Strep throat is the short name for the more clinical title, streptococcal pharyngitis. It affects the back of the throat and tonsils with the streptococcus virus. This infection makes it painful to swallow and talk. It can also cause headaches and nausea. There are courses of antibiotics you can take but if you would first like to relieve your symptoms with some home remedies, then look no further. These home remedies for strep throat can be a wonderful way to soothe and care for your throat and tonsils. Plus, they feature natural ingredients that will have little or no side effects as opposed to some antibiotics.
Drink fluids
Keeping hydrated can make a world of difference when it comes to many health conditions. Drinking sips of water throughout the day keeps the throat from drying out and will make it easier to swallow. Much like a plant, water can replenish your fluids and restore health. Frozen water in the form of a Popsicle can be very soothing to a red raw throat. On the flip side, a warm soup broth can also replace lost fluids. Best to avoid tea and coffee at this time because the caffeine they contain will only contribute to water loss.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile has long been used as a medicinal plant featured in teas. The flower has antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. Drinking this tea can soothe your throat as well as boost your immune system. Some people find relief by inhaling the tea as it simmers on the stove. Of course, be careful as the steam will be hot!
Peppermint
Using peppermint to treat a sore throat won’t cure it outright, but it will give you some comfort. Peppermint is menthol and menthol has many healing properties. Menthol is featured in throat sprays and lozenges; you can even take a peppermint supplement tablet if you wish. If you are using fresh peppermint, pop the leaves in hot water and steep them for up to 10 minutes and enjoy a soothing peppermint tea. The menthol released from the mint leaves in tea will help thin out mucus and calm your red, raw throat.
Sleep
It may seem far-fetched, but not getting enough sleep can contribute to your symptoms of strep throat and other throat infections. Sleep helps your body fight infection. In fact, you are fighting the infection while you sleep. If you can get a decent nap in during the day, do it. Your body and your throat will thank you. Another reason to curl up at home for a few days is because of the contamination period: you don’t want to be spread this unpleasant virus around.
Gargling
Gargling salt water, baking soda in water, or diluted apple cider vinegar will help you kill unwanted bacteria. You can gargle with salt water alone by dissolving ½ a teaspoon of salt in one large glass of warm water. Alternatively, you can add 1/8 teaspoon of salt to ¼ teaspoon of baking powder and mix it into one cup of warm water. For apple cider vinegar, add 1-2 tablespoons to one cup of water.
Slippery elm, marshmallow, and licorice root
Licorice, slippery elm, and marshmallow root are old traditional herbs that have been used to treat sore throats for generations. These items coat the throat and protect the tissues from further damage. Make a tea with the root or powdered bark and drink up to three times a day. Please note: Do not use licorice root if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or marshmallow root if you have diabetes.
Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper is made from capsicum and is a powerful compound that may alleviate many health problems. Not only does this spice stimulate circulation, regulate the blood system, help move toxins out of the body and block pain receptors; but it can also work to help cure strep throat. Mixing a small amount of cayenne pepper (to your taste) with hot water and honey makes a drink to be sipped and enjoyed 2-3 times a day. You may feel a slight burning sensation from the pepper but this is ok. The concoction is actually soothing to strep throat. Please don’t use cayenne pepper if you have any mouth sores.
Humidifier
Increasing the moisture in the air is a great way to relieve and moisten your throat. Place the humidifier in the room you occupy most. This warm and moist air can help soothe hoarseness and swollen air passages. If you don’t have an actual humidifier machine, you can get similar results by using a shallow pan of hot water to steam the room, but please be careful not to spill it. Avoid using the humidifier for too long at one time as it may make the room feel damp. Alternatively, you can steam in the bathroom by taking a hot shower and breathing the steam in deeply.
Garlic
Garlic is known worldwide as a superfood. It fights infection with its antibacterial properties. There are many garlic supplements you can take in tablet form, but for the best results, you need to use fresh garlic. Crush three cloves of garlic and add half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Mix in half a teaspoon of honey. Take half a teaspoon of this concoction every half hour, let it slide down your throat, and feel the relief begin!
Honey
A very common home remedy for any kind of sore throat is honey. Honey works as a cough suppressant and can help relieve sore throats. You will instantly feel some relief. You can brew your favorite tea and add some honey to it. The combination of honey and soothingly hot tea should help temporarily alleviate the soreness while your immune system works to defeat the infection.