Strep throat is an infection that affects the tonsils and throat. It is due to the bacteria known as streptococcus. Its symptoms may include pain, sore throat, fever, swallowing, tonsils, swollen lymph nodes, and pain. The leading cause of strep throat is bacteria, so doctors recommend using antibiotics to treat the infection.
It’s vital to use the antibiotics for the described time properly. While you wait for the infection to completely clear, you can try some natural remedies for strep throat. The natural remedies will help you to soothe your sore throat and ease the symptoms.
In addition to the natural remedies for strep throat, you must take the proper prescription medications to help you soothe the sore throat.
Cause of strep throat?
Strep throat is the leading cause of viral infection caused by a group of bacteria called streptococcus. Viruses don’t show any response to antibiotics, but bacterial infections like strep throat don’t respond to antibiotics like penicillin or amoxicillin.
An antibiotic can also help clear the infection and prevent other severe complications like kidney problems and rheumatic fever.
Symptoms of strep throat?
Here are some common symptoms of strep throat that range from mild to severe:
- Pain while swallowing
- Fever and chills
- Sore throat
- Swallowing in neck glands
Some other symptoms also include:
- Nausea
- Appetite loss
- Headache
- Rashes on the chest and neck that can spread over the body
- A general feeling of illness
- Abnormal taste
The bacteria resulting from strep throat are also the leading cause of the symptoms and sinus infection.
12 Natural remedies for strep throat
Here are the best 12 natural remedies that help in soothing the throat and getting rid of ear and sinus infections:
Get proper rest
Proper sleep benefits in fighting infection. If you have strep throat, then stay home to rest appropriately. If your child is ill, keep them home till they recover entirely. Ensure they take their medications on time with proper rest to get better.
Also read: What are the causes of sleep disorders
Drink more fluids
Drinking plenty of water will prevent dehydration and will also moisten your throat. Cool and warm fluids like tea, broth, and popsicles can also help ease throat swallowing and pain.
Eat soft and soothing foods.
Eating soft and soothing food will nourish you and minimize painful swallowing. Have foods that give a soothing effect to the throat and mouth. Such foods include mashed potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal, rice, pasta, and soup. Avoid acidic and spicy foods like salsa, hot sauce, and crunchy foods.
Gargle with warm water
Make a saltwater gargle. Add half a teaspoon of the salt in 8 ounces of warm water to make an amicable saltwater solution. Gargle many times in a day. Gargling with warm water helps with inflammation and pain, wet your throat, and eliminates germs.
But remember that these are the natural remedies for strep throat, not antibiotic substitutes.
Raw honey
Raw honey is famous for its antibacterial benefits. It benefits in reducing the pain and inflammation due to the strep throat. Many experts and healthcare providers recommend using honey when you have a cough or a sore throat.
You can use it by mixing two tablespoons of honey in a cup of warm water or tea. It will not only lessen your pain but will also suppress your cough. But remember that you should avoid giving honey to babies under the age of 1.
Vitamins
Vitamin C supplements or vitamin C-rich foods benefit your strep throat and help your immune system. According to the studies, Vitamin C supplements can shorten the duration of cold symptoms like a sore throat.
But at the same time, more studies are needed to confirm this claim. Some Vitamin C rich foods include:
- Bell peppers
- Kale
- Strawberries
- Citrus fruits like lemons
- Tomatoes
Besides, some studies also claim that the high dosage of zinc lozenges can reduce sore and strep throat time in common cold conditions.
Herbal tea
Having warm herbal tea will soothe your sore throat. Besides, some herbal teas have unique ingredients that benefit in relieving inflammation.
According to the study, herbal tea with a safe amount of licorice, barberry, oregano, and thyme can relieve strep throat discomfort.
08. Humidifier
Adding moisture to the air will also help ease the pain and any other discomfort. Clean a cool-mist humidifier daily, as bacteria and molds can grow in them. You can also use the saline nasal spray to moisten your mucous membrane.
09. Bone broth
People have used bone broth for ages to remedy colds and upper respiratory infections. Bone broth keeps you hydrated, and its warmth helps soothe the throat.
Besides, bone broth also has carnosine that helps reduce the inflammatory response contributing to a sore throat.
By having bone broth, you can easily contain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
10. Avoid irritants
Try avoiding the irritants as much as possible. Cigarette smoke can irritate your sore throat and increase the chances of infection and tonsils. Also, avoid cleaning and pain products as fumes irritate your lungs and throat.
FAQ’s
How to get rid of the strep throat without using antibiotics?
Strep throat generally goes away in 3 to 7 days with or without antibiotics. However, if you avoid the antibiotics, you can have strep throat for around 2 to 3 weeks, resulting in a high risk of complications like rheumatic fever.
Is step-throat treatable at home?
Strep throat is treated with the help of antibiotics as its a bacterial infection. However, some natural remedies for strep throat, like gargling with warm salt water and eating raw honey, can benefit the condition.
How long does strep throat naturally last?
Strep throat gets better on its own within 7 to 10 days. Generally, it lasts a week, and symptoms start improving on the 4th to 5th day. You must consult your doctor if your symptoms start worsening or last longer than a week.
Conclusion
Strep throat is a common condition for which you should visit your healthcare provider. Besides, you can also try home remedies for strep throat, like drinking a lot of fluids, having soothing foods, and gargling with warm salt water to get rid of the inflammation and pain.
Dealing with strep throat can make you feel wretched. But the good news is that its symptoms will start improving within a week with the help of effective natural remedies for strep throat. The sooner you get it treated, the sooner you start feeling better.
