7 Effective Home Remedies for Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils. It’s characterized by symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever. While antibiotics are typically used to treat strep throat, there are also several home remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms and speed up the healing process. In this article, we’ll go over some effective home remedies for strep throat.

Home Remedies for Strep Throat

1. Gargle with Salt Water

Gargling with salt water is a simple and effective home remedy for strep throat. Salt water helps reduce inflammation and soothe the throat. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water to make a saltwater solution. Gargle with the solution for 30 seconds, spit it out, and repeat as necessary.

2. Drink Herbal Tea

Herbal tea can help soothe a sore throat and boost the immune system. Try drinking tea made with ingredients such as ginger, honey, lemon, and echinacea. These ingredients have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help fight off the infection and reduce symptoms.

3. Use a Humidifier

Using a humidifier can help alleviate symptoms of strep throat by keeping the air moist. Dry air can irritate the throat and make symptoms worse. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help soothe the throat and reduce coughing.

4. Rest and Hydrate

Rest is essential when it comes to fighting off an infection. Make sure to get plenty of sleep and rest your voice as much as possible. It’s also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Water, tea, and soup are all good options.

5. Try Essential Oils

Essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil have antimicrobial properties that can help fight off the bacteria causing strep throat. Try diffusing these oils in your home or diluting them with a carrier oil and applying them to your throat and chest.

6. Use Honey

Honey has antibacterial properties that can help fight off the infection causing strep throat. It can also help soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. Try adding honey to tea or taking a spoonful of it on its own.

7. Eat Soft Foods

Eating soft foods can help reduce irritation to the throat and make swallowing easier. Try eating foods such as soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.

Strep Throat

While these home remedies can help alleviate the symptoms of strep throat, it’s important to note that they are not a substitute for medical treatment. If you suspect you have strep throat, it’s important to see a doctor and get a proper diagnosis. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to complications such as rheumatic fever and kidney damage.

In conclusion, strep throat can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, but there are several home remedies that can help alleviate symptoms and speed up the healing process. By using these remedies and getting proper medical treatment, you can recover from strep throat quickly and comfortably.