Strep throat infection is a disease caused by bacteria called Streptococci. Symptoms may be mild to severe, and may include sore throat, fever, lymph node swelling in the neck, inflammation of the throat, and swollen tonsils with white or yellowish patches. Strep throat is common among children and adolescents, and it usually occurs from late fall to early spring, when the weather is cold and students are enclosed in classrooms. Strep throat infection is less common than most cases of sore throats, which are caused by viruses. However, home remedies for strep throat may help relieve its symptoms, as in most cases of sore throat infections.

Home Remedies for Strep Throat

1. Gargle with Salt Water

A great way to reduce pain and inflammation from strep throat is to gargle with a warm solution of salt water. It also helps kill the bacteria which causes strep throat. To prepare it, add half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and stir until dissolved. Gargle for a few seconds, and spit out. Repeat regularly for two days.

2. Eat Throat-Soothing Foods

Eat foods that help soothe the throat, such as soup, broth, applesauce, mashed potatoes, cooked cereal, soft fruits, soft-boiled eggs, yogurt, and pureed foods. Sherbet, frozen fruit pops, frozen yogurt and other cold foods may also be soothing to the throat. Avoid acidic or spicy foods, as these foods can irritate your throat.

3. Avoid Dehydration

Fever increases fluid loss while painful swallowing decreases your fluid intake, which results in dehydration. Increase your fluid intake by taking warm soup, cold beverages and other soothing liquids. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine because it increases water loss.

4. Use a Humidifier

Use a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air and keep your mucous membranes from becoming dry and irritated. Clean it daily, since molds and bacteria can grow in humidifiers. You can also use a saline nasal spray to keep the mucous membranes in your throat moist.

5. Take Throat Lozenges

Lozenges provide temporary pain relief for sore throat. However, avoid giving lozenges to young children who might choke on them.

6. Avoid Irritants

Avoid smoking, as it can irritate your throat and increase your risk of infection such as tonsillitis. Keep away other fumes such as those from cleaning products or paint, which can also cause throat irritation.

7. Suck on Garlic

Garlic has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it is often used as a home remedy for infections, such as strep throat. Its sulfur content improves immune system function and helps fight infection. Suck on a piece of freshly peeled, sliced garlic. To release the juice, crush it between the teeth occasionally.

You can also add grated garlic, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper to a cup of boiled water. Strain and drink them while warm.

8. Take Lemon Juice with Honey

Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which helps fight bacteria and promote overall health. Honey has natural healing properties that help moisturize the throat and relieve inflammation. To prepare, add one tablespoon of lemon juice and a tablespoon of honey to a cup of warm water. Mix and sip slowly. You can do this often for several days to relieve sore strep throat.

9. Take Chamomile Tea Regularly

Chamomile possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe a sore throat and relieve headaches. Brew some dried flowers of chamomile in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and add honey and lemon juice. Drink 3-4 times daily for two or three days.

10. Chew Some Onion

Onions have antibacterial properties that can kill bacteria in your throat. It is also a natural antiseptic, which can help speed up your recovery. Cut an onion into thick slices, chew and swallow slowly. Do this until you feel some improvement.

An alternative is to add four tablespoons of crushed onion juice in a glass of warm water. Gargle with the diluted onion juice and repeat several times during the day to heal sore throat.

Watch the video for more effective home remedies for strep throat: