Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection which causes the mucous membranes in your throat lining and tonsils to become inflamed and swollen. It’s most common amongst children and teenagers and can cause complications if left untreated or undiagnosed. That’s why it is so important to try these home remedies for strep throat.

Though strep throat is the most common bacterial cause of a sore throat, most sore throats are caused by viral infections as opposed to bacterial infections. If you have a viral sore throat, the condition won’t respond to antibiotics and you will need a different form of treatment. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to get a prompt diagnosis. Thankfully, there are a number of home remedies you can use to soothe your symptoms and treat the bacterial infection.

Home Remedies for Strep Throat

1. Stay Hydrated

Strep throat can often be accompanied by a fever which will increase your fluid loss. The condition may also make swallowing painful which might make it difficult for you to drink. Despite this, you should try to stay as hydrated as possible by drinking plenty of liquid. You can opt for high-quality fluids which will be gentle or soothing on your throat.

 

2. Sleep

Getting plenty of rest is often key to boosting your immune system and allowing your body to heal. It’s, therefore, a great home remedy for strep throat as it allows your body to rest and focus on fighting the infection.

 

3. Warm Salt Water Gargle

Gargling several times with warmed and salted water will help to relieve the pain of a strep throat. Spit out the liquid after gargling though as it’s not particularly tasty!

 

4. Use a Humidifier

If there’s extra moisture in the air it can help to ease the discomfort in your throat. Set your humidifier to a cool-mist setting and remember to clean it each day to stop bacterial and fungal molds from growing.

5. Avoid Irritants

There are a number of triggers which could irritate your strep throat and make it more painful. Cigarette smoke, paint fumes, and cleaning products are some of the most common so try to avoid those whilst suffering from the condition.  

 

6. Warm Honey and Lemon Drink

Creating a warm honey and lemon drink can be a great way to soothe your throat. Simply boil some lemon juice and honey with some water, allow to cool until it’s warm but not boiling and drink.

 

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Gargling with some diluted apple cider vinegar is often thought to be a useful home remedy for strep throat. This is thanks to the antibacterial properties of the vinegar which help to fight the bacteria causing your infection. The vinegar is slightly acidic though so try not to overuse it as it could damage your tooth enamel.

8. Marshmallow Root

The marshmallow plant root has been used to treat strep throat for centuries. The root of the plant contains a substance similar to gelatin called mucilage. When consumed, it coats and lubricates the throat, soothing the pain. You can create a marshmallow root infusion by mixing an ounce of dried marshmallow root in a sealed cheesecloth and submerge it in a liter of water. Let this infuse overnight before removing the pouch and pouring the liquid into a drinking glass. Sip on this drink throughout the day and you should notice your symptoms improve.

 

9. Sage and Echinacea

Sage isn’t just great for making your food taste good, it can also work as a home remedy for strep throat. It has anti-inflammatory properties which will help to reduce the swelling in your throat. When mixed with a little echinacea, the two form a potent mix which can fight bacteria and reduce inflammation and swelling.

Simply grind and combine both herbs with a cup of water. Boil the water and let it brew for thirty minutes before straining, cooling and drinking. You could also place the liquid in the spray bottle and spray the mixture on your throat as and when you need it.

10. Honey

Honey makes a delicious sweetener and a potent home remedy for strep throat. We’ve already discussed its effectiveness when used with lemon, but it will also help when used on its own. Not only will it soothe your throat and relieve some of the pain, but it will also improve the taste of a number of different home remedies.

 

11. Licorice Root

Licorice root has been used in traditional medicine for a number of generations to treat many disorders. In fact, many have suggested that it has similar effects to aspirin on your strep throat. Studies have found that consuming licorice root as a tea can significantly help to reduce the pain and discomfort of a sore throat.

12. Lemon Water

Lemon water is not just a refreshing beverage, it’s also a great home remedy for throat pain and strep throat. It’s packed full of vitamin C and antioxidants which help your body fight bacterial infection and repair damaged cells. It can also help to increase your saliva production which will keep your mucous membranes moist, reducing much of the soreness.  that may also reduce the throat pain that occurs during a cold or the flu.

 

13. Ginger Root Tea

Ginger has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that can help to relieve the pain caused by strep throat. Use a little ground ginger or fresh ginger root to infuse an herbal tea which can help improve your condition.

