Should You Gargle With Salt Water For A Sore Throat?
Sore throats are common and can be caused by an illness or a virus. There are many ways to treat them, including over-the-counter medications and home remedies. One of those natural home remedies is gargling salt water. But does it actually work?
H3 How Does Gargling Salt Water Help Relieve Sore Throats?
Gargling salt water helps in relieving a sore throat. This can be done by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, and then gargling it.
The benefits of gargling with salt water are explained below:
- The antiseptic properties of the salt help in killing bacteria that cause infections and sore throats.
- The minerals present in table salt have anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe inflamed tissues during a sore throat.
Salt Water Gargle Reduces Inflammation and Removes Mucus
Gargling with warm salt water can relieve a sore or scratchy throat by reducing inflammation and removing mucus from the back of the throat.
Salt is an effective anti-inflammatory, which means it helps ease swelling and pain in your mouth. When you gargle with warm salt water, you’re loosening up mucus in the back of your throat so that when you spit out, it won’t be as thick anymore.
However, keep in mind that this isn’t a substitute for medication or antibiotics if necessary. Salt water gargles are best used as a supplement to other treatments for colds and sore throats instead of being used alone.
How To Salt Water Gargle
To get the most out of a saltwater gargle, use warm water and dissolve as much salt as possible into it. You can also add in some honey or lemon for added benefits.
Salt water gargle for sore throat: Use the warmest water possible when making this gargle and add around half a teaspoon of salt to it. A salt water gargle is best made by dissolving half a teaspoon of coarse sea salt into 8 ounces (240 ml) of warm water and then straining before use.
What If Gargling Salt Water Doesn’t Work?
Gargling salt water can help with a sore throat, but it isn’t always enough by itself. It’s best to use warm water, as cold fluids can make the pain worse. It’s also vital to use as much salt as you can dissolve in the water—more is better! Add honey or lemon for additional benefits and enjoy.
If you’re worried about getting too much salt in your diet, don’t worry: gargling is not a significant source of sodium intake for most people. However, if you have high blood pressure or are on a low-sodium diet for another reason, avoid gargling with sea salt at all costs (you could even try steeping a bit of tea in warm water instead). If you feel like your sore throat is getting worse, after doing this, then it’s time to see your throat doctor and specialist.
Still struggling with a sore throat? Make an appointment with one of the specialists at Breathe Clear Institute today.
If you’re still experiencing a sore throat, make an appointment for an evaluation at Breathe Clear Institute to see what treatment options are right for you.