Home Remedies for Strep Throat

Strep throat or sore throat, caused by streptococcal bacteria, is a contagious infection. It is more common in children and teens between the ages of 5 and 15; however, it can also affect adults. It causes throat pain, inflammation and irritation of throat, red and swollen tonsils, swollen lymph glands, headache, fever, loss of appetite, nausea and malaise. Strep throat, if left untreated, can lead to dangerous complications like tonsillitis, ear infections, sinusitis, poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney), scarlet fever and rheumatic fever. Strep throat is treated with different medications including antibiotics like amoxicillin, clindamycin or penicillin and pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Besides this, you may opt for some home remedies, which helps to reduce the severity of the symptoms.

Strep Throat: Home Remedies

Drugs and medications administered to treat strep throat can lead to certain side effects in the long run. Hence, you can try various home remedies, which are safe and equally effective. These natural remedies accelerate the healing process by stimulating the immune system in your body to fight bacteria. Before you opt for any treatment options, you should seek the advice of your doctor.

• When diagnosed with strep throat, you should have plenty of rest, which helps your body to fight infection. Due to painful swallowing, there is a decreased fluid intake. Hence, it is very important to drink enough amount of fluids in order to prevent dehydration.
• Consume the foods that can be easily swallowed, such as soups, broths, mashed potatoes, cooked cereals, yogurt, soft fruits and soft-cooked eggs. Very cold foods like frozen fruit pops or frozen yogurt can give a soothing effect. Avoid eating acidic or spicy foods.
• Use of a humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help relieve discomfort. Moisture prevents drying and irritation of the mucous membranes in the throat. Saline nasal sprays are also helpful in keeping the mucous membranes moist. Try to stay away from the substances that can be irritating to your throat and lungs, such as cigarette smoke or alcohol vapors.
• Gargling with salt water is quite beneficial in strep throat. It helps to fight against bacteria and relieve throat pain and inflammation. Salt water can be prepared by mixing ¼ teaspoon of table salt in 8 oz of warm water. You can also gargle with Aloe Vera juice, twice a day.
• Fenugreek is one of the most popular natural cures for sore throat. Add some fenugreek seeds to a liter of water and allow it to simmer for about half an hour. When it cools down, this water can be used for gargling. You can also use Bishop's weed for gargling.
• Herbal tea made from different herbs like licorice or chamomile gives a significant relief from the irritating symptoms of strep throat. Chamomile tea due to its analgesic properties provides a quick relief from headache and throat pain. It also helps to prevent dehydration and decrease inflammation.
  
• Add honey and lemon juice in a glassful of warm water. Consumption of this mixture gives immediate relief from throat pain. Another option is to add a teaspoon of cumin seeds and a few pieces of garlic in boiling water and drink it, when it cools down. It is very effective in healing sore throat.
• Cinnamon is found to be very effective in treating strep throat. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon powder, black pepper and honey in a glassful of lukewarm water and consume it in small sips.
• Sage is another effective herb used for the treatment of strep throat. Sage can be used in the form of a pill or tincture. It is effective in treating pharyngitis and other types of throat pain. It decreases inflammation and protects the mucous membranes of the throat.

Strep throat can cause serious health problems, you should opt for appropriate treatment as soon as the symptoms are experienced. By following proper medical treatment balanced with home remedies, you can overcome this infection. However, this infection can be prevented by maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding contact with the infected person.