13 Home Remedies for Strep Throat Symptoms

Strep throat is an infection caused by a bacteria called group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). It causes a sore throat, fever, and pain when swallowing, but a sore throat isn’t the same as strep throat.

Most sore throats are caused by a virus rather than bacteria, with symptoms of a cough, runny nose, hoarseness, or conjunctivitis (pink eye). While antibiotics are the only way to cure strep throat, there are home remedies to help relieve the sore throat symptoms of strep.

This article discusses 10 home remedies for strep throat self-care that can ease symptoms of a sore throat.

Ways to Treat Strep Throat Naturally

Symptoms of strep throat typically improve pretty quickly once antibiotics are started. This treatment is important for avoiding complications that include kidney or heart issues. In the meantime, trying the following home remedies may help with symptoms.

Get Plenty of Rest

Get as much rest as possible when diagnosed with strep throat. It will help you to cope with your symptoms and may speed up your recovery.

Drink Water

Drinking plenty of water can prevent dehydration and moisten your throat. Children, especially, are at risk of dehydration because of the sore throat experienced with strep. Talk to your pediatrician if you think they may need fluid and electrolyte replacement beyond water.

Take a Pain Reliever

Throat pain (and, sometimes, abdominal pain) is a common symptom of strep throat. You can find relief with lozenges and over-the-counter medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen) for pain and fever.

Eat Soft, Soothing Foods

Foods that soothe can help during your recovery from strep throat. Applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and oatmeal are examples of easy-to-swallow foods. Or, you can put soft fruits and other foods into a blender—but avoid acidic foods. The cold from ice or popsicles also can bring relief.

Gargle Salt Water

Gargling with warm salt water several times daily can help ease discomfort and swelling associated with strep throat. It can also help kill bacteria and loosen mucus.

To make a saltwater solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces (1 cup) of warm water.

Try Raw Honey

Raw honey works to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by strep throat. Healthcare providers sometimes recommend using honey if you have a cough or sore throat.

You can swirl 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey in warm tea or water to help lessen pain and suppress a cough. It’s important to note that babies under 1 year old should not be given honey.

Use a Humidifier

Adding moisture into the environment can help to relieve a sore and irritated throat. It also may help with dehydrated lips, mouth, and airway tissues that often occur with illness, though you can also try a saline spray to add moisture.

Clean your humidifier each day to avoid exposure to bacteria or mold that can grow in the system.

Avoid Irritants

Your symptoms may worsen when you’re exposed to irritants like cigarette smoke (which can lead to infection in and of itself). Avoid smoke, cleaning chemicals, and other substances while ill.

Take Vitamins

If you have strep throat, taking vitamin C supplements may help support your immune system. Some studies suggest taking vitamin C supplements may help shorten the duration of cold symptoms, such as a sore throat.

Additionally, some studies suggest that high-dose zinc lozenges may shorten the duration of a sore, scratchy throat in people with the common cold.

Try Elderberry and Echinacea

Echinacea extract is often used as a herbal remedy to treat colds, viruses, sore throats, and the flu. Research suggests it may offer benefits in treating strep throat pain, along with ginger and clove. Studies also suggest it may help to treat respiratory infections, reduce inflammation and pain, and have antiviral effects.

Elderberry contains anthocyanins (a type of flavonoid) and has been used for years as a home remedy to treat the cold and flu. One of the most common ways to consume elderberry is in syrup form, but it’s also available in gummies and teas. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against unproven claims and studies often focus on viral rather than bacterial infections like strep.

Drink Herbal Tea

Sipping warm, herbal tea can help soothe a sore throat. More specifically, certain teas have compounds that can provide additional relief.

According to one study, herbal tea made with safe concentrations of barberry, licorice, thyme, or oregano can relieve discomfort associated with strep throat.

Sip Bone Broth

For years, bone broth has been used as a remedy for colds and upper respiratory infections.

Drinking bone broth can help you stay hydrated, and its warmth can help soothe a sore throat. Bone broth contains carnosine, with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Bone broth also contains beneficial amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Try Essential Oils

Essential oils may ease symptoms of strep throat. Lemon essential oil has antibacterial and antioxidant properties and can prevent the growth of bacteria that causes listeria. This suggests it may also be beneficial in treating the bacteria associated with strep throat. However, additional studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in treating strep throat.

Essential oils should only be used with an oil diffuser or humidifier. Never ingest any essential oil orally.

Will Strep Throat Go Away on Its Own?

Strep throat may go away within a few days without treatment. Still, it’s important to visit a healthcare provider for proper evaluation. Doing so can prevent serious complications from developing.

You should also call your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve within 24 to 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.

Summary

Strep throat is a common illness that usually requires a visit to a healthcare provider and a course of antibiotics. Additionally, you can try at-home remedies such as drinking plenty of fluids, sipping bone broth, and gargling with salt water to help relieve sore throat symptoms.