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Strep throat is caused by the streptococcus bacteria and is one of the most frequently occurring bacterial infections of the throat. It is a very common infection and is marked by a very high fever, redness of throat, chills and acute pain in the neck and throat region.
In the absence of proper treatment it can lead to a severe infection, rheumatic fever or even complications in the kidneys. There are some natural home remedies that can be used to treat and heal a strep throat.
Home Remedies For Strep Throat
Saline Water Gargles
One of the most effective home remedies for a strep throat is to gargle with saline water. Take half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of moderately hot water and gargle with this water 5-6 times a day. The more frequently you gargle, the greater and faster relief you will feel. This helps by neutralizing the damaging effects of bacteria and destroying them.
Lemon Tea
Wake up and make a glass of warm lemon tea. Heat a glass of water such that the water is tepid. To it add some lemon juice and honey to mildly sweeten it.
Sip on this tea as soon as you get up in the morning. This helps to reduce the pain felt from the strep throat and also helps to reduce the feeling of parchedness in the throat.
Ginger Popsicles
Try to get hold of ginger popsicles from your nearby chemist. These are specially formulated to heal and give relief from a severe throat infection. The ginger in the popsicles helps to soothe the throat while the enhanced saliva in the mouth keeps the throat moist.
Humidifiers
Since the strep throat is likely to give rise to a parched and dry feeling inside the throat, it is better to sit in a humid room. Turn on the humidifier. This will give your throat relief and help to alleviate the symptoms.
Hot Tea
Sip on hot teas like chamomile tea and other homemade teas which help to reduce the pain and the irritation felt in the throat. For this, heat some cloves, peppercorns, ginger, honey and cinnamon in a small vessel of water and let the spices brew in the tea for some time.
Now keep sipping on this warm tea throughout the day. It is an excellent remedy for strep throat and helps to alleviate whatever discomfort one is feeling. You can also sip on chamomile tea as it promotes mental and physical relaxation.
Sunflower Oil
Sometimes strep throats become so bad that you end up losing your voice. In such cases it is better to have a teaspoon of warm sunflower oil. This helps to reduce the soreness in the throat and helps to bring your voice back.
Take Plenty of Garlic
Try having mild curries that have been flavoured with garlic as these are all good for the throat and help to fight bacteria. Garlic is a natural anti-bacterial plant that internally helps to strengthen the body’s immunity and fight off the infection.
Hot Soups
Nothing works as effectively as a bowl of hot broth or chicken soup to treat a sore throat. Since the throat ache and pain can be significant, it may become difficult to swallow and chew on normal food.
Having hot soups instead gives strength and vitality, helps to fight off the infection and also keeps the throat moist.
Drink Fluids
Keep sipping on fluids throughout the day. Cool fruit juices, water and tea are the best antidotes to a sore and achy throat. It helps to relieve irritation and pain in the throat.
Warm Baths and Sponging
Using a warm sponge on the body and throat area can help to reduce inflammation and swelling of the lymph nodes if any. Ideally you can even take a warm bath especially if the swelling is acute or you are also suffering from fever.
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Get Rest
A severe strep throat infection can be very annoying and irksome. It can lead to severe fatigue especially if you are also suffering from fever. In such cases it is best to get in some rest. Rest is critical to help fight off the infection.
In most cases the doctor will administer antibiotics to help arrest the infection in the throat. This coupled with rest should help to subside the infection and help you to recover within a few days.
Eat Soft Foods
Eat foods that are bland and non spicy and easy on the throat. These include porridge, apple sauce, mashed potatoes, broths, fruits and soups. Avoid beverages like tea/ coffee as they can lead to severe dehydration in the body.
Try to curb your intake of spicy food and fatty food as these can lead to severe throat irritation and may actually exacerbate your symptoms.
Ginger
Ginger is a great remedy for colds and sore throats. Try to have it in the form of ginger candy or crushed ginger infused in a cup of hot tea. This will lead to instantaneous relief from your symptoms and also lessen the throat ache.
Steam Inhalation
In case of swollen lymph nodes and blocked sinuses it makes a lot of sense to do steam inhalation. Steam inhalation will arrest the sore throat and other cold symptoms if you are suffering from them. Keep doing steam inhalation as frequently as you can for relief from strep throat symptoms.
Turmeric Milk
Have a hot cup of milk and to it add some sugar and a pinch of turmeric. Turmeric has anti-bacterial properties that help to subside the infection and also soothe the throat in the process. Drink at least two cups of turmeric milk everyday for best results.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Dissolve a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of luke warm water and gargle with this water. Make sure you spit out the water and do not swallow it. This is a great remedy for sore throat and strep throat infections. The acidic properties of the vinegar help to kill all the bacteria that may be present in the throat.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.