Strep Throat Remedies to Recover Faster
Strep throat is an extremely common bacterial infection that causes severe sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, swollen tonsils, and lymph nodes. It is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria and left untreated, can lead to complications like rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation. While antibiotics are needed to treat the bacterial infection, there are many natural remedies that can help relieve the painful symptoms and help you recover faster. Here are the top home and over-the-counter remedies for strep throat:
1. Gargle with Salt Water
One of the most effective home remedies for sore throats is gargling with warm salt water. The salt helps reduce swelling and inflammation while the warm water soothes pain. To make the gargle, mix 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle several times a day, especially after meals and before bedtime. The antibacterial properties of salt can also help speed up healing.
2. Drink Hot Liquids
Sipping on warm broth, herbal tea, warm water with honey, and other hot beverages can help ease throat pain and discomfort. The heat helps loosen mucus, reduces inflammation, and keeps the throat moist. Some great options include chicken broth, green tea with honey, chamomile or ginger tea, apple cider with cinnamon, and other non-caffeinated drinks. Avoid very hot liquids as they can further irritate the throat.
3. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Medications like acetaminophen and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin can relieve sore throat pain and fever. Be sure to follow dosage directions carefully, especially for children. While these won’t treat the bacterial infection itself, they can provide symptom relief while your body fights the illness.
4. Try Spray Anesthetics
Over-the-counter numbing sprays made with phenol or benzocaine can temporarily relieve throat pain and discomfort. Some popular options include Chloraseptic, Cepacol, or Sucrets. Use as directed on the package label. While these sprays don’t cure strep throat, they can provide several hours of soothing relief allowing you to drink, sleep, and eat more comfortably while you recover.
5. Suck on Lozenges
Like spray anesthetics, cough drops and throat lozenges can momentarily numb throat pain to make swallowing and talking easier. Menthol is a common ingredient that provides a cooling sensation. Look for lozenges with added ingredients like eucalyptus, honey, licorice root, slippery elm, zinc, or vitamin C for additional benefits. Avoid medicated lozenges if also taking other oral cold or cough medications.
6. Try Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root contains a mucilaginous gel that coats and soothes sore throats. The root has been used since ancient Egyptian times to treat coughs and sore throats. Look for the root by itself or as an ingredient in herbal throat lozenges. You can also make marshmallow root tea by adding 1-2 tablespoons of dried root to boiling water, allowing it to steep for 5-10 minutes, straining, and drinking several times a day.
7. Take Probiotics
Research shows that certain strains of probiotics like Lactobacillus rhamnosus can help shorten the duration and reduce the severity of streptococcal pharyngitis. Probiotics support immune function and balance the bacteria in your throat and gut. Eat yogurt with live cultures or take a daily probiotic supplement while recovering.
8. Eat Soothing Foods
Cold foods like ice cream, popsicles, chilled fruit, smoothies, milkshakes, and chilled soups can help numb throat pain. Soft, cool foods are also easier to swallow. Avoid spicy, acidic, fried, and crunchy foods that can further irritate the throat. Easy options include oatmeal, bananas, tuna fish, scrambled eggs, and clear broths. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water too.
9. Use a Humidifier
Running a humidifier adds moisture to dry air, preventing additional irritation, inflammation, and pain. Keeping mucus membranes moist makes breathing, swallowing, and coughing easier. Clean and disinfect your humidifier regularly to prevent spreading germs and reinfection. Alternately, you can breathe in steam from a hot shower or pot of boiling water to hydrate your throat.
10. Avoid Irritants
Don’t smoke or vape, and try to limit exposure to air pollution, chemical fumes, dust, and other allergens or irritants while you recover. Secondhand smoke, air pollution, and strong scents from products like air fresheners, perfumes, and cleaning supplies can further aggravate your throat.
11. Get Plenty of Rest
Strep throat can leave you feeling exhausted. Get ample rest and avoid strenuous activity until your symptoms resolve. Prioritize sleep and rest as much as possible to help your body direct its energy towards healing. Stay home from work, school, or social events until your fever is gone and you’re no longer contagious.
12. Try Honey
Honey has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can relieve throat pain and coughing. Look for raw, organic honey. Mix it with warm water, green tea, or lemon to drink. You can also allow a spoonful to dissolve slowly in your mouth, coating and soothing your throat. Give honey to children over age one. Avoid giving it to infants due to risk of botulism.
13. Gargle with Apple Cider Vinegar
The antibacterial acids in apple cider vinegar make it a home remedy for sore throats. Mix 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar with a cup of warm water and gargle every few hours. You can also drink it diluted with water and honey. Avoid straight vinegar as it may burn. Use pasteurized, organic vinegar only.
14. Increase Vitamin C
Vitamin C boosts your immune system to help fight off infections. Eat vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberries, peppers, and broccoli. You can also take a vitamin C supplement of 500-1000 mg 1-2 times per day while sick. Avoid taking more than 2,000 mg daily.
15. Apply a Warm Compress
Placing a warm, moist compress across your throat and neck provides soothing relief. Soak a clean towel in warm water, wring out excess moisture, and apply to your neck for 10-15 minutes as needed to reduce swelling and ease pain. Do not apply a warm compress to a child’s throat however due to risk of burns.
When to See a Doctor
Strep throat usually resolves in 3-5 days with antibiotics. Seek medical care promptly if your sore throat is severe, persists longer than a week, or you have difficulty breathing or swallowing. Also see a doctor if you have rash, vomiting, high fever, stiff neck, severe swelling, or your symptoms worsen. Call 911 if your throat completely closes. Though uncomfortable, strep throat is very treatable. With a combination of medical treatment and natural remedies, you can relieve the misery and recover faster.
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