Salt water gargle has been considered as an effective home remedy for ailments like cold and flu.
You can gargle with salt water twice a day
HIGHLIGHTS
- Salt water gargle is effective for preventing re-infections
- Mouth ulcers can be treated with salt water gargle
- Salt water gargle can be conveniently done at home
Every time you have a sore throat, cold or sinus infections, you are advised salt water gargles for relief. Salt water gargles are helpful when you are suffering from allergies and other health imbalances. They give relief from certain infections and prevent them from getting worse. Moreover, preparing for salt water gargle is very simple. All you need is warm water and salt and in no time you're done. They are an age old remedy.
Why is salt water gargle effective?
There are researches that support salt water gargle for certain mild health issues. It helps in drawing water from oral tissues by creating a salt barrier that pushes water and harmful pathogens and prevents them from getting back inside.
Salt water gargle blocks viruses and bacteria and reduces incidence of infections in mouth and throat.
Also read: Ajwain - A Natural Remedy For Colds That Actually Works
Following are other medicinal benefits of salt water gargle:
1. Sore throat
Salt water gargle relieves from throat pain and is also very effective for treating sore throats during cold or flu.
2. Allergies
Salt water relives sore throat which caused by allergic reactions other than cold or flu, like pollen or dog and cat dander.
Also read: What Is The Difference Between A Cold And The Flu?
3. Sinus and respiratory functions
Salt water gargle reduces severity of viral and bacterial infections. According to a 2013 study on non-medical prevention methods of flu, salt water gargle is more effective for preventing re-infections than vaccinations for flu.
4. Mouth ulcers
Salt water gargle has also been considered an effective home remedy for treating mouth ulcers. They ease the pain and inflammation that these ulcers cause.
5. Dental health
Salt water gargle helps in protection of gums and is hence good for dental health. It also helps in keeping gingivitis and cavities at bay. It also brings down the number of bacteria in saliva.
Also read: 6 Things You Should Not Do When You Have A Cold
How to prepare salt water and gargle with it
Add 1/2 a tsp of salt for every 8 ounces of water. The water is most effective when it is warm.
Gargle the water at the back of the throat for as long as possible. Swish the water around the mouth and teeth after that. Spit or swallow as per your convenience.
However, during infections, it is the best spit out water. Do not consume too much of salt water as it can cause dehydration. Drinking too much salt water can also lead to calcium deficiency in the body along with high blood pressure.
Gargling for two times in a day is usually recommended. But you can gargle more times if you feel like.
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