Sore throat or acute pharyngitis can be caused by bacteria (Such as Strep throat) or viral. Strep throat, often caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, is a common yet uncomfortable illness that primarily affects the throat and tonsils. Symptoms often include severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and redness or white patches in the throat. Antibiotics are the typical treatment for strep throat, as they are necessary to fully eradicate the bacteria and prevent complications. However, natural remedies can complement healing, alleviate symptoms, and strengthen your immune system.
It’s important to remember that strep throat is a bacterial infection that often requires antibiotics to prevent complications. However, combining natural remedies with conventional treatments can help provide comfort and promote recovery.
The Best Natural Treatments for Strep Throat
The sharp pains that occur as you swallow with strep throat are the worst. Foods and drinks can be challenging to consume, but you can relieve these symptoms in many ways. Try some of the following natural remedies for strep throat to feel better.
Gargle Warm Salt Water
The first natural remedy is one of the best and easiest ways to relieve the symptoms of strep throat. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water, then simply gargle for 30 seconds before spitting it out. When you gargle warm salt water, often you will instantly feel better. Repeat this process multiple times throughout the day for best results.
Gargling with salt water can help flush out bacteria, loosen mucus, and promote healing.
Drink Warm Tea
Warm beverages, particularly tea, can provide a soothing relief for strep throat when swallowing is painful. The warmth and antioxidants in tea can help ease discomfort. Remember to drink warm, not hot, tea to avoid further irritation to your throat.
Some great herbal tea options that you should drink throughout the day to put your sore throat at ease include the following:
- Chamomile
- Ginger
- Peppermint
- Honey
- Lemon
- Licorice root
- Slippery elm
Eat Soothing Foods
When you have strep throat, while it’s best to avoid any spicy or acidic foods, there are also many soothing foods out there that can help because they are easier to swallow. Soft foods are recommended. Some of the best foods to eat when you have strep throat are:
- Soups
- Broths
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
Try Apple Cider Vinegar
Another natural symptom remedy for strep throat you could try is to drink or gargle apple cider vinegar because of its antimicrobial properties. While this option might not taste the best, you can drink a diluted mixture of apple cider vinegar, water, and honey. If you would rather gargle apple cider vinegar, mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of warm water. Apple cider vinegar is a great way to fight off bacteria and help you feel better when you have a sore throat.
Coat Your Throat with Honey
Honey is renowned for its antimicrobial and soothing properties and has been used since ancient times. Honey coats the throat, reduces irritation, and can even help suppress coughing. Mix 1 – 2 teaspoons of honey into a warm beverage to relieve a sore throat or strep throat.
Honey should not be given to infants under 1 year old.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial when dealing with any infection or discomfort, including strep throat. By drinking plenty of water throughout the day, you can keep your throat lubricated, reduce pain, and minimize irritation. Opt for warm water with honey and lemon, or broth, and avoid caffeinated or sugary drinks that can dehydrate you or worsen inflammation.
Get Plenty of Rest
Remember, your body needs energy to fight infections. While recovering from strep throat, it’s essential to prioritize sleep and relaxation. By resting and relaxing, you’re giving your immune system the support it needs to combat the infection.
Precautions with Natural Remedies
Consult a healthcare provider before trying remedies if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have underlying health conditions.
Monitor for allergies or sensitivities, particularly with herbs and essential oils.
While natural remedies can provide relief and support recovery, they should not be relied upon as the sole treatment for strep throat. Antibiotics are necessary to fully eradicate the bacteria and prevent complications if you test positive for strep. Relying solely on natural remedies in severe cases can lead to prolonged illness, increased risk of complications, and the spread of the infection to others.
When to See a Doctor
If you continue to have severe pain and symptoms of strep throat, you should see your primary care for testing and treatment. If you have recurrent sore throats in a year then you should visit one of our Woodlands ENT clinics, known for their expertise in ear, nose, and throat conditions, or one of our many other Allergy and ENT Associates locations in the Houston area, which offer comprehensive allergy and ENT services.
Here’s a helpful guide to knowing when you should see an ENT.
Stay mindful, listen to your body, and always seek professional advice when needed. Your health is worth every effort!
