8 Natural Ways To Treat Strep Throat

Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection which causes the mucous membranes in your throat lining and tonsils to become inflamed and swollen. It’s most common amongst children and teenagers and can cause complications if left untreated or undiagnosed. That’s why it is so important to try these home remedies for strep throat.

Though strep throat is the most common bacterial cause of a sore throat, most sore throats are caused by viral infections as opposed to bacterial infections. If you have a viral sore throat, the condition won’t respond to antibiotics and you will need a different form of treatment. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to get a prompt diagnosis. Thankfully, there are a number of home remedies you can use to soothe your symptoms and treat the bacterial infection.

# Stay Hydrated

Strep throat can often be accompanied by a fever which will increase your fluid loss. The condition may also make swallowing painful which might make it difficult for you to drink. Despite this, you should try to stay as hydrated as possible by drinking plenty of liquid. You can opt for high-quality fluids which will be gentle or soothing on your throat.

# Sleep

Getting plenty of rest is often key to boosting your immune system and allowing your body to heal. It’s, therefore, a great home remedy for strep throat as it allows your body to rest and focus on fighting the infection.

# Warm Salt Water Gargle

Gargling several times with warmed and salted water will help to relieve the pain of a strep throat. Spit out the liquid after gargling though as it’s not particularly tasty!

# Use a Humidifier

If there’s extra moisture in the air it can help to ease the discomfort in your throat. Set your humidifier to a cool-mist setting and remember to clean it each day to stop bacterial and fungal molds from growing.

# Avoid Irritants

There are a number of triggers which could irritate your strep throat and make it more painful. Cigarette smoke, paint fumes, and cleaning products are some of the most common so try to avoid those whilst suffering from the condition.

# Warm Honey and Lemon Drink

Creating a warm honey and lemon drink can be a great way to soothe your throat. Simply boil some lemon juice and honey with some water, allow to cool until it’s warm but not boiling and drink.

# Apple Cider Vinegar

Gargling with some diluted apple cider vinegar is often thought to be a useful home remedy for strep throat. This is thanks to the antibacterial properties of the vinegar which help to fight the bacteria causing your infection. The vinegar is slightly acidic though so try not to overuse it as it could damage your tooth enamel.

# Marshmallow Root

The marshmallow plant root has been used to treat strep throat for centuries. The root of the plant contains a substance similar to gelatin called mucilage. When consumed, it coats and lubricates the throat, soothing the pain. You can create a marshmallow root infusion by mixing an ounce of dried marshmallow root in a sealed cheesecloth and submerge it in a liter of water. Let this infuse overnight before removing the pouch and pouring the liquid into a drinking glass. Sip on this drink throughout the day and you should notice your symptoms improve.