Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial throat infection, with symptoms that typically include throat pain, difficulty swallowing, red and swollen tonsils, and sometimes with the appearance of white patches or streaks of pus.
Other symptoms may also include a fever, headache, swollen and tender lymph glands in your neck, fatigue, and sometimes nausea and vomiting—especially in young children.
Untreated strep throat can lead to complications that include kidney inflammation and Rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can then lead to painful and inflamed joints, a rash, and even heart valve damage.
Strep throat is common between the ages of five and fifteen but can affect people of all ages.
Natural Remedies for Strep Throat:
Strep throat is very contagious so if you think you or your child has strep throat then be careful not to spread the infection. It helps to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, keep your hands clean, and don’t drink from another persons glass or share personal items.
Home remedies for strep throat include resting, taking plenty of fluids, and gargling with salt water. You can make the salt water solution by adding a ¼ teaspoon of table salt to a cup of warm water.
Oregano Oil:
One of the all time best remedies for strep throat or any throat problems is Oil of Oregano. This essential oil is a natural antibiotic and it is also antiviral. No mater if your sore throat is due to bacteria or a virus, oregano oil works great. Just add a few drops to liquid and drink. For children you can try and disguise the taste in apple juice.
Oregano oil is also an anti-inflammatory, an anti-oxidant, and a pain killer. No house should be without this essential oil. Use this remedy at the first sign of a sore throat and you will typically see improvement within a few days. Oregano oil must be diluted with liquid in order to take internally as the concentrated oil will burn your skin.
Heated Poultice or Inhalant:
Dilute any of the essential oils of garlic, geranium, Olbas, lemon, thyme, or hyssop in either olive oil, almond oil, or sunflower oil. Rub this combined mixture over your throat and cover with a warm towel. Repeat as needed. You can add a couple of drops of any of the same oils to boiling water and inhale the vapors through your mouth.
Geranium Extract:
Used effectively as a strep throat treatment in Germany and other countries, Germanium Extract should be taken three times a day as a remedy for throat infections.
Salt and Lemon Gargle:
- Mix salt and lemon juice in warm water and gargle this solution. This gargle is intended to soothe the throat and reduce inflammation caused by strep throat. Do not swallow this rinse, spit out the toxins with the fluid after gargling.
- Instead of mixing the salt and lemon in water, try mixing it with Sage tea. Sage Tea is anti-microbial and will help cure strep throat.