Hi L.,
I think its great that you want to try home remedies I do it all the time and they work. Now just general info: Inflammation in the body's attempt to eliminate digestive toxins so look to allergies (biggest in kids is wheat, dairy, sugar and corn) both food and environmental (pollutants, smoke or even perfumes), also think is he having any emotional or psych. blocks (things at school & home).
Treatments to try: Alot of rest and quiet activity (hard with other kids I know) to strengthen him, make food simple like soups and keep him hydrated warm water (stay away from sports drinks and juices they are all sugar), teas and gargles are good(sage, oregano, thyme, marjoram, lemon, raw honey), massage neck with essential oil like tea tree, lemon and ravensara.
So to recap address food allergies, intestinal health, stressors, give warm drinks. Try chiropractic, homeopathy or other alternative practitioners that can help you with those above. Also with the rheumatic fever with b hemolytic strep the attack rate is about 3% so do your own research about what you should do, arming yourself with information and asking questions is the best way to make the right decision for your children. Also you should know that if your son has trouble breathing, or does not improve with home remedies, starts to drool, 1 side of his throat gets enlarged or has a rash within 2 weeks of infection you should go see your pediatrician. There is a place for meds but its not with every sniffle, fever or cold that is the body's immune system maturing and getting rid of things. "Germs" are everywhere the world is not sterile and we are exposed all the time how you react depends on your overall health. Hope this helps. Also what I do for my sore throats is suck on a piece of garlic (biting it a little and just letting my saliva mix with it and swallow, knocks it out in 1 day) don't know if kids are willing to do this but adults can.
Also from personal experience I have had my step son for almost 1 year and he would always miss school and get sick in the past (he supposedly had add, allergies..) but knowing what I know from my profession I took him off dairy, wheat and sugar and oh my GOD he was night and day. He went from always being sick and making low D's and F's to making all passing grades A-C and he has gotten a fever once since he has been with us and it only lasted 1 day. No more allergies, asthma, athletes foot or other problems no missed school days. Natural things work but its also a family affair getting the junk out of the house and eating more fresh meats, fruits and veggies is the way to go! If you have any questions feel free to send me a message.