Streptococcal pharyngitis, popularly known as strep throat, is caused by the group A Streptococcus bacterium. It spreads by saliva and causes symptoms such as fever, sore throat, red tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms often appear one to three days following exposure and are more prevalent during the colder months. Symptoms include trouble swallowing, red and enlarged tonsils, red spots on the mouth roof, swelling of lymph nodes, a temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, headaches, and muscle aches. Scarlet fever is a potentially fatal bacterial infection.
A throat swab test can be used to diagnose a bacterial infection, and if positive, recommended drugs, including antibiotics, are critical. Failure to take antibiotics can result in significant health problems. It usually takes a day or two after starting antibiotics to feel better; however, there are quick and easy home cures to relieve symptoms. These treatments can help ease discomfort and improve overall health.
This article provides a comprehensive list of 18 home remedies for strep throat self-care that can effectively relieve symptoms of strep throat.
Supplements:
1. Elderberry
A new study discovered that elderberry’s antibacterial and antiviral properties help protect against respiratory problems during long flights—travelers who used elderberry upon returning from abroad experienced fewer symptoms than those who did not. Elderberry is available in various forms, including tea, pills, powder, and liquid.
2. Echinacea
Echinacea, a plant well-known for its anti-strep throat capabilities, has been discovered to be an immuno-boosting herb capable of preventing the spread of bacterial infections such as strep throat. Its phytochemicals, especially echinacea, keep bacteria and viruses out of healthy cells. Echinacea can help ease strep throat symptoms, such as sore throats, headaches, and body pains, and has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling in the throat and tonsils. It is available in liquid, tea, and capsule forms.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is required for immune system function, tissue regeneration in the throat, and disease prevention. It can be administered in small doses, such as 1,000 milligrams per day to fight infections and 4,000 milligrams per day to remove them. Those suffering from strep throat can benefit from vitamin C supplements and vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, kale, strawberries, grapefruit, and kiwi.
4. Vitamin D
Due to its antimicrobial defenses, vitamin D plays a vital role in the immune system. A recent study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases links vitamin D deficiency to the recurrence of respiratory conditions caused by group A streptococcus bacteria.
What to Eat and Drink:
5. Raw Honey
Raw honey is a natural strep throat treatment that boosts antioxidant levels, strengthens the immune system, and soothes the throat. Its antimicrobial activity, moist wound condition, and thick consistency contribute to its healing effects. Medical-grade honey’s significant bactericidal activity combats antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. Honey’s therapeutic effects are supported by research published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. To relieve throat pain, a doctor at Penn Medicine suggests mixing a couple of teaspoons of honey with warm water or tea. Honey, on the other hand, is not suitable for youngsters under the age of one.
6. Hot sauce
Hot sauce, a pepper-based treatment, can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Its active ingredient, capsaicin, can be gargled with warm water to treat strep throat. The capsaicin in hot sauce can also help with pain relief.
7. Bone Broth
Bone broth is a calming and easy-to-eat strep throat cure that contains vital minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur. It also contains chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, supplements intended to alleviate swelling and joint pain. Instead of creating bone broth from scratch, bone broth protein powder can be utilized to recover quickly from strep throat. Warm bone broth can be drunk at any time of day.
8. Herbal teas
Green tea, clove, chamomile, raspberry, and peppermint herbal drinks can all be helpful home treatments for strep throat. Green tea has antibacterial and antioxidant properties owing to its high polyphenol content. Teas, including peppermint, raspberry, and chamomile, can help ease pain and inflammation, while peppermint can numb the throat and relieve pain. Chamomile tea can also be used as a natural lubricant to help with the hoarseness of the voice. To prepare green tea at home, purchase locally available leaves or tea bags, boil them in boiling water, sift them, and drink them many times daily for best results.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural treatment for strep throat because of its powerful healing compounds, including acetic acid, which kills harmful bacteria while encouraging the growth of beneficial ones and acts as a natural antibiotic when in contact with it.
10. Lemon
Lemons are high in antioxidants like vitamin C, which can promote immunity and aid in the breakdown of germs found in mucus. They can also provide pain relief and natural strep throat cures. Combine one teaspoon of lemon juice with warm water to treat throat pain.
11. Ginger
Ginger includes essential phytochemicals such as zingerone and gingerols, which may have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Crush fresh ginger roots, boil them in hot water, drain the liquid, and discard the discarded ginger to create ginger tea at home. Sip this tea on a daily basis for pain relief and to reap the advantages of ginger.
