Strep throat is a bacterial infection also called as streptococcus pharyngitis). It is highly contagious, hence can be caused due to close contacts, cough, sneezing, shared food, and drinks.
It originates from bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus. It can be caused many times in a year having multiple reasons.
The symptoms include scratchy, swollen throat causing pain and irritation. Most commonly it is seen in school children. There are various brands and types of antibiotics available, but strep throat reacts to none.
Hence essential oils for strep throat have natural properties which work and help in strep throat prevention.
Types, Symptoms, And Causes
Types
Depending on the type of streptococcus, there are different kinds of strep infections. Strep throat is one of the types of strep infections that is caused by group-A bacteria hence also called Group A strep (GAS) or streptococcal pharyngitis.
Symptoms
- Throat pain and Painful swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever, Headache, Rash, Body Aches
- Nausea or vomiting, especially
Causes
- Direct bacterial attack
- Coughing, sneezing
- Exchange of saliva through food, drink
[Read: Natural Treatment for Strep Throat]
Top Essential Oils For Strep Throat
Essential oils are strongly scented liquids with higher concentrations and have hydrophobic compounds from various plants and are known by the name of the plant.
Essential oils for strep throat, work wonders in mitigating strep throat in kids, symptoms of strep throat pain and strep throat rash. The condition can be an indicator of some harrowing menace ready to strike in not too distant future. Thus it is important not to ignore the infection.
These potent oils have varying properties and if used with care and precaution can strike at the root of the problem. Few of the essential oils which help to cure strep throat are oregano oil, tea tree oil, clove oil, peppermint oil, lemon oil, eucalyptus oil, Hyssop oil, and thyme oil.
How to Use?
Following are the top essential oils which have practical benefits to cure strep throat
1. Oregano Oil
Oregano is a well-known herb that is also usable in oil form. It is used to reduce the bacterial action
Why Use Oregano Oil?
Oregano in oil form has various advantages like defense against strep throat, it is anti-fungal and antiviral properties that help cure strep throat.
How To Use Oregano Oil?
Oregano oil has antifungal and antiviral properties. Hence in the case of strep throat take the water you can either mix it in water and drink or it breathe-in as a vapor by adding it to a dissipator. Kids cannot swallow hot water hence vapor can be a good option to cure strep throat in kids.
[Read: Home Remedies to Cure Sore Throat]
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is also called Melaleuca. It is essential antibacterial hence has a necessary effect on such bacterial infection(1).
Why Use Tea Tree?
Along with properties to soothe the skin, it also has properties to fight bacterial, fungal and viral infections. This property helps to reduce the infection in the throat and stops its effects like irritation.
How To Use?
Tea tree oil is mixed well in hot beverages like water, tea or any Ayurvedic mixture. It will help to fight the bacterial infection and reduce the symptoms of infection.
3. Clove Oil
Why Use Clove Oil?
We know endless uses of clover in the kitchen, but it is beneficial essential oil and has medicinal properties as well. It has antiviral properties and can purify blood which increases resistance to a multitude of infection including strep throat.
How To use?
Clove is basically in solid form to get its oil we either mix it with honey in boiling water. With boiling water, it secretes its oil in water; this water is given as medicine to consume.
Along with clove oil, tea leaves, sugar, and other essential oils are mixed and brought to a boil which works wonderfully as a home-made tonic.
4. Thyme Oil
Why Use Thyme Oil?
Thyme is a known herb for its most potent antioxidants and antimicrobial properties.
It is used as a medicinal herb since long times. It supports the immune, respiratory, digestive, nervous system.
How to Use?
Add thyme oil in a glass of fresh water or warm water, mix it well and have it at least twice a day.
5. Peppermint Oil For Strep Throat
Why Use Peppermint Oil?
Intense aroma and flavor of cinnamon oil which acts as an antioxidant, antimicrobial substance. It also contains menthol which gives a cooling sensation and calming effect on the body. It also regulates your blood glucose levels to supplement weight management efforts.
How To Use?
Take a glass of lukewarm water and add a few drops of cinnamon oil to it along with some honey. Take it twice a day. It will reduce the infection and try to act like an anti-bacterial agent.
