Strep throat is defined by WebMD as a “bacterial infection in the throat and tonsils”.
Children ages 5 to 15 are commonly affected but adults can also get this infection [1].
Caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes, strep throat causes many unpleasant symptoms such as a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, inflamed tonsils, fever, headache, and body pains [2].
This is a bothersome condition that can affect simple activities like eating and talking.
Fortunately, there are various home remedies that can safely and effectively resolve this common ailment.
In the following article, you will read:
- 12 Home remedies for strep throat
- How to prepare them
- How to use them properly
Following is a list of some of the wonderful and effective natural remedies for strep throat.
12 Home Remedies for Strep Throat
1. Cayenne Spices 
Most people with strep throat stay away from anything spicy, thinking it can aggravate their condition.
It seems like spices like cayenne can cause irritation in the throat, but that’s not true.
What many don’t know is that cayenne is actually helpful in fighting bacterial infections of the throat.
In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, it was stated that cayenne can successfully inhibit the activities of infection-causing bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes [3].
Through a filter disk assay method, researchers tested different capsicum species including cayenne against 15 strains of bacteria and one species of yeast [3].
Most of the capsicum species demonstrated strong antimicrobial properties against the bacteria, efficiently preventing their growth and spread [3].
Researchers pointed out two pungent chemicals that can be found in capsicum responsible for these actions [3].
These include dihydrocapsaicin and capsaicin [3].
This remedy may cause a stinging sensation in the throat at first. If this bothers you, you can try to reduce the quantity and just increase it gradually.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 glass of hot water
Recommended Directions:
- Put cayenne pepper, lemon juice and hot water in a glass.
- Mix all the ingredients.
- Gargle the solution three times a day for one to two days.
2. Garlic
There’s no denying that garlic is one of the most potent and most widely used natural remedies up to this day.
Garlic is an effective carminative, decongestant, antimicrobial, antitumor, and immunostimulant, among many others [4].
There’s a long list of ailments that can be cured with this remedy, and this includes: fever, colds, flu, cough, tuberculosis, asthma, hay fever, gastrointestinal infections, parasitic infections, rhinitis, hypertension, poor immunity, thrush, scabies, indigestion, and constipation, among many others [4].
It’s no surprise that it also works so well for bacterial infections like strep throat.
If you can no longer bear the pain and itchiness of your throat caused by this infection, this remedy can surely help.
Research shows that garlic has the ability to prevent the growth and spread of bacterial strains that cause strep throat [5, 6].
In fact, it even works on bacteria that have already grown resistant to antibiotics [5].
Its main compound allicin, which is produced when you crush or slice garlic cloves, has a broad spectrum antibacterial activity against many Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains [6].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of garlic, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
Recommended Directions:
- Bring water to a boil.
- Add garlic and cinnamon.
- Boil for another two to three minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Strain the mixture.
- Let it cool a little before drinking.
- Take this solution twice a day until symptoms subside.
3. Honey
Stone Age paintings in cave show that honey has been used by humans as food and medicine for the last 8,000 years [7].
A by-product of nectar from flowers, honey is made in the digestive tract of bees and through a dehydration process that happens inside beehives [7].
Clinical data has proven of its vast array of pharmacological activities, which are due to the presence of active compounds such as phenolics, organic acids, and peptides, among others [7].
For many years, it has been a go-to solution for a wide variety of health problems including respiratory ailments, toothache, wounds, burns, gastrointestinal disorders, fatigue, and vertigo [8].
That’s not all, honey has also been reported to have powerful antibacterial effects on at least 60 bacterial species [7].
Even those that can no longer be cured by commonly prescribed antibiotics can be controlled by honey, making this an ideal remedy for stubborn strep throat infection that keeps on coming back [9].
Contributing to this mode of action is the ability of honey to naturally produce hydrogen peroxide [9].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 cup of warm water
Recommended Directions:
- Add honey and lemon juice to water.
- Mix well.
- Drink three times a day until you feel better.
Also Read: Honey for a Sore Throat: Good or Bad?
4. Sage
If you want quick relief from a sore throat, another practical remedy that you can try is sage.
This plant, which belongs to the Lamiaceae family, is cultivated in many parts of the world [10].
It has been used since the ancient times in culinary, perfumery and cosmetics [10].
With its active compounds 1,8-cineole and borneol, it has also been found to be a potent traditional medicine against many types of ailments [10].
It works well for throat infections caused by bacteria [10].
In 2010, scientists from Turkey evaluated its antimicrobial powers against five strains of bacteria and one strain of fungus [10].
These microbes were exposed to extracts of sage at different concentrations for 24 hours [10].