 

14. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the most versatile home remedies because it has so many health benefits. It can help fight infection, relieve pain and reduce inflammation – all of which help to treat strep throat. It also lubricates your mucous membranes which help to soothe your throat.

 

15. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is full of antioxidants and also provides antibacterial benefits which make it a great home remedy for strep throat. You can make a sweet cinnamon tea using ground cinnamon and hot water. You can also add it to almond milk and drink this to help soothe your throat.

16. Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is often recommended to people suffering from a cold or a sore throat, this why it’s such a well-known natural strep throat remedy. It also works as a warming comfort food, which helps to lift your mood when you’re feeling unwell.

 

17. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea has anti-inflammatory properties which make it extremely soothing for a strep throat condition. Mint can also occasionally have a numbing effect on the throat which will help to relieve some of the pain. You can buy peppermint tea from most stores or you can make it yourself with fresh peppermint leaves by leaving them to infuse in boiling water for three to five minutes.

18. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is a popular tea most commonly known for its relaxing qualities. What many people don’t realize is that many studies have found it’s effective at treating bacterial infections and could help to soothe the pain of a strep throat condition. It’s also caffeine-free, like many herbal teas, which means it won’t irritate a sore throat or make your dehydrated.

 

19. Herbal Lozenges

Teas, infusions and other herbal drinks will soothe strep throat, but sucking on a herbal lozenge could help prolong this comfort. You can purchase herbal lozenges at most stores and could even try making your own with any of the herbal teas and infusions we’ve already mentioned.

 

20. Elderberry

Elderberries have both antibacterial and antiviral effects which makes them great home remedies for both strep throat and viral sore throats. You can reap these benefits by drinking elderberry tea, taking elderberry capsules, or using elderberry powder.

21. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is key to boosting your immune system, repair damaged tissues and make you less vulnerable to further infection. You can take a vitamin C supplement or eat more citrus fruits, kale, strawberries, and kiwi to get your fill. If you’re struggling to swallow because of the pain of your strep throat, try mixing some of these fruits into a smoothie.

 

22. Vitamin D

Studies have identified a link between vitamin D and your antimicrobial defenses. This means that having plenty of vitamin D lessens your risk of developing infections such as strep throat. You can increase your vitamin D intake by eating more dairy, fruit, and getting plenty of safe sun exposure.

 

23. Bone Broth

Consuming broth made from boiled bones will help to keep your hydrated and increase your intake of minerals which are needed to boost your immune system. It will help to soothe your throat and it’s much easier to swallow than some harder foods if you’re struggling with strep throat. The minerals and vitamins in a bone broth are also easily absorbed so your body is more likely to get what it needs to fight the infection.

24. Thyme Oil

Thyme oil makes a great home remedy for strep throat because it helps support your immune system. Studies have shown that it can help tackle bacterial infections and is effective at fighting even antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. You can use the oil as a mouthwash by mixing two drops into a cup of water and swirling it around your mouth or gargling for two to three minutes.  

 

25. Consume Cold Liquids and Food

Cold drinks, popsicles, and ice cream are gentle on your sore throat and will help to soothe the pain. The cold can also help to numb your throat which will help you feel less pain.

26. Garlic

It might make your breath a bit smelly, but garlic is actually a great home remedy for strep throat. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which will treat and calm your strep throat. Simply mix some raw garlic with some honey to form a paste and then swallow a teaspoon of your mixture every three to four hours as you feel you need it.

 

27. Probiotics

There are some bacteria which are good for you and even have some benefits on the body. Probiotics are examples of foods which contain these good bacteria. Consuming probiotic food will help to boost your immune system and make it easier for your body to fight the strep infection. You can try eating more yogurts and fermented vegetables as these are great examples of probiotic foods. You could also try a probiotic supplement which may help improve your condition.

 

28. Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver is another great but often forgotten home remedy for strep throat. It has antibiotic properties which make it great for fighting the bacterial infection that’s causing your strep throat. You can gargle with the colloidal silver to kill off the bacteria living in your throat and causing the infection. However, it should be used sparingly to treat an existing condition and boost immunity as it isn’t suitable as an everyday preventative measure.

References

https://www.emedicinehealth.com/strep_throat/article_em.htm#strep_throat_self-care_and_home_remedies

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/strep-throat/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350344

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318631.php

https://www.everydayhealth.com/strep-throat/how-treat-strep-throat/

Cover Photo by Flickr user boyce.michael