6. Lemon Essential Oil For Strep Throat
Why Use Lemon Essential Oil?
It is known as a cleanser to clean toxins from any organ of the body. It has a broad scope in stimulating lymph drainage and purify skin.
How To Use?
Add a tablespoon of essential lemon oil to a glass of lukewarm water and add some honey. It can also be added to the mixture which is termed as ‘Kadha’ in Ayurveda medicines.
[Read: Health Benefits of Lemon Balm]
6. Eucalyptus Oil For Strep Throat
Why Use Eucalyptus Oil?
The way we use gel or cream against congestion, eucalyptus oil works in the same way as gel and removes congestion. It provides antioxidant protection and improves respiratory circulation.
How To Use?
It is also consumed in the form of vapor. With using a towel or any other material will be beneficial to reduce disturbance by air.
[Read: Eucalyptus Oil Benefits]
7. Hyssop Oil For Strep Throat
Why Use Hyssop Oil?
Hyssop is getting used since ancient times. Hyssop has antiseptic properties which make it a powerful substance for fighting infections and killing bacteria(2). It reduces bronchial complaints.
How To Use?
Add two drops of hyssop oil in the steam inhaler. Thus, it is consumed by steam. Depending upon the level of strep throat infection is taken twice or thrice a day through such vapor.
Other Oils for Strep Throat
1. Castor Oil
Why Use Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a natural cough syrup; it boosts the immune system and soothes strep throat. It fights with bacteria and inflammation and helps the throat in recovery by stopping infection to spread.
How To Use?
Castor oil can be consumed by mixing with honey, lemon essential oil, peppermint essential oil, and lavender essential oil. In this honey is used to soothe your throat and oils will fight the bacteria.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the most versatile fruits in the world; it also has advantages to cure strep throat
Why use Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is a natural lozenge. Lozenges are usually made using artificial flavors and color. It helps to reduce the pain of swallowing due to swelling in the throat. Thus, helps in smooth yet painless food consumption.
How to use?
Take 1-2 teaspoon of coconut oil(3) thrice a day. It will ease the pain of a strep throat and a swollen throat. Also, combine licorice root tea with coconut oil for a natural throat soother.
Risks And Precautions
Essential Oils for strep throat have endless advantages, but one must pay close attention to their consumption and how each element can be used for a particular condition. There are certain types of manufactured oils that are safe to ingest, only these should be consumed, else, you could risk acidity, burning throat, etc.
[Read: Home Remedies for Strep Throat]
Other Home Remedies
Home remedies are an additional answer on how to treat your strep throat at home. In addition to the useful essential oils, you can also try the following home remedies to supplement your treatment: –
1. Peppermint oil, lemon oil, thyme oil
If available, the mixture of these oils or a single oil at a time will help to cure the infection.
Each one of these has advantageous characteristics that affect bacterial growth and help to combat the infection; hence it is helpful for faster recovery and can be an answer to how to cure strep throat.
2. Gargling
Hot water and salt, when mixed together can be used as a home remedy to cure strep throat. It is one of the effective yet more natural ways of home remedies.
3. Warm Water
As simple as it may sound, it is one of the most effective natural remedies for the symptoms of strep throat. Drink warm water after a specific time to reduce the swelling. Additionally, hot tea, soup or any drink that will give energy as well can be an excellent remedy to avoid weakness and dehydration.
Bottom Line
Any infection cannot be cured overnight. Hence proper diet to improve immunity is essential to avoid the risk of getting infected or if infected then recover faster.
Essential oils will help to prevent and control symptoms such as throat pain, throat rash. It is even effective in the case of kids. Also, care should be taken in a public place to avoid direct contact with an infected person.
[Read: ACV for Strep Throat]
FAQs
1. How fast will these remedies cure strep throat?
Your body needs time to react to natural remedies. Strep throat causes swelling in the throat. Hence it takes time to reduce the swelling, pain, and irritation. But a proper dosage with an appropriate combination will help to reduce the infection rapidly.
2. Is there any chance to suffer from infection again?
Yes. As strep throat is contagious you can be infected once you get in contact with an infected person, no matter if you had suffered from it in the recent period.
