Gargling with salt water is a simple and effective way to relieve sore throats, inflammation and bad breath. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
- Take a sip of the salt water solution and gargle it in your mouth without swallowing.
- Gargle for about 30 seconds, then spit out the water.
- Repeat this process several times until the glass is empty.
It is important to note that gargling with salt water is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have serious symptoms or discomfort, you should consult a doctor.
Why does gargling salt water help with a sore throat?
Gargling with salt water can help with a sore throat for a variety of reasons:
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It acts as a natural antiseptic: Salt water has antiseptic properties and can help fight bacteria and viruses in the mouth and throat.
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It reduces inflammation: Salt water can also help reduce inflammation in the throat, which often plays a role in sore throats.
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It can loosen mucus: Gargling with salt water can loosen mucus in the throat and cough it up, which can help relieve a sore throat.
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It promotes blood circulation: Gargling with salt water stimulates blood circulation in the neck area, which can also help relieve pain.
However, it is important to note that gargling with salt water is not a guarantee of a quick recovery. If the sore throat lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should see a doctor.
How long should I gargle with salt water?
It is usually recommended to gargle with salt water 2-3 times a day to relieve sore throat and inflammation. Each time you should gargle for about 30 seconds, moving the salt water around in your mouth before spitting it out. The duration of gargling also depends on how severe the sore throat is and how much relief you need. If symptoms are more severe, you may want to do salt water gargling more frequently and gargle for longer periods. However, it is important to note that gargling with salt water is not a substitute for medical treatment. If your symptoms persist for more than a few days or are accompanied by other symptoms, you should see a doctor.