Results show that it has strong antibacterial activities all the tested microorganisms [10].
According to researchers, it can efficiently inhibit Streptococcus pyogenes with its terpene, pinene, and cineol compounds [10].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of dried sage leaves
- 1 cup of water
Recommended Directions:
- Boil water in a pot.
- Transfer to a cup.
- Add dried sage.
- Cover and let it steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea before drinking.
- Drink this tea twice a day for one week.
5. Chamomile Oil
One of the world’s most popularly used and most researched medicinal plants is chamomile [11].
Its use has started in Greece and Rome during the ancient times [11].
Currently, more than 4,000 tons of chamomile are being produced annually to meet the demands of the market who has grown fond of using its oil extract as a remedy for all sorts of minor and major ailments [11].
Chamomile oil can also be used to put an end to your annoying strep throat condition.
A 2007 study published in the Research Journal of Biological Sciences confirmed that chamomile oil is a strong anti-streptococcal agent that can work against bacterial strains that have become resistant to antibiotic medications [11].
Even at low concentrations, it can efficiently and quickly wipe out strains of Streptococcus bacteria [11].
These findings suggest that chamomile is a reliable treatment for strep throat and other similar infections.
What You’ll Need:
- 5 drops of chamomile oil
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Recommended Directions:
- Combine the two oils.
- Gargle oil mixture inside your mouth for 10 minutes.
- Spit it out.
- Repeat remedy three times a day for one week.
6. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a popular sweetener to food and beverages, adding flavorful depth to your coffee or favorite desserts.
As sweet as it is, cinnamon is also a potent natural medicine that can combat bacterial infections.
Italian researchers analyzed the toxicity and antibacterial activities of 13 essential oils against pathogens that commonly affect the respiratory tract [12].
Of all the essential oils tested for bactericidal actions against Streptococcus pyogenes, this herb has been found to be the most potent [12].
Similar results were yielded in a 2013 study, which evaluated 18 essential oils and found cinnamon to have the strongest inhibitory effects on S. pyogenes [13].
It’s no surprise that cinnamon is commonly used as an ingredient in various strep throat medications such as Throat Coat [14].
People love using this remedy not only for its efficacy but also for its safety and tolerability.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
- 2 cups of water
- 2 teaspoons of honey
Recommended Directions:
- Bring water to a boil.
- Remove from heat.
- Add cinnamon powder.
- Let it steep for 10 minutes before adding honey.
- Drink twice a day for one week.
7. Wine
Yes, you’ve read it right, wine is included as one of the remedies for strep throat.
You’d think that you’d be asked to stay away from alcoholic beverages when you’re ill but strep throat is a different case.
It has been proven in research that wine actually contains some active compounds that are good for your health [15].
With their malic acid, tartaric acid and other active compounds, both red and white wines can inhibit oral streptococci that cause throat soreness and inflammation [15].
Moderate intake of wine (one glass per day) may help prevent recurrence of a sore throat and other oral infections.
Just make sure that you don’t end up drinking too much of it, or else it will defeat its purpose.
For quick relief from strep throat, try gargling red or white wine for a few minutes.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of red or white wine
Recommended Directions:
- Gargle wine for two minutes.
- Do this remedy once a day until the infection clears.
8. Peppermint Tea
Did you know that a cup of peppermint tea can do so much for your health?
Brewed from the leaves of the peppermint plant, peppermint tea has been used in traditional medicine to relieve gastrointestinal problems, boost the immune system, provide pain relief, and more [16].
It surely can do a lot for one’s health, so it doesn’t usually take too much convincing for people to believe that it’s also a great remedy for strep throat infections.
Its antibacterial properties have been proven in several studies, and these are enough to show you that it’s indeed a viable solution for various oral infections [17, 18].
Streptococcus pyogenes were among the bacterial strains susceptible to the bactericidal actions of peppermint [17].
What You’ll Need:
- A handful of peppermint leaves
- 1 pot of water
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
Recommended Directions:
- Add peppermint leaves to water.
- Simmer for two minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Strain mixture.
- Stir in lemon juice.
- Drink tea twice a day until pain and inflammation of the throat subside.
9. Onion
One of the world’s oldest cultivated herbs is onion [19].
Like garlic, it is also an excellent remedy that can cure a wide range of diseases including those that are caused by infectious pathogens.
Strep throat is just one example of the ailments that it can help resolve.
Rich in active compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and saponins, onion has various medicinal purposes, including antibacterial properties [19].
In 2012, researchers from Saudi Arabia discovered that it’s highly effective in fighting drug-resistant microorganisms such as those that cause strep throat [19].
