In Strep throat, one struggles to swallow food and liquid.
It is an infection caused by the bacteria Group A Streptococcus. It is the reason healthcare practitioners advise antibiotics. It kills the bacteria and ensures immediate relief. If you encounter a sore and painful throat, contact an expert and follow the antibiotic course. Dosage will help you recover and prevent antibiotic resistance. Meanwhile, you can resort to some home remedies. These will help you soothe the throat.
Before that, let’s first understand the causes of Strep Throat.
What causes Strep Throat apart from bacteria?
The causes of Strep throat may vary from person to person. However, the primary reasons for the same are:
- Spread of respiratory droplets from one to another (contagious)
- When others come in contact with infected sores on the skin
- Improper food handling (rare)
- You breathe the droplets in the air if a person sneezes
- Sharing food items or things with the sick person
Thus, these are some common reasons for you catching strep throat. If you want to confirm whether you have it or not, know the symptoms.
Most Common Symptoms of Strep Throat
The symptoms may go anywhere from severe to mild. In this condition, you may encounter:
- Fever
- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Pain during swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sore throat
Other symptoms may include:
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Rashes spreading throughout the body
- Nausea
- Vomiting (usually children face it)
If you have most of these symptoms, you may develop Strep throat. Do not worry, the below-listed natural treatments may help you overcome it.
How to treat Strep Throat Naturally?
Although Strep throat does not last longer, the discomfort is real. It impacts sleep and leads to constant irritation. However, you can try some home remedies to deal with it and soothe it down. The best part is- you may spot many of these things in the kitchen. Let’s begin!
1) Try saltwater gargle twice a day
Gargling with warm salt water relaxes your throat. Moreover, the hot water helps kill the bacteria impacting the comfort. You can prepare saltwater by adding a half teaspoon of salt to a full glass of water.
Gargle twice to reduce the swelling and clear the throat. According to research “People must perform saltwater gargle at least once every hour in strep throat”. Do not add more salt, it may get difficult for you to gargle then.
2) Consume peppermint tea
Peppermint is well-known for its ability to ensure fresh breath. However, it also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties. It contains menthol that’s beneficial in thinning mucus and calming the throat. It is the reason many doctors and experts suggest peppermint tea for strep throat.
While you can easily spot peppermint tea, make your own. You can do so by taking some dry peppermint leaves and letting them sit in boiled water for 5 minutes. After that, strain the tea and let it cool slightly. Consume it sip by sip for best results.
3) Marshmallow root
It is an herb that contains a mucus-like substance that coats and relieves the painful throat. According to the literature review, it is responsible for calming down the irritation associated with the burning throat. The best part is you can choose the most comfortable way to consume Marshmallow root. You can do this by:
- Consuming it as an herbal tea
- As a tincture
- Taking it up in the dry capsule form
4) Bone Broth
Bone Broth provides you with essential minerals to improve your immunity. It is soothing and easy to consume if suffering from a sore throat or swollen tonsils. Bone broth contains minerals that your body can absorb. It includes calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, and sulphur. Moreover, it also contains compounds that help reduce sore throat and joint pain.
You can consume bone broth in the form of powder. You can prefer broth powder that contains miso, ginger, lemon and garlic for the best effect. Most of these combinations also help you release a runny nose and sore throat. However, slurp the liquid out after consuming it. It is important to heal the throat. Otherwise, it would not have much impact.
5) Consume raw honey
Honey helps your immunity, and hence, you must include it in your routine. It keeps contagious diseases away and helps you remain healthy. According to research published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedical, honey’s healing properties is because of its anti-bacterial property.
The thick consistency of the liquid helps create a barrier and prevents further infection. Moreover, medical-grade honey has a strong bacterial composition to battle antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This bacterium is responsible for life-threatening diseases in humans.
6) Vitamin C supplements and fruits in the diet
Patients with Strep throat must include Vitamin C supplements in their diet. Vitamin-rich food helps support your immune system.
Moreover, according to studies, “Vitamin C reduces the duration of cold symptoms, eventually.” You can include foods rich in Vitamin C like- Citrus Fruits, Bell peppers, Strawberries, Tomatoes and Kale.
One over 18 years old must consume Vitamin C of 45 mg /day. Deficiency of Vitamin C leads to Scurvy. It is directly associated with respiratory tract infections.
It is important because Vitamin C protects the immune system against stress during infections and acts as an anti-oxidant. A high level of Vitamin C helps respond quickly to bacterial infections. Thus, experts advise consuming Vitamin C supplements. If you are above 25 years old, you must consume no less than 110 mg/day. It is vital for women.
7) Take regular hot water steam
Strep throat often leads to a cough that eventually makes the throat dry. Here, adding moisture can help. For example, inhaling steam can help treat a sore throat. For this, add water to a bowl. Drape a towel over your head and inhale the steam.
You can add eucalyptus drops for better experience and treatment. Allow the steam to enter through your nostrils and mouth. Add more hot water to keep the steam going. It is the best way to treat strep throat quickly. It is because it calms the cough and the soreness of the throat. Eventually, you feel better.
8) Keep yourself hydrated and sleep peacefully
In between coughing, spitting and inhaling steam, you require proper rest. According to the CDC, sleep loss may increase the risk of inflammation of the infection. Thus, rest whenever you feel tired or exhausted. Some essential oils may help you sleep well and help you feel better. You can also consume warm tea or water to rest peacefully. Moreover, it would also help your vocal cords rest.
Apart from that, experts suggest the patient remain hydrated throughout the day. Water and other fluids help ease throat pain. It helps flush out mucus impacting the throat and leading to pain. According to experts, “One should drink at least 8 ounces of water in a day.”
Contact an expert if you find it hard to sleep in between fever, coughing, sore throat, pain and nausea. Do not wait until it gets worse. If you want to and need emergency cash to book an appointment, check external facilities. With options like no guarantor loans for bad credit from a direct lender in the room, you can finance the fee without involving anyone in the matter. Moreover, affordable payments do not impact your credit much. Do not delay. Sleep deprivation may lead to other challenges. Get the cash and get the best treatment from the experts.
Bottom line
These are some of the best ways to treat strep throat. It is a bacterial infection and does not last more than a week. However, you must take proper rest and timely anti-bio tics to recover fast. On top of that, natural treatments like- steaming, salt-water gargle and rest ease up the inflammation.
