A recent study that was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine revealed that gargling salt water can keep you from cold and flu. In the research that they conducted were included 400 healthy volunteers. They divided them in two groups and one was told to gargle with salt water 3 times a day. At the end of the cold and flu season they came to conclusion that the group that gargled with salt water had 40% decrease in upper respiratory and tract infections in comparison with the other group.
Some other studies conducted in 2005 also confirmed that gargling salt water is good for prevention of upper respiratory tract infections in cold season.
The following are 5 benefits that you will get from Gargling with Salt water :
- Reduces pain in the throat
Dr. Philip T. Hagen claims that salt water can reduce the pain in the throat by drawing the excess fluid from the inflamed tissues. It also removes irritants like allergens, bacteria and fungi from the throat.
Prepare a solution with ¼ or ½ teaspoon salt and 8 ounces of lukewarm water for gargling.
- Sore Throat
The salt water can neutralize the aids in the throat thus keeping the pH balance neutral.
You should just take a cup of warm water and dissolve ¼ tsp of salt in it.
- Toothache
Salt can kill bacteria and other germs by drawing out water from the pathogens.
For this purpose dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 of baking soda in 500 ml of pure water. Stir it well and gargle.
- Bad Breath
Salt can kill infections, which are the most often causers of bad breath.
Dissolve ¼ tsp of salt in 2 oz water and add few drops of mint oil to it. In a few minutes you will have your own homemade mouthwash.
- Blocked Nose
Mix ½ teaspoon salt in a glass of water. Put the mixture into a nose dropper and inhale the liquid through your nostrils. Use 2-3 drops for each nostril. Blow your nose thoroughly until no discharge remains.
Sourced: livingtraditionally