At various concentrations, onion extract has been found effective in controlling the growth and spread of microbes.
If you don’t like the smell or taste of onion, you can combine it with honey to make it more palatable.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon of honey
Recommended Directions:
- Add honey to onion slices.
- Chew onion slices to release the juice, and then swallow.
- Do this remedy throughout the day for three to four days.
10. Thyme Oil
A popular herb used in the kitchen, thyme is also known for its multitude of benefits for the health.
Traditional healers have long relied on this herb and its oil extract to treat many types of infections.
Researchers from France investigated its efficacy of 18 essential oils against Streptococcus pyogenes [20].
Remarkably, thyme is one of the few essential oils that exhibited strong inhibitory effects against this bacterium [20].
What You’ll Need:
- 5 drops of thyme oil
- 1 glass of water
Recommended Directions:
- Add thyme oil to water.
- Mix well.
- Gargle the solution for five minutes.
- Spit it out.
- Use this remedy twice a day until the infection clears.
11. Ginger
Ginger works against different strains of bacteria that are known to cause oral infections, and these include Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae [21].
According to a report dated 2011, it was ginger’s terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins that contributed to this mode of action [22].
It’s also an anti-pyretic agent that can help reduce body temperature if the infection is accompanied by fever [21].
As with all the other remedies mentioned here, ginger is also safe and well-tolerated.
It doesn’t cause any unpleasant side effects to worry about.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 ginger root
- 1 glass of water
Recommended Directions:
- Slice ginger root into small pieces.
- Boil water in a pot.
- Add ginger to water.
- Bring to a boil.
- Simmer for a few minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Drink the tea twice a day for two weeks.
Also Read: 20 Great Ways Of Using Ginger To Fight Your Acne
12. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has numerous health benefits. As it is already known that it is a wonderful remedy for common cold, apple cider vinegar doesn’t fail to surprise us with its performance to get rid of strep throat as well.
Apple cider vinegar is among the most natural ways of treating a strep throat. It has strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that protect your throat from infections. Acetic acid if apple cider vinegar is the key player here.
Acetic acid kills the germs and bacteria and helps to clear your throat. It also prevents the bacteria from further intrusion and promotes faster healing of your throat.
What You’ll Need:
- A cup of water
- One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
Recommend Directions:
- Heat the water to warm it up just a little.
- Add the apple cider vinegar and mix well.
- Drink the mixture.
- Alternatively, you can also gargle with the same mixture or do both at the same time. Repeat twice or thrice a day till you get relief.
Also Read: How Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help You Get Rid of Your Acne
Some Frequently Asked Q&A About Strep Throat
Q. What are the common symptoms of strep throat?
A. Common symptoms of strep throat are as follows:
- You will be running a fever along with a sore throat
- A sore throat will be sudden and severe
- The lymph nodes at the side of the neck will swell and feel tender
- You will feel pain while swallowing
- There will white or yellow patches on the inside of your throat, and on the tonsils
Q. Is there a way to stop strep throat spreading in my home?
A. To be honest, there is no way to prevent a sore throat. However, if you do not want it to spread to others members of your home then you can try the following ways:
- Keeping hands clean and regularly washing it.
- Maintaining a distance with the person who has a sore throat.
- Not sharing food or utensils while they are used by someone.
- Always use an antiseptic cleaner to clean the dishes.
- Quitting smoking or not smoking at all.
- Always wearing a mask when going out so that polluted air is not inhaled.
Q. I got a strep from a sore throat, what should I do?
A. As you already know, strep throat is a more complex form of a sore throat. It happens when the bacterial infection becomes worse.You can find our list of home remedy for strep throat to relieve it. However, if you find that your throat condition is not improving at all then, consult a physician as soon as possible!
Q. Is strep infection treated with antibiotics?
A. Yes. They are treated with antibiotics. It is because strep throat is caused by streptococcus which is highly responsive to penicillin. Penicillin, is, therefore, highly effective, reliable and inexpensive for the treatment of strep throat.
Q. Is there any rare and serious complication due to strep throat?
A. Yes. There might be. It is called rheumatic fever and it is an autoimmune disease that is caused by a streptococcal throat infection in the body. It is a serious condition and can often lead to complications.
Bottom Line
Strep throat is the complex version of a sore throat. Then again, you should not be worried about it much as it is easy to resolve in a natural way.
Trying using these simple home remedies for strep throat and get rid of the infection quickly!
Hope this article was helpful to you. Please share your experience with us by leaving a comment in the comments section below.
For any queries or confusions, feel free to ask us.
Read Next: Essential Oils for Strep Throat: How to Use Them With Q&A
