to consume it.
Slippery elm
Slippery elm is commonly used to decrease inflammation and pain, which can be related to sore and strep throats. The mucilage from slippery elm trees contains polysaccharides and protein, which can demulsify and coat any irritated area. This acts as a barrier and stops the spread of the infection. Slippery elm can also be an effective herbal remedy for coughs, skin ulcers, and digestive problems.
Peppermint
Peppermint has many properties including antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Not only will it reduce the symptoms of strep throat but also speed up the recovery. Moreover, you will also be left with fresh breath.
Avoid spicy food
Make sure that you stay away from consuming spicy or acidic foods as they can increase inflammation and increase the other symptoms of strep throat. Avoid foods and sauces that contain spices and east food that is a little bland as a precaution.
How long does strep throat last?
Strep throat is likely to last between about a week to 10 days once the treatment is started. Home remedies for strep throat can help ease the symptoms but they don’t act on the primary source of infection.
Taking antibiotics early reduces the risk of spreading bacteria and reduces the duration of the strep throat. It is also the fastest route to fight the infection and after a day you will be non-contagious.
Never leave a strep throat unattended. If left untreated, it can evolve into more dangerous complications and bacteria can spread without you realizing it. When the symptoms persist for more than 10 days, refer to your local doctor.
How do you get strep throat?
Strep throat is caused by bacteria called Streptococcus Pyogenic and it is very contagious. This Bacterium is easily spread in the air when someone infected coughs or sneezes. If you breathe the same air, you will likely catch the bacteria.
Sharing food and drinks can also lead to contamination. This bacterium can also be picked up from surfaces like knobs or tables and transferred to your nose, mouth, and eyes.
Anyone can get strep throat but it’s more likely to affect young children and teenagers, particularly those between the ages of 5 and 15. Strep throat is also known to occur more frequently between late fall and early spring and is more widespread during the school year as people spend more time closed indoors with each other.
How to prevent it?
Keeping your hands clean is the best way to prevent infection. Always wash your hands with soap and keep a hand sanitizer close by. Teach your children to properly wash their hands and the importance of cleanliness. If they get infected, teach them to cover their mouths whenever they sneeze or cough. Avoid sharing personal items like utensils, cups, etc. to prevent spreading the infection.
If you don’t get treated, you can stay contagious for at least a month, which means people around you can also get infected. Home remedies for strep throat will ease the symptoms but not much else. Visit a doctor and consider taking antibiotics to solve the problem as fast as possible for yours and everyone elses sake and health.
