In this article we will learn about nine homemade gargles to treat sore throat. Gargling is a simple and effective method to treat sore throat and bring relief from symptoms such as a scratchy, burning sensation in the throat and pain.
The therapeutic effects of gargling are achieved with the use of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial ingredients, which you probably have in your pantry.
Here are some homemade gargle options to treat sore throat.
Nine Homemade Gargles to Treat Sore Throat
1. Warm Water With Salt
Gargling salt water has two benefits, it helps clear phlegm from the throat and reduces inflammation. When salt water comes in contact with mucus, the salt pulls the water in it, causing it to come out of the throat.
The warm temperature of the water increases blood circulation in the area, as it dilates the vessels that supply the throat. With this, more defense cells arrive at the scene, increasing your body’s ability to fight the microorganisms present in the throat.
In addition, salt also has antiseptic properties, meaning it helps to kill bacteria in the throat. A tip to further enhance this effect is to add a mouthwash to warm salt water.
The gargle solution should be prepared as follows:
- Heat 1 cup of water until it is lukewarm.
- Add 1 tablespoon of salt
- Add 1 tablespoon of mouthwash (optional)
- Stir well so that all the salt dissolves in the water.
- Do this gargle every 3 hours
2. Baking Soda And Salt
Baking soda is an ingredient well-known for its multiple applications , being used in cleaning the house, removing stains from clothes, in cake recipes like yeast and even in teeth whitening.
A scientific study evaluated the effect of sodium bicarbonate on saliva and its impact on bacteria present in the mouth. To do this, they asked 25 healthy people to rinse their mouths with water and baking soda at night. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in bad bacteria in the mouth.
Gargling with baking soda and salt can also kill bacteria in your throat and prevent the growth of other microorganisms, such as fungi.
To make the gargle solution:
- Heat 1 cup of water until it is lukewarm.
- Add 1 tablespoon of salt
- Add 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda
- Stir until all the powder is well dissolved.
- Do this gargle every 3 hours
3. Apple Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another versatile ingredient that has been used in medicine for centuries due to its antibacterial property. Because of the acetic acid present in it, apple cider vinegar can kill the bacteria that cause inflammation in the throat.
To combine the antibacterial and analgesic effects, i.e. to relieve the pain of inflammation, the gargle solution must be prepared with warm water. If you like, you can add honey to the solution, as it forms a slimy layer in the throat, which protects it from irritation.
Here’s how to gargle:
- Heat 1 cup of water until it is lukewarm.
- Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
- Stir well until a homogeneous solution is formed.
- You can repeat the gargle whenever you experience sore throat discomforts.
4. Ginger, Honey and Lemon
Ginger is a root with excellent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, the perfect combination to reduce sore throat pain and help fight the microorganisms that cause the problem .
To make the gargle solution, it is best to use powdered ginger instead of grated or chopped root.
Lemon contributes vitamin C and powerful antioxidants, which will also help reduce inflammation and free radicals . Honey, as we’ve already seen, helps reduce discomfort and irritation by forming a protective layer in the throat. In this way, lemon and honey serve to enhance the therapeutic effects of ginger.
Here’s how to make homemade gingerbread gargle:
- Heat ½ cup of water until it is lukewarm
- Add the juice of ½ lemon
- Add 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger
- Add 1 teaspoon of honey
- Mix all ingredients well
- This gargle can be done whenever you have symptoms of a sore throat, such as pain and irritation.
5. Turmeric (curcumin)
Turmeric, also known as curcumin, is a plant in the same family as ginger. The active compound present in turmeric is curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. That is, it is another home treatment option for throat inflammation.
To make this gargle solution, it’s quite simple:
- Heat 1 cup of water until it is lukewarm.
- Add 1 tablespoon of salt
- Add 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
- Mix everything until you get a very homogeneous yellowish solution.
- You can repeat the gargle every hour as long as you experience strep throat.
6. Sage Tea
Sage is a medicinal plant that can be used to treat various health problems, including inflammation of the skin, mouth and throat. This is because the plant has proven anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and healing properties.
To gargle, you will need to prepare a sage tea:
- Put a tablespoon of sage leaves in a cup, and pour hot water over them.
- Leave the leaves to infuse in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Strain the water to discard the plant
- Wait for the water to become lukewarm and gargle.
- You can repeat the gargle several times a day, whenever you feel the need.
7. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds that help the body fight inflammation-causing agents. In addition, the menthol present in the leaves promotes light anesthesia in the throat, relieving pain.
To make peppermint tea and gargle:
- Boil 1 cup of water
- Add 1 tablespoon of fresh peppermint leaves
- Leave the leaves to infuse in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Strain the water to separate it from the weed.
- Wait for the water to become lukewarm and gargle.
- You can repeat the gargle several times a day whenever you experience sore throat pain or other discomfort.
8. Echinacea Tea
Echinacea tea is very popular when it comes to home treatments for colds and flu. And, of course, it can also be used to treat strep throat. The plant has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-allergic properties.
To gargle with echinacea, you can use the root or leaves of the plant:
- Boil 1 cup of water
- Add 1 tablespoon of echinacea root or leaves
- Leave the leaves to infuse in boiling water for 15 minutes.
- Strain the water and wait until it becomes lukewarm to gargle.
- Repeat the process whenever you feel the discomfort of the sore throat.
9. Clove Tea
Clove has a compound called eugenol, which is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic substance. Therefore, cloves are also on the list of homemade gargles to treat sore throat.
The recipe for this tea is as follows:
- Boil 1 cup of water, along with 10 units of cloves
- Boil for 5 minutes and cover
- Wait for the water to get lukewarm and strain it to gargle.
- Repeat the gargle every time your throat feels scratchy or sore. To see more post on All Remedies click here.
Do You Prefer To Gargle With Teas Or Acidic Substances Such As Apple Cider Vinegar And Lemon? Which Homemade Gargle Recipe Have You Tried Or Would You Like To Try? Comment Below!
