8 Natural Home Remedies to Reduce Throat Swelling and Treat A Strep Throat Infection

Natural Home Remedies to Reduce Swelling of Throat and Treat A Strep Throat Infection

Natural remedies are just as effective as any medication when treating a disease. They’ve been used as medicine for centuries and have helped people treat a variety of diseases and conditions.

The best thing about them is that they work without any side-effects which are pretty common when taking medications.

In the past, people relied on natural remedies to treat simple and complex health problems. They used them for bacterial infections for example, but natural remedies were also used against cancer and similar diseases.

One of the most common conditions people used natural remedies against was strep throat. Many people still rely on nature to fight this unpleasant infection even today.

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Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat that is caused by the A. Streptococcus bacterium. It manifests through inflammation, swelling, and pain in the throat.

The infection can affect everyone from children to adults and is easily spread through sneezing and coughing.

The severity of the symptoms may be mild in the beginning, but it will get worse if left untreated.

The most common way of resolving the infection is with antibiotics and other medications, but you should know that strep throat is treatable with the help of natural remedies.

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It’s not just one – in fact, there are many natural remedies that can defeat the bacterium and relieve your symptoms naturally and without side-effects. We compiled a combination of natural remedies that work great against strep throat as well as other bacterial infections – see them below.

How to reduce swelling of throat and Treat A Strep Throat Infection

These simple natural remedies below explain how to reduce swelling of throat and How to Treat A Strep throat Infection.

1. Ginger Tea

ginger rhizomes
ginger rhizomes

What’s the simplest way of defeating any kind of infection? Ginger tea. The root has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and fever-reducing properties that can crush infections in mere days. Just brew some homemade ginger tea, sweeten it with honey, and drink a few cups per day – it’s all you need to get your throat sorted out.

2. Apple Cide Vinegar (ACV)

Apple Cider Vinegar is probably the most widespread natural remedy of all times. It has been used for everything from infections to serious diseases, so strep throat is not a big challenge for it. Add 1 teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar in ½ a cup of warm water, then gargle the mixture 2-3 times per day for best results.

3. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper works great against bacterial infections such as strep throat. Just mix some with a bit of honey in a cup of warm water, then drink the mix to relieve the pain in your throat.

4. Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root contains a mucus-like substance that can soothe the irritation in your throat and reduce the swelling and pain. All you need to do is add a bit of dry marshmallow root to a cup of warm water and drink the remedy – it will do wonders for your throat.

5. Matcha Tea

Thanks to the presence of powerful antioxidants, matcha tea will reinforce your immune system and help your body fight the infection. Drinking a few cups of this tea per day is also a good way to prevent infections.

You might want to check our article on the best matcha tea brands.

6. Slippery Elm

Just like marshmallow root, slippery elm will coat your throat in a thin layer of a soothing substance that will protect it from irritation.

You can buy slippery elm supplements in the form of capsules in any health store. Just pop them in a glass of warm water and drink the mix – it’s a perfect way to relieve the symptoms of the infection.

7. Licorice Root

licorice
Licorice Root

Add some licorice root in a cup of warm water and drink the tea – it will soothe your swollen throat and help defeat the infection away.

This is a tried and true home remedy that has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and help fight infections.

Licorice root contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, making it a great natural remedy for treating the symptoms of a strep throat infection. The warm water helps to soothe the throat, while the licorice root works to reduce inflammation and fight off the infection.

To make the tea, simply add a few pieces of licorice root to a cup of warm water and let it steep for several minutes. You can add a bit of honey to sweeten the tea if you like. Then, sip the tea slowly, letting it coat your throat and provide relief.

It’s important to note that while licorice root is generally safe, it can interact with certain medications and may not be safe for everyone, particularly those with high blood pressure.

8. Honey and Pepper

It doesn’t get any easier than this. Mix some honey and black pepper in a glass of warm water and drink the mixture to get the infection under control and bring some much-needed relief to your throat.

Extra Tips for Treating Strep Throat

Steam inhalation works great for strep throat as well. We suggest using a few drops of some powerful essential oil for the best results. Just inhale the steam and you’ll feel much better soon.

Of course, it goes without saying that you should avoid drinking and smoking during the infection. Both alcohol and tobacco will irritate your throat and make it harder for you to breathe, so it’s best to stay away from them.

Additionally, make sure you get plenty of rest. The body needs rest while it’s healing with the help of the aforementioned remedies, so sleep well and take things easy until the infection is gone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Throat swelling can result from various causes, including infections, allergies, irritants, and inflammatory conditions. Common culprits include viral or bacterial infections, allergens, and exposure to irritating substances like smoke or pollutants.

Typical symptoms of throat swelling encompass difficulty swallowing, pain, redness, and hoarseness. You may also experience a sensation of a lump in your throat or swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

While not always an emergency, severe throat swelling, especially when accompanied by breathing difficulties, can be life-threatening and warrants immediate medical attention. It could indicate anaphylaxis or a severe infection that may obstruct the airway.

Distinguishing between a sore throat and throat swelling involves evaluating the severity and persistence of symptoms. A sore throat often presents with discomfort and pain, while throat swelling involves a noticeable enlargement of the throat tissues, causing difficulties in swallowing and breathing.

Untreated throat swelling can lead to complications such as airway obstruction, which may result in severe breathing difficulties or asphyxiation. In some cases, it can indicate an underlying, more serious medical condition that needs prompt attention.

Allergies are indeed a common trigger for throat swelling. Exposure to allergens like certain foods, insect stings, or environmental factors can lead to an allergic reaction, potentially causing throat swelling, known as angioedema.

For mild throat swelling due to non-emergent causes, you can alleviate discomfort by drinking warm fluids, gargling with salt water, and using over-the-counter pain relievers. However, always consult a healthcare professional to rule out more serious conditions.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe throat swelling that impairs your ability to breathe, swallow, or speak. This could be indicative of a life-threatening condition such as anaphylaxis or an acute infection.

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