12. Red root
Red root is an effective herbal treatment for strep throat due to its antibacterial qualities and capacity to relieve scratchiness. It is appropriate for individuals who do not want antibiotics and can help with swollen lymph nodes and inflamed throat tissues. You can consume the herbal mixture orally or gargle a few times each day after being diluted in water.
13. Marshmallow
Marshmallows, or Althaea officinalis, are blooming plants that can be used as a home cure for children with strep throat. You can make a cold infusion of marshmallows by combining a pint of cold water with a few tablespoons of the crushed herb. The infusion can be stored in the refrigerator and used as needed. However, studies have proven that these plants and home treatments have benefits but need more. More research is required to discover the actual degree of their advantages, and they should be used with caution rather than as a replacement for medical treatment.
What to do:
14. Gargle with salt water.
Gargling salt water can reduce swelling, relieve a sore throat, and make bacteria’s mouth unpleasant. It briefly raises the pH, making it difficult for bacteria to live. When gargled or swallowed, salt water is believed to relieve respiratory problems, contain antibacterial qualities, and eliminate microorganisms from the mouth. Combine table salt and warm water in a gargle and swish it around your mouth for a few seconds. For relief, repeat this practice throughout the day.
15. Try oil pulling.
Coconut oil pulling has been shown in studies to effectively lower the presence of streptococci in the mouth, making it a helpful tool for preserving dental health. This procedure functions as an oral detox, eliminating toxins and keeping the surroundings germ-free. Swish 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in your mouth for at least ten minutes as a strep throat home cure, then discard the oil, rinse your mouth, and brush your teeth.
Essential Oils:
16. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is an effective essential oil for sore throats, swelling, and respiratory infections. Its menthol-containing calming effects make it suited for internal usage. Apply 1-2 drops topically to the throat, chest, and temples, or mix with water or toothpaste.
17. Lemon Oil
Lemon oil has antibacterial characteristics that aid in removing toxins and preventing the formation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It can be used to flavor water or herbal tea, and you can add 1-2 drops for additional benefits.
18. Thyme Oil
Thyme oil can help strep throat by boosting the immune and respiratory systems. The study proved effective against 120 bacteria strains from the oral cavity, respiratory, and genitourinary tract infections in a 2011 study. It also shows antibiotic-resistant strain resistance. Thyme oil can be gargled or mixed with water to make a mouthwash or bath to relieve body aches.
To prevent the spreading of the infection
To avoid strep throat, avoid sneezing or coughing on others for two weeks, avoid sharing utensils or food, and use natural soap, such as Castile, on dishes and surfaces. Hands should be washed daily, especially when in close proximity to others, with antibacterial soap such as homemade hand soap with castile soap and peppermint oil. Replace your toothbrush immediately once symptoms begin and again after recovery to avoid reinfection with another group A strep infection. This will help keep the germs from spreading.
Precautions
Obtaining a lab test before administering antibiotics for viral sore throats is critical because they will not assist with most sore throats caused by viruses such as influenza and adenovirus. The symptoms of strep throat and non-strep sore throat are nearly identical. See a doctor if swallowing difficulty, throat obstruction, or fever persists. Antibiotics should only be used for the most severe illnesses, as abuse can result in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. If the symptoms persist after nine days, seek medical attention.
When to Seek Medical Help
You should see a doctor if your strep throat infection persists despite home treatment. The inability to consume fluids, chills, fever, and difficulty swallowing indicate a severe illness. For effective treatment, it is necessary to consult a skilled doctor in addition to using home remedies.
Conclusion
A bacterial infection could be the source of your itchy throat. The bacteria Group A Streptococcus cause strep throat. It affects both children and adults. Strep throat is highly contagious and spreads rapidly through the air. Fever and throat soreness are early symptoms of strep throat. Home treatments for strep throat include lemon juice, salt water gargle, honey, ginger, hot sauce gargle, green tea, red root, and marshmallow infusion.
Links
- Sore throat: how to treat it with natural medicine, Dr. Williams (drjewilliams.com)
- Nonpharmacological home remedies for upper respiratory tract infections: a cross-sectional study of primary care patients in Switzerland and France | Family Practice | Oxford Academic (oup.com)
References
- Moroney. (2019). SA Pharmacists Assistant 19 no.
- Neria, Mohamed, Dagmar, & Hubert. (2023). Nonpharmacological home remedies for upper respiratory tract infections: a cross-sectional study of primary care patients in Switzerland and France.
- QuillBot. (2023). Co-Writer. (Nov 2023 version) [Large Language Model]. Retrieved November 4, 2023, from https://quillbot.com/co-writer
