If you have pain, irritation, or itchiness in your throat, you probably have a sore throat. A sore throat is fairly common and can affect anyone. It is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection but can sometimes also be the result of an allergy. A sore throat is normally not a cause for concern because it goes away in a week or so. However, if that irritation in your throat is driving you crazy, here are 5 simple remedies to fix it with just gargling.
5 Ways To Gargle For A Sore Throat
1. Salt Water
This age-old remedy helps kill bacteria in your throat. It’s ideal to use the hottest water you can tolerate comfortably. Cold water gargles are ineffective.
How To Use
- Add 1/4 tsp salt to 1 cup warm water.
- Stir and let the salt dissolve.
- Gargle thoroughly with this solution and spit it out.
- Do this a few times every day for 3–4 days.
- Make a fresh batch of salt water solution every time you gargle.
2. Ginger, Lemon, And Honey In Water
Ginger, lemon, and honey possess antibacterial properties and hence eliminate the bacteria responsible for your sore throat.12
How To Use
- Pour 1/2 cup hot water over 1 tsp of powdered ginger.
- To this solution, add the juice from half a lemon and 1 tsp of honey.
- Stir well.
- Gargle with this solution a few times every day for 3–4 days.
3. Baking Soda And Salt Water
Gargling with a baking soda and salt water mixture has been found to effectively kill the bacteria responsible for your sore throat.3
How To Use
- Add 1/4 tsp of baking soda and 1/8 tsp of salt to 1 cup of warm water.
- Stir well and take small sips, swishing the solution around in your mouth.
- Then, rinse with plain water.
- Do this every 3 hours for 3–4 days for best results.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, which is a popular natural remedy for a number of skin ailments, also works great for a sore throat thanks to its strong antibacterial properties. Its acidic nature is also said to prevent further bacterial growth. If you’re looking to try this remedy, ensure that you consult your doctor first because your body may be sensitive to vinegar.
How To Use
- Dilute 1–2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of water.
- Stir and gargle thoroughly with this solution.
- Repeat once or twice every hour for 3–4 days for relief.
- Drink a lot of water in between gargling sessions.
5. Licorice Root
Licorice root is believed to be quite effective in curing a sore throat. Research suggests that when mixed with water, it works great as a gargling solution.4 While this remedy is great for a sore throat, pregnant and breastfeeding women should steer clear of it.5
How To Use
- Add 1 tsp of licorice root powder to 1 cup of warm water.
- Stir and gargle well with this solution.
- Repeat a few times every day for 3–4 days to experience relief.
Try these simple but effective remedies to be rid of your sore throat in no time.
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