Strep Throat Self-care

Strep throat, also known as group A Streptococcus, is an infection of the tonsils or throat caused by bacteria. It can be hard to distinguish between viral infections and strep symptoms. Before you resort to antibiotics, there are some home remedies that can boost your immunity and provide some natural relief. Many patients feel better sooner! Christine Ruggeri wrote the article below about 16 home remedies that can help soothe sore throats and strep. The original article can be found here.

16 Home Remedies To Treat Strep Throat

A virus is usually responsible for a sore throat. This can be caused by bacteria, allergies, or pollution. It is caused by bacteria. A sore throat can be a sign of strep and other respiratory problems. Both are contagious and can be spread from person to person anywhere there is close contact.

Few people who have sore throats are infected with bacteria. According to the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI), viruses are responsible for 85 to 95 percent of throat infections among adults and children under 5 years old. About 70 percent of throat infection cases in children and adults aged 5-15 years are caused by viruses, while the remaining 30 percent are due to bacterial infections. This includes group A strep. You should always choose natural sore throat remedies, as antibiotics will not work for a viral infection.

It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the symptoms of strep and those of a virus infection. While trying to self-diagnose, remember that strep does not include cold symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or runny eyes. It’s unlikely that strep is the cause of a sore, cold-like throat. You can find relief from strep symptoms by using home remedies.

What Are The Symptoms And Causes Of Strep Throat?

The throat and tonsils are affected by strep throat. The bacteria group A Streptococcus, or group A strep, is the cause. It is highly contagious. The bacteria spread by contact when an infected individual coughs, sneezes or touches your nose, mouth, or eyes. Bacteria can also be spread by sharing a plate, glass, or utensil. It is no surprise that strep tends to occur more frequently in colder months when people are in close quarters.

Symptoms of strep throat usually begin within five days after exposure to strep bacteria.

• A sore throat and difficulty in swallowing
• Tonsils with red and swollen pigments
• The roof of the mouth is covered with red spots, and the tonsils and throat are coated in a yellow or white coating.
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever greater than 101 degrees fahrenheit
• Headache & Body Aches
• A red, non-itching rash is a sign that you have scarlet fever. Scarlet fever can be a serious infection.

Traditional Strep Throat treatment

Antibiotics such as amoxicillin or penicillin are the most common treatment for strep. Even mentioning that you have a sore neck to your doctor is almost guaranteed to get an antibiotic prescription, despite the fact that viral infections are responsible for 85-90 percent of all sore throats among adults.

Antibiotics for strep are only mildly helpful, according to studies. They can reduce the duration of illness by half a day. The time away from school or the workplace does not seem to be affected by antibiotic treatment.

Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also be used to treat strep throat.

16 Strep Throat Home Remedies Supplements:

1. Elderberry

Elderberry is antiviral and antibacterial. Recent research has shown that elderberry is effective in protecting against respiratory symptoms on long flights. Researchers studied this because of the increased risk for upper respiratory diseases and viral and bacteria-induced infections during flights. The researchers found that travelers who returned from abroad and used elderberry showed fewer respiratory symptoms compared to the placebo group.

You can use powder, capsules, or elderberry tea. You can buy it even in liquid form.

2. Echinacea

Researchers suggest that echinacea has many benefits. It can be used to boost immunity and stop the spread of bacteria like strep. It is well-established that echinacea and echinacea (one of its compounds) can prevent bacteria and viruses from invading healthy cells.

Echinacea is also used to treat strep symptoms, including headaches, body aches, and sore throat. Its anti-inflammatory properties will reduce swelling of the tonsils and throat. As soon as the symptoms begin, take echinacea as a liquid, tea, or capsule.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C can boost your immunity, repair damage to the tissue in your throat, and reduce your risk of many illnesses. Take 1,000 milligrams to combat an infection. To get rid of an existing infection, take 4,000 milligrams a day. Take a vitamin C supplement and consume vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, kale, and strawberries. Make a smoothie if you have trouble swallowing.

4. Vitamin D

Researchers have been studying the link between vitamin D and respiratory infections for years. Vitamin D’s antimicrobial properties are a major factor in its role as a component of the immune system. Recent research published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases shows that vitamin D deficiency is linked to the recurrence of respiratory problems caused by group A streptococcus bacteria.

