Home Remedies for Strep Throat Can Relieve Your Symptoms Naturally

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils. It is caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria and is highly contagious.

Symptoms of strep throat include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and white patches on the tonsils. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to serious complications such as kidney damage and rheumatic fever.

Learn and explore the different home remedies for strep throat and why it is important to treat this condition promptly.

Strep throat causes

Here are some common causes of strep throat,

• Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, also known as a group ‘A’ streptococcus
• Close contact with an infected person who coughs or sneezes
• Touching surfaces contaminated with the bacteria and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes
• Poor hygiene practices such as not washing hands regularly or not covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Weakened immune system due to illness or medication
• Living or working in crowded conditions such as schools, daycare centers, or military barracks, where the bacteria can easily spread from person to person

Strep throat symptoms

It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or if complications arise. Signs of a worsening infection include a high fever, severe throat pain, difficulty breathing, and difficulty swallowing.

Potential complications of untreated strep throat include rheumatic fever, kidney damage, and ear infections.

Home remedies for strep throat

1. Saltwater gargle:

Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe the throat and reduce inflammation.

How to prepare:

• Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds before spitting it out. 
• Saltwater gargles can also help flush out any bacteria or viruses in the throat.

2. Honey and lemon tea:

Honey and lemon have antibacterial properties and can help soothe the throat.

How to prepare:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon in a cup of hot water and drink it slowly. 
• This can help alleviate symptoms of strep throat and also boost the immune system.

3. Herbal teas:

The signs of strep throat might be lessened with herbal teas flavored with chamomile, peppermint, or ginger. 

These teas have relaxing and anti-inflammatory qualities. Moreover, chamomile tea might aid in stress relief and relaxation.

Read: Herbal Home Remedies for Digestive Problems

4. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties and can help kill the bacteria causing strep throat.

How to prepare:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water and gargle with it. 
• You can also add a teaspoon of honey to the mixture to make it more palatable.

5. Garlic:

Garlic has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can help fight off the bacteria causing strep throat.

How to prepare:

• Chew on a raw garlic clove or add it to your meals for added health benefits. 
• Garlic supplements are also available for those who don't like the taste of raw garlic.

6. Marshmallow root:

Marshmallow root has a soothing effect on the throat and can help reduce inflammation.

How to prepare:

• Steep 1 tablespoon of dried marshmallow roots in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes and drink it slowly. 
• This can help alleviate symptoms of strep throat and also promote healing.

Strep throat treatment without antibiotics

There are lifestyle modifications that can help control strep throat in addition to these home cures. 

• Rest is important to assist the body in fighting illness and promoting healing.
• Water, herbal teas, and broths can all be consumed in large quantities to keep the throat moist and minimize inflammation.
• A humidifier can help keep the atmosphere fresh in your bedroom and lessen throat irritation. Avoid using cleaning products, breathing in polluted air, and smoking or being around someone who is.

Read: Wrist Pain Treatment at Home

How long is strep contagious with antibiotics?

A person is often no longer contagious within 24 to 48 hours after beginning a full course of antibiotics for strep throat.

This suggests that the infection-causing germs are no longer common in sufficient numbers to cause spread to other people. Hence, even after taking antibiotics, you could still infect others until the bacteria have entirely left your body.

Even after starting strep throat treatment, we should continue to practice basic hygiene routines including routine hand washing and covering our mouths when we cough or sneeze.

How long does strep throat last?

In general, strep throat symptoms can begin to decrease within a day or two of beginning antibiotic treatment.

Most strep throat patients begin feeling better 3 to 5 days after beginning treatment, and their symptoms end around a week later.

Even if you feel better before the antibiotics are finished, it is important to take the whole antibiotic medication suggested by your doctor. This may reduce the risk of the infection returning or leading to symptoms like respiratory infections.

The risk of problems is increased when ignored strep throat symptoms continue for many weeks or longer.

Can you get meningitis from strep throat?

Meningitis, a potentially fatal infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, can develop from untreated strep throat, but this seldom happens.

This might occur if the strep throat bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes travels to the bloodstream and inflames and swells the meninges. Because the majority of strep throat cases do not progress to meningitis, using prompt and efficient strep throat treatment can lower the risk of meningitis.

Also, if you experience meningitis symptoms such as a strong headache, fever, stiff neck, or sensitivity to light, you should call your doctor right away because this is a medical emergency that has to be addressed right soon.

Final note

If left untreated, strep throat is a widespread and dangerous bacterial illness that can have serious consequences. While having strep throat can be unpleasant and uncomfortable, several natural therapies can help reduce symptoms and speed up recovery.

Although these treatments can be helpful in many situations, this is essential that you remember that they should never take the place of medical care, especially if you have severe symptoms or if they last longer than a few days.

You may effectively treat strep throat and recover from it quickly by combining medical care with these home remedies for strep throat and healthy habits.

Read: What juices help detox the body