We’ve all been there before – it starts as a bit of tickle in the throat, and the next thing you know, you’re down for the count with a full-blown strep throat infection.
I know when it hits my house, it seems like everyone gets knocked down with it, one after the other.
But before you panic and run to the doctor demanding antibiotics, I suggest concocting this natural strep throat syrup right in your kitchen first. This homemade remedy just might do the trick, and tame that throat ache.
What is Strep Throat Anyway?
Strep throat is caused by Streptococcus bacteria that infect the back of the throat and tonsils.
It starts as just a little tickle or scratchiness in the throat. But then it follows up into a full-blown monster sore throat that makes swallowing feel like you’re gulping shards of glass.
Strep Throat Symptoms You Might Observe
Some of the most common misery-makers you can expect with a strep throat infection include:
- Killer pain when you swallow – Like razor blades going down the hatch.
- Swollen tonsils – Your tonsils at the back of your throat swell up and get inflamed, often with nasty white or yellow spots. Gross!
- Fever – Feeling chilled and flu-ish. Strep just loves to raise your body temperature.
- Headache and body aches – Because strep can’t torment you enough, apparently. Head pain and overall achiness often join the party.
- Fatigue – Good luck getting anything done with strep! It knocks you out and steals your energy.
- Loss of appetite – Hard to enjoy eating when it feels like swallowing a glass. Loss of appetite is common!
- Cough, congestion, runny nose – Strep can stir up mucus issues, coughing, and a stuffed-up nose. Not every case, but it happens.
- Rash – An itchy red rash sometimes appears, likely from the toxin spewed out by those nasty strep germs.
- Nausea and vomiting -Irritating extras that can come along with strep, especially in kids.
The sore throat and pain swallowing are usually the biggest complaints. But strep also drags along some miserable friends like fever, headache, and lack of energy.
The only upside is that with proper treatment, you can kick strep’s booty and start feeling better pretty quickly!
Herbs That Kill Streptococcus: Nature’s Strep Soothers!
Doctors often prescribe antibiotics for strep throat. But with antibiotic overuse leading to resistant bacteria, and antibiotics killing good gut bacteria too, try these natural remedies for strep throat first for mild cases!
Luckily, Mother Nature equips us with all sorts of options to tame misery-inducing strep gently:
Garlic
It contains allicin, a sulfur compound proven to inhibit strep bacteria growth.
Garlic earns its reputation as nature’s antibiotic despite its stinky breath. Try eating 2-3 raw cloves per day, or take a supplement containing at least 5,000 mcg of allicin.
Ginger
Gingerols and other compounds give ginger anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show ginger extracts can relieve sore throat pain and reduce inflammation.
Sipping on ginger tea made from freshly grated ginger several times a day can help reduce throat inflammation. You can also take 250-500 mg of ginger extract daily.
Cinnamon
National Library Of Medicine research shows cinnamon has antimicrobial effects against common oral pathogens while also easing throat discomfort. Try sprinkling cinnamon on oatmeal or mixing 1/2 tsp into herbal tea. You can also simmer sticks of cinnamon to make a soothing throat-coating drink.
Cayenne Pepper
The capsaicin in cayenne has natural pain-relieving effects. It temporarily relieves sore throat pain by reducing the substance P, a pain chemical messenger. Add just a pinch of cayenne to warm water or herbal tea and gargle briefly to coat the throat. Limit the contact time to avoid irritation.
Honey
Clinical studies found honey effective for symptomatic relief of children’s coughs and sore throats. Its antibacterial properties come from hydrogen peroxide]. But don’t give honey to babies under age one due to the risk of infection.
Lemon Juice
High in vitamin C, lemon can assist the immune system and make tissues less hospitable to bacteria. Lemon also helps lubricate the throat. Drink lemon water or gargle with the juice of 1 lemon mixed in 8 oz warm water.
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root contains mucilage, which coats and soothes sore throats in traditional herbal medicine. However, Limited clinical evidence is available on this.
Homemade Recipe For Step Throat Syrup – Get Rid Of Strep Throat Overnight
By combining these best herbs for sore throat and cough, you can mix up a syrup to tame that nasty strep throat reasonably quickly.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
- 2 tablespoons dried marshmallow root
- 1⁄2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Water
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Simmer the chopped garlic in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes until the amount is reduced by about half. Let the mixture fully cool, then chill it in the fridge until cold.
- Next, place the marshmallow root in a pint-sized jar and pour the chilled garlic water on it. Put the lid on and let it infuse for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best.
- In a separate small jar or container, stir together the honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper until it is fully blended.
- Once the marshmallow root has finished infusing, strain out the solid bits. Then, add the infused liquid into the jar with the honey mixture and stir it all together.
- Pour your finished syrup into an airtight jar or bottle and store it in the fridge for up to 3 months.
Make sure to shake it well before each use to recombine any ingredients that have separated.
How to Take This Homemade Strep Soother?
When that scratchy throat tickle rears its ugly head, bust out our homemade medicinal syrup, the best strep throat treatment without antibiotics!
Adults should take 1 tablespoon every 2-3 hours as needed for strep relief, but don’t take more than 4 doses per day.
For kiddos over 2 years old, give 1 teaspoon on the same schedule.
Let the syrup coat your throat for a while before drinking or eating anything else. Give it at least 10-15 minutes to do its magic. This gives the natural germ fighters time to work before you wash them away.
See a Doctor If The Symptoms Worsen
While this natural elixir can conquer mild to moderate strep throat, don’t mess around with severe symptoms. See your doctor immediately if your sore throat isn’t improving after 2-3 days of our DIY syrup or if you also develop issues like high fever, trouble swallowing, any rashes, weakness, or even dehydration.
Strep throat can cause more serious health problems. It’s better to be safe and get medical treatment if the situation worsens.
But for a general strep throat, this natural syrup could get you back in action faster and without antibiotics. I hope it vanquishes your family’s strep woes this season!
Let me know if you tried it and got better!
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