Winter is almost here, and so are health issues like cold, flu, allergies, and sinus infections. Moreover, environmental pollutants have started affecting human bodies. People are experiencing various oral and throat conditions; if not taken care of, the pain becomes severe. In this case, one needs to concentrate on health and should incorporate a simple home remedy in their routine – gargling with salt water. The simple remedy has been followed for centuries to deal with sore throats. It reduces inflammation and alleviates pain, while providing relief from the discomfort.
Benefits Of Gargling With Salt Water
Salt is packed with antibacterial properties and when combined with warm water, it works its magic. Gargling with salt water reduces the bacterial load in the throat and mouth, further leading to recovery from infections.
Gargling with salt water aids in removing excess fluid from inflamed tissues. It reduces inflammation and irritation, and helps soothe a sore throat.
One of the benefits of gargling with salt water is that it breaks down mucus, which may be beneficial for individuals dealing with respiratory illness. Not only does it break down but also loosens mucus, thereby providing relief from congestion.
Incorporating this habit into your routine may help prevent the onset of infections, as it maintains a healthy oral environment. In addition to that, it also promotes oral hygiene.
Tips For Gargling With Salt Water
First and foremost, it is important to understand that the water is comfortably warm, neither cold nor hot.
The concentration of salt in the gargle solution should be apt as excessive amounts of salt can be irritating while insufficient will be effective. The ratio should be approximately 1 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water.
Most importantly, it is required to stay hydrated and consume a lot of water for overall throat health.
While it is the best remedy to get rid of throat issues, it is certainly not the medicine. Gargling can be beneficial for mild throat issues but when it worsens, consult a healthcare provider.
