Last Updated on January 14, 2020 by The Health Master
Why salt water gargling is the best. Lets try to understand
What do you do when you experience the first symptom of a cold?
To stop that tickling and irritation in the throat, most people reach out for home remedies or over-the-counter drugs.
But rather than taking so much effort, there is a simple thing that you can do for immediate relief, which is more natural and effective- gargling with saltwater.
You all might have read about the diverse benefits of gargling with salt water, but still, it is one of the most underrated home remedies for treating sore throat and inflammation.
In reality, it offers numerous health benefits and is safe.
Also read: Is it important to drink water first thing in the morning?
Why does it work?
Salt water gargle is an ancient remedy, but science also swears by its effectiveness.
When you gargle with salt water, it creates an osmosis effect due to which the salt draws fluids from your throat.
It breaks up the mucus, removes irritants like allergens, bacteria and fungi, hence clearing the throat.
It also removes the harmful pathogens from your gum and prevents their growth.
Also read: What happens when you swallow a pill without water
Benefits
There are numerous health benefits of gargling with salt water. Some of them are:
-This natural remedy helps to alleviate sore throat, inflammation, colds, and sinus infections.
-Pain due to gum bleeding can also be reduced by using this concoction regularly.
-Gargling with salt water neutralises the acids in the mouth and maintain their pH balance, which helps prevent gingivitis.
-It also protects from the spread of fungal infections in the mouth and throat.
Also read: Drinking tea regularly can help you live longer and healthier
How to gargle with salt water?
Add a quarter of a half teaspoon of table salt in a glass of warm water and stir it properly.
Take a large sip of salt water in your mouth, tilt your head back and gargle for 30 seconds, then swish the water around your mouth and spit it.
Repeat the same process 5-7 times. If you are suffering from cold or sore throat, gargle with salt water at least 2 times a day.
The bottom line
Make sure water is not too hot, else it will burn your mouth.
It should be slightly warm so that you can easily gargle with it.
Also, do not add too much salt in the water.
Excess of salt will make the tissue of your mouth and throat dry.
Also read: The real habits to adopt to stay healthy
