According to the US National Library of Medicine, strep throat is a disease caused by the Streptococcus bacteria and its symptoms include a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and fever. Although virtually anyone can develop this condition, it is more prevalent in children aged 5 to 15, and spreads via person-to-person contact. Fortunately, you can use natural remedies to cure strep throat at home. Such remedies include:
1. Cayenne Pepper
Besides its use in flavoring food, cayenne pepper is a good natural remedy for strep throat. To do this, you would need to prepare cayenne pepper solution using honey, water or lemon juice and then dab it on the back of your throat. A simple recipe for this solution would be mixing half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper with honey to create a thick paste. If you do not fancy a cayenne pepper and honey mixture, try cold or warm water.
2. Slippery Elm Solution
Slippery elm is a tree native to North America. Locals have used the slippery elm’s inner bark for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments, including strep throat. You, too, can use it as a home remedy for the same purpose. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, slippery elm works by soothing the mouth and throat. Slippery elm herbal remedies come in tablet, powder and lozenge form.
3. Garlic
Garlic is another great strep throat remedy because of its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. More specifically, garlic has high levels of sulfur that help to clear infections and relive inflammation.
4. Echinacea/sage
According to a study published in the European Journal of Medical Research, echinacea/sage herbal solution is as good in relieving strep throat symptoms as the conventional medications chlorhexidine/lidocaine. In fact, response rates in the group that took echinacea/sage were slightly higher (63.8%) compared to the group taking chlorhexidine/lidocaine (57.8%). This means that echinacea/sage is more effective in treating strep throat than conventional drugs.
5. Honey
Honey is a popular sore throat remedy because it works. The results of a study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine show that is highly effective in treating upper respiratory tract infections. To relive strep throat symptoms, you can take raw honey or mix it with tea.
6. Salt water
Of all the strep throat home remedies discussed above, gargling salt water is by far the most common. Most people gargle warm salt water to soothe strep throat symptoms and get rid of the streptococcus bacteria. To prepare a salt-water solution for gargling, add a half teaspoon of salt to a glass or cup of warm water.
7. Pelargonium Sidoides
Pelargonium sidoides is an herbal plant native to the African continent that also has great anti-bacterial properties. Moreover, it decongests the respiratory tract and soothes sore throats. In fact, this plant’s active ingredient is present in many cold medications
8. Peppermint
Besides its use in fresh breath products, peppermint is a good strep throat symptom reliever. It works by calming sore throats as well as breaking up coughs and loosening phlegm. The main ingredient responsible for mucus thinning is menthol. Peppermint comes in various forms including capsules, creams, ointments, and tea products.
Conclusion
It is possible to treat strep throat successfully at home using natural remedies such as honey, cayenne pepper, peppermint, echinacea/sage, slippery elm, salt water and garlic. However, you should consult a qualified doctor if symptoms persist.
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