Strep throat, also known as streptococcal Pharyngitis, is a bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus. It has symptoms almost similar to sore throat including swollen tonsils and lymph nodes, headache, nausea, difficulty in swallowing, and more. It occurs commonly in children of 5 to 15 years of age, adults have less risk of suffering from strep throat than children. Let’s understand what are the causes of Strep throat and how can it be cured using simple easy home remedies.
Common Causes Of Strep Throat
Strep Throat is caused by group A streptococcus which is very contagious. They can spread through sneeze or cough of infection personal or by touching personal care or other products used by them. There are many risk factors that can increase the chances of having Strep Throat. Let’s have a look at some of the common risk factors that can increase the chances Strep Throat.
Risk Factors
1. Age
Strep Throat is more common in children than adults. Children of 5-15 years of age are more prone to Strep throat in comparison to elder people.
2. Close Contact With The Infected Person
Strep Throat is contagious and can transfer from one person to another. A person who lives with an infected person has more chances of suffering from it.
3. Time Of The Year
Strep Throat can occur throughout the year but its risks increases during winter and early spring.
4. Hygiene
Hygiene plays an important role in Strep infection. Hand washing is really important during the infection and one should avoid sharing of food and other products when suffering from it.
5. Pollution
Air pollution or smoke can irritate the respiratory tract and can make the throat more prone to Strep throat and other infections.
How To Treat Strep Throat At Home?
Here are some of the effective and easy natural remedies to treat Strep Throat at home.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
What You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup of warm water
What To Do
- Add a tablespoon apple cider vinegar to warm water.
- Consume this solution.
- You can also add honey to enhance the taste.
How Often To Do
Do it once a day.
Why This Works
Antibacterial properties of vinegar help in treating the bacteria and it also relieves from pain and inflammation caused due to the infection.
2. Marshmallow Root
What You Will Need
- Cold water
- 28 grams of dried marshmallow root
- A cheesecloth
- A 1-litre jar
What To Do
- Fill a 1-litre jar with cold water.
- Wrap the root of dried marshmallow in a cheesecloth and tie it up to make a bundle of it.
- Now put the marshmallow bundle in the jar so that it can get submerged in it.
- Put the tied end of the bundle at the mouth of the jar and cover it with lid, fuse it with the bundle's thread.
- Let it (bundle of marshmallow root) be there (in the jar) overnight and after that remove the bundle from the jar.
- Put the jar's water in a glass and add sugar or any sweetener of your choice.
- Consume this solution.
How Often To Do
You can have it throughout the day.
Why This Works
The root of marshmallow has been used as a medicine since ages. Its root contains a gelatinous material known as mucilage that soothes and relieves the Strep throat.
3. Licorice Root
What You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon licorice root
- 1 cup hot water
What To Do
- Boil the water and let the licorice root steep in it for 10 minutes.
- Stain and consume the solution.
How Often To Do
Do it at least one time a day.
Why This Works
Aspirin-like properties of licorice soothe the throat. It also reduces pain and swelling and can also help in treating the infection.
4. Salt Water Gargle
What You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
What To Do
- Warm the water and add salt in it.
- Mix them well and gargle with the solution.
How Often To Do
You can do it whenever needed.
Why This Works
Gargling with salt water reduces swelling and treats pain. It can also kill the microbe present in the throat and acts as an effective natural cure for Strep throat.
5. Ginger Tea
What You Will Need
- Fresh ginger root
- Water about one litre
- One tablespoon of honey
- Juice of one lemon
What To Do
- Grate the ginger root in a vessel and add one tablespoon of it in boiling water.
- Then let the ginger steep in it for 10 minutes.
- Strain the solution and add honey and lemon juice in it.
- Sip the tea while it’s warm.
How Often To Do
You can have it 2-3 times a day.
Why This Works
The root of ginger helps in fighting against the infection, and also reduces inflammation and pain caused due to the infection.
6. Spray Of Sage And Echinacea
What You Will Need
- One tablespoon of ground sage.
- One tablespoon ground Echinacea.
- Half glass water.
What To Do
- Heat the water in a saucepan and put it over sage and echinacea in a small jar.
- Let them steep for half an hour.
- Strain the solution and put it in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution on the throat for relief.
How Often To Do
You can spray the solution every two hours.
Why This Works
Sage and echinacea works as an antiseptic and relieves the sore throat by reducing pain. This spray also reduces inflammation and helps in treating the infection.
7. Lemon
What You Will Need
- One lemon
- One cup of warm water
- Honey
What To Do
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon and mix it with warm water.
- Add honey according to taste and sip the solution.
How Often To Do
You can consume it one to two times a day.
Why This Works
Vitamin C and antioxidant properties present in lemon enhance the healing process and also treats inflammation and pain of throat.
8. Honey
What You Will Need
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup of warm water
What To Do
- Add tablespoon honey in a cup of warm water.
- Drink the solution.
How Often To Do
Do it one to two times a day.
Why This Works
Antibacterial properties of honey help in treating the bacteria. Also, its anti-inflammatory properties help in lowering inflammation and soothes the throat. Honey is a great effective Strep throat pain relief remedy.
Also Read : 5 Health Benefits of Honey (Infographic)
9. Chamomile Tea
What You Will Need
- 1-2 teaspoon dry chamomile
- 1 cup hot water
- Honey
What To Do
- Put the chamomile in hot water and allow it to steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the solution and add honey to it.
How Often To Do
Consume it one to two times a day.
Why This Works
Chamomile is used as a medicine for a long period of time. Its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties help in relieving pain and calms the swelling of the throat.
10. Baking Soda
What You Will Need
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup of warm water
What To Do
- Add baking soda and salt to a cup of warm water.
- Mix them well.
- Rinse your mouth with the solution.
How Often To Do
You can repeat it every three hours.
Why This Works
Rinsing mouth with this solution kills bacteria and also heals pain and swelling of the throat caused due to the infection.
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