A sore throat is common during the cold and flu season.  It is the first symptom that I have that signals that I am coming down with “something.” I have never had the flu, but I get a bad cold at least once a year that often starts with a sore throat. 

My trusted home remedy for a sore throat has been handed down by my mother and grandmother—a warm salt water gargle.  Gargling with warm salt water to ease a sore throat works and it is not just an old wives’ tale.  

How Salt Water Gargles Work

Salt water gargle works because the salt acts like a magnet that pulls fluids from the inflamed tissues in the throat and gums. This also washes out the bacteria or virus temporarily. 

Gargling with warm salt water will not get rid of the sore throat immediately and it certainly will not cure a viral infection. But, you will get a drug-free relief.

Benefits of Salt Water Gargle

In addition to using a warm salt water gargle when you have a cold, using it regularly will also:

• Relieve nasal allergies
• Relieve sinus infections
• Soothe bleeding gums
• Soothe canker sores
• Cut down on harmful bacteria in the mouth
• Reduce respiratory infections

Recipe for Salt Water Gargle

• ½ teaspoon table salt or sea salt
• 8 ounces warm water

How to Gargle with Salt Water

• Take a large sip of the salt water
• Tilt your head back
• Gargle for 30 seconds
• Swish the water around your teeth and gums
• Spit out the water
• Repeat until all of the water is gone

Use a salt water gargle every three to four hours until the sore throat is gone.  If you still have a sore throat after three days, or you have a fever a mucus spots at the back of your throat, call your doctor.

In addition to salt water gargles, try my Caribbean ginger tea with lemon and honey.

We look forward to hearing about your experience in the comment section of this blog. Or you can join the conversation on the Keep It Tight Sisters Facebook Group.

Keep It Tight Sisters.

Eat. Move. Breathe.