8 Natural Home Remedies For Throat Infection And Swelling

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.

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.

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.

Natural Home Remedies For Throat

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

1. Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is the simplest way of defeating any kind of infection. 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.

The Science:

Research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology has confirmed ginger’s antimicrobial properties against respiratory tract pathogens.

A 2024 study found that bioactive compounds in ginger, particularly gingerols and shogaols, have potent anti-inflammatory effects that reduce throat swelling and pain.

Additionally, a 2024 review article confirmed ginger’s ability to modulate the immune response, making it effective against bacterial and viral throat infections.

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.

The Science: The antimicrobial effects of ACV have been documented in a 2018 study published in Scientific Reports, showing it can inhibit bacterial growth, including Streptococcus strains. The acetic acid in ACV creates an acidic environment hostile to many pathogens.

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.

The Science: Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which has been extensively studied for its pain-relieving properties. Research published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia demonstrated that capsaicin works by depleting substance P, a pain transmitter in nerves. Capsaicin has been found to have direct antimicrobial effects against various pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, research showed that capsaicin reduces inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production, helping to alleviate throat swelling.

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.

The Science: Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) contains high amounts of mucilage, a gelatinous substance that has been proven to coat and soothe irritated mucous membranes. The polysaccharides in marshmallow root were shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, reducing cytokine production that causes throat inflammation and pain.

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.

The Science: Matcha is exceptionally rich in catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been extensively studied for its immunomodulatory effects. Research demonstrated that these compounds boost the body’s defense against pathogens. A 2021 study found that matcha tea has significant antimicrobial activity against streptococcal bacteria. Further research showed that the antioxidants in matcha reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract by neutralizing free radicals involved in the inflammatory response.

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.

The Science: Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) contains mucilage polysaccharides that form a gel when mixed with water. Research demonstrated this gel creates a protective coating over irritated throat tissues – similar to how Marhsmallow root works.

7. 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.

The Science:

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains glycyrrhizin and numerous flavonoids with proven medicinal properties.

One laboratory study showed that a special licorice root extract could kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay, especially Streptococcus mutans.
Another experiment found that licorice also reduces inflammation: it blocked two enzymes (called COX and LOX) that the body uses to make inflammation signals.
Clinical trials in patients have confirmed its soothing effect on the throat. For example, people who gargled licorice solution before surgery reported much less sore throat afterward than those who gargled sugar water.
In one study, the licorice group had about half as many sore throats as the control group.

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.

The Science: Honey’s antimicrobial properties have been well-documented. A 2020 systematic review in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine confirmed honey’s superiority to usual care for improving upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, including sore throat. Black pepper contains piperine, which has significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties by inhibiting key inflammatory pathways. [1] The combination of honey and pepper creates a synergistic effect that both fights infection and soothes pain.

Extra Tips for Treating Strep Throat

Steam inhalation is a simple yet effective remedy for soothing a sore throat. The warm, moist air helps to relieve congestion, reduce swelling, and ease discomfort in the throat. Adding a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or tea tree can boost its healing effects, helping to fight infection and calm inflammation.

Many people find that inhaling steam with these natural oils brings fast relief and makes breathing easier. In fact, studies have shown that using essential oils with steam can significantly improve symptoms compared to steam alone.

For strep throat, steam inhalation can be especially helpful in managing pain and irritation. Just add a couple drops of a strong essential oil to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and breathe deeply. You’ll likely start feeling better in no time!

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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.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of rest. When your body is fighting off an infection — even with the help of natural remedies — it needs time and energy to heal. That means getting enough sleep and taking it easy throughout the day can make a big difference.

Skimping on sleep can weaken your body’s defenses and slow down recovery. So give yourself permission to relax, slow down, and let your system focus on getting better.

And while you’re on the mend, steer clear of things like alcohol and tobacco. They can irritate your throat and make it harder for your body to heal. Stick to gentle, soothing habits and support your recovery naturally.

So whether it’s sipping herbal teas, using essential oils, or simply catching up on rest — these simple steps can help ease symptoms and speed up healing when dealing with throat infections.

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.

Bottom Line

Nature has provided us with incredible healing remedies that have stood the test of time. As we’ve seen, each of these 8 natural remedies for throat infection and swelling is backed by solid scientific research confirming what traditional healers have known for centuries.

While antibiotics have their place in treating strep throat, these natural alternatives offer a gentler approach with fewer side effects and multiple health benefits. Remember to consult your healthcare provider if symptoms persist for more than a few days or if you experience severe pain, difficulty swallowing, or high fever.

With these scientifically-proven natural remedies in your health arsenal, you can tackle throat infections effectively and naturally, giving your body the support it needs to heal itself the way nature intended.

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8 Natural Home Remedies For Throat Infection And Swelling
Want quick relief from throat swelling? These remedies work.