Sore throat can be annoying but strep throat can put you down and out for days. Strep throat is common, but it is highly contagious and is accompanied by a high fever (over 101 degrees Fahrenheit). Other symptoms include pain and difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes in the throat and neck as well as swollen tonsils. You may also see a white or yellow coating in your throat.
There are some very effective natural cures for strep throat and sore throat. Try these remedies to get relief and to speed healing.
Natural Remedies for Strep Throat
There are some great natural things you can use to treat your sore throat. Try these remedies as gargles and to apply directly to your throat for relief and healing.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Raw, organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar is probably the most effective cure for strep or sore throat.
As a natural sore throat remedy, use it as a gargle. Mix 1-3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup (6-8 ounces) of warm water. Gargle with it several times a day. Make it as strong as you can stand it because the stronger it is the faster and better it works. It will usually work to relieve the pain in 20 to 30 minutes. Sometimes it may take a little longer, but chances are you will feel relief very quickly.
Sipping apple cider vinegar will also help. You can dilute it in a little water or add some honey to it. If you juice, add it to your veggie juice for a very tasty and healthful zing.
Cayenne Pepper – .Cayenne is one of the best remedies for strep and sore throat, second only to apple cider vinegar. Add some cayenne powder to a little water to make a paste. Use a sterile cotton swab or similar utensil to apply the paste directly to the back of your throat.
Honey – Honey is an amazing anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic substance that is not only great for fighting sore throat and strep throat, but also outstanding for promoting overall health.
You can use a cotton swab to apply honey directly to your throat. For some added power, add some cayenne to make a paste and apply it to your throat.
You can also take a one-half to one teaspoon of raw, organic honey for almost instant relief from sore throat.
Teas for Sore Throat
There are several excellent herbs you can use to create a soothing, healing tea.
Linden – Linden is a very effective sore throat treatment. Steep some linden leaves and flowers in hot water, add some raw, organic honey and drink several cups a day. This can be combined with other remedies including the thyme and fennel tea explained below.
Olive Leaves – Olive leaves are very powerful anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. You can add a few leaves to any of the teas here for a health and immunity boost. Steep them in hot water and add to the teas.
Thyme and Fennel – Steep a teaspoon each of thyme and fennel in hot water. Strain and add some raw, organic honey. Drink up to 4 times a day.
Sore Throat Concoction – Mix the juice of ¼ lemon, 1-2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, a pinch of cayenne and 1-2 teaspoons of raw, organic honey in a cup of hot water. Stir the concoction well so that all ingredients are mixed and drink several cups a day (up to 4).
Licorice Root – Licorice root is a very soothing and healing for a sore throat. Steep some in hot water and add it to any of the teas here or include some with the other tea ingredients and steep them together.
Strep can become severe and this does not mean that you should not seek medical treatment if necessary. If you do, though and are prescribed antibiotics, make sure you take probiotics as well to keep your system balanced.
Natural Health Digest 