What To Eat And Drink:

5. Raw honey

Raw honey is a great source of antioxidants that promote health. This is one of many soothing home remedies for strep. According to research in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine published by researchers, honey’s healing properties are due to its antibacterial action, its ability to keep wounds moist, and its thick consistency, which helps create a barrier that prevents infection. Medical grade honeys are known to have strong antibacterial activity and can fight bacteria resistant to antibiotics that can cause life-threatening infections.

6. Bone broth

Bone broth is a great way to stay hydrated. It also contains minerals you need to boost the immune system. When you have a sore or swollen throat due to strep, bone broth is soothing and easy to consume. The minerals found in bone broth are easily absorbed by your body, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur. Bone broth also contains chondroitin, sulfate, and glucosamine – the expensive supplements that are sold to reduce joint pain and swelling.

Use protein powder derived from bone broth instead of spending hours making bone broth. This will help you recover quickly from strep. Warm bone broth is best consumed throughout the day.

7. Herbal tea

Herbal tea can soothe the throat and reduce pain and inflammation of mucous membranes. Chamomile is an excellent choice, as the plant contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling. Dandelion tea can be used as a strep-throat home remedy because it helps to reduce inflammation, soothe an upset stomach, and boost the immune system.

8. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be used to naturally treat strep throat. Apple cider vinegar contains powerful healing compounds, such as acetic acids. Acetic acid can kill harmful bacteria and promote the growth of good bacteria. Acetic acid is a natural compound that acts as an antibiotic because it kills bacteria on contact.

What To Do:

9. Gargle with himalayan salt

Gargling pink Himalayan sea salt water reduces swelling, soothes sore throats, and creates a bad environment for bacteria. Salt increases the pH of your mouth temporarily, creating an alkaline environment that is difficult for bacteria to survive. Himalayan salt has antibacterial properties and is used to treat respiratory problems. It is anti-inflammatory and removes pathogens when it’s gargled.

10. Try oil pulling

Oil pulling is proven to be effective in reducing the amount of strep bacteria that are present in the mouth. You can use it to maintain your oral health.

Coconut oil pulling can be a great way to eliminate bacteria in the mouth. It acts as an oral cleanser, sucking up toxins and germs in the mouth. Oil pulling is one of the best home remedies for strep. Swish between 1 and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil around your mouth for a minimum of 10 minutes. After spitting out the oil, rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth.

Essential Oils:

11. Peppermint oil

Peppermint essential oil can be used to soothe a sore or irritated throat. It is used to treat respiratory infections because it reduces swelling of the throat. Peppermint oil is a natural menthol-based product that has a cooling and soothing effect.

Use it internally by adding 1-2 drops of water or toothpaste. Apply 1-2 drops topically to the throat, chest, and temples.

12. Lemon oil

Lemon oil is antibacterial and helps remove toxins. Lemon oil has been shown to be able to limit the growth and spread of bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Add 1-2 drops of lemon essential oil to a glass of warm or cool water. You can also add it to herbal or iced tea to add flavor.

13. Thyme oil

Thyme oil is a natural remedy for strep. It supports the respiratory and immune systems. In a 2011 study published in Medicinal Chemistry, 120 strains of bacteria from patients with infections in the oral cavity and respiratory tracts were tested to see how thyme oil would react. The results showed that thyme oil was effective against all clinical strains. The results also indicated that it was effective against antibiotic-resistant strains.

Add two drops of thyme to water and gargle. Take a bath and add two drops of thyme essential oil to relieve body aches.

How To Prevent The Spread Of Infection:

14. Avoid contact

While you are experiencing strep symptoms, do not sneeze on anyone else. This will prevent the bacteria from spreading. For two weeks, do not share glasses or utensils with anyone. Castile soap is a natural and powerful soap that can be used to clean your dishes, your kitchen, and bathroom surfaces.

15. Wash your hands

Wash your hands frequently, especially when you’re around others. To get rid of all traces of group A streptococcal, use an antibacterial soap. This Homemade Hand Soap made with castile soap, peppermint oil, and other ingredients is a good example.

16. Replace your toothbrush

Replace your toothbrush as soon as you start to show symptoms of strep and again when you feel better. You can avoid reinfecting your body with group A strep.

Precautions

Before you use antibiotics to treat viral sore throats, get a lab check. Antibiotics will not work. Most sore throats are caused by viruses such as influenza or adenovirus. The symptoms of strep and non-strep are very similar.

If you are having trouble swallowing or if your fever is not decreasing, then it’s time to see a doctor. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistant bacteria. If you still feel sick after using these home remedies, consult your doctor for further treatment.