According to the New York Times, saltwater gargling helps to deal with cold symptoms and keeps you healthier during cold and flu season. According to a randomized study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. “The researchers recruited about 400 healthy volunteers and followed them for 60 days during cold and flu season. Some of the subjects were told to gargle three times a day. At the end of the study period, the group that gargled regularly had a 40 percent decrease in upper respiratory and tract infections compared with the control group.” In Japan gargling is viewed as a way to stay healthy, a 2005 study found that gargling regularly during the common-cold season helped prevent more upper respiratory tract infections.

5 Reasons to Start Gargling with Salt Water

Common Cold or Cough

Salt water can draw excess fluid from inflamed tissues in the throat, making them hurt less, said Dr. Philip T. Hagen. Gargling with salt water helps loosen thick mucus, which can remove irritants like allergens, bacteria and fungi from the throat. Dissolve 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water for gargling.

Sore Throat

When the salt water enters the throat, the solution helps to neutralize acids in the throat, restoring the natural pH balance. Just mix a cup of warm water with 1/4 tsp of salt.

Toothache

Salt helps draw out water from the pathogens and dehydrates them which is effective at killing bacteria and other germs. Take 500 ml of pure water in a glass and add one teaspoon each of table salt and baking soda. Stir the mixture well and gargle.

Bad Breath

Salt is a natural sterilizer and can prevent or kill an infection. You can add 1/4 tsp of salt to 2 oz of water and a couple drops of mint oil to make your own mouthwash. The salt kills many of the causes of bad breath.

Blocked nose:

Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of water. Draw mixture into a nose dropper, and inhale liquid through your nostrils. Repeat this for each nostril, using 2 – 3 drops of the solution each time. When you are through, blow your nose until no discharge remains.

Source:

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