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Gargling with salt water to treat sore throat and cough
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Do you have a sore throat or tick cough? Gargling with salt water is one of the oldest home remedies used around the world to relieve sore throats, stuck-on mucus, and mouth infections. But are the effects also scientifically proven?
Read also: From sore throat to laryngitis: what can you do yourself?
Why gargle with salt water?
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Gargling with salt water is said to have many health benefits. This would help:
- Sore throat and sore throat: When you gargle with a saline solution, water is extracted from the swollen mucous membranes in the throat. This reduces swelling and inflammation, which can provide relief from sore throat and other symptoms such as mucus production.
- Infections: Salt is a naturally mild antiseptic, which means it is able to fight bacteria and other pathogens. Gargling with salt water can eliminate or prevent the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, contributing to faster healing of infections in the throat and mouth.
- Allergies, because gargling with salt water expels mucus and allergens from the throat and reduces irritation.
- Maintaining oral hygiene: It is said to contribute to improving oral health by removing bacteria that cause gum problems and bad breath.
Read also: What is better for sore throat: cold or hot drinks?
Scientific evidence
Good news, because the benefits of gargling with salt water have also been scientifically proven to be effective.
- Preventing infections: A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine showed that regular gargling with salt water can significantly reduce the risk of upper respiratory infections, especially in people prone to colds and sore throats. Participants who gargled three times a day were less likely to develop cold symptoms or infections.
- Reducing sore throat: Another study in The Journal of Family Practice found that using saline to treat a sore throat helps reduce pain and inflammation. It often works faster than many over-the-counter treatments such as throat lozenges.
- Oral health: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology concluded that gargling with salt water helps reduce gingivitis and plaque. This is especially beneficial for people with gum problems or who have recently had dental surgery.
Read also: Does honey help treat sore throat?
How to gargle with salt water?
You can make an effective saline solution by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water (about 250 ml). It is important to use warm, but not hot, water, as this increases comfort and dissolves the solution more quickly. It is recommended to gargle for 30 seconds and then spit out the solution.
Read also: Nasal douche: Why do we wash our nose with salt water?
How often do you gargle with salt water?
Gargling with salt water can be safely done several times a day, depending on symptoms and purpose.
- Sore throat and mucus solution: Gargling 2-3 times a day is usually enough to provide relief and remove excess mucus.
- Oral hygiene and gum problems: It can also be used preventatively, but its use is limited to several times a day to prevent dryness of the oral mucosa.
In any case, do not do this more than 5 times a day, otherwise it may lead to irritation of the oral mucosa and dryness of the throat.
Read also: What can you do against dry cough and phlegm cough?
sources:
https://www.webmd.com
https://www.healthline.com
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
