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Gargling is one of the oldest traditional methods of throat infections. Gargling is very helpful in diseases such as strep throat and pharyngitis. This home method has positive opinions, as gargling the throat very often at the beginning of the infection does not lead to its development. Find out what and how to gargle.

Garglingis one of the home remedies for a sore throat. It also helps to prevent infections. If it is developed, it speeds up the healing process.

The throat is usually rinsed with hydrogen peroxide, water with s alt or baking soda. You can also rinse them with herbal mixtures. Although gargling usually helps get rid of the infection, remember that if your throat does not improve or swells too much, you should see your doctor immediately.

Gargling with hydrogen peroxide - proportions

Gargling with hydrogen peroxide is one of the best known treatments for a sore throat. Hydrogen peroxide has a disinfecting effect, i.e. antibacterial and antifungal. For this reason, it is perfect for an infected throat. It fights bacteria, thus preventing the development of the disease.

Observe the correct ratio when making the gargling solution. 1 teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide should be mixed with half a glass of water. The water should not be too warm or too cold. You can rinse your throat with this solution several times a day. If this method does not work, see a doctor who will prescribe the appropriate medications.

Gargling with s alt water

S alt has disinfecting (bactericidal) properties, therefore a solution of water with s alt can prevent throat infections. In addition, the saline solution has an anti-swelling effect, so rinsing can reduce the swelling of the throat or tonsils.

Despite the good effects of gargling with s alt, there may also be side effects such as:

  • mucosal irritation
  • baking
  • cough
  • increased redness of the throat
  • unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth

The side effects of gargling with s alt are usually caused by too much s alt solution, which is why you decide to gargle with s altthroat with this method, the right proportions should be kept when preparing the mixture. It is best to add a flat teaspoon of s alt to 1/3 cup of water. Stronger solution may irritate the throat.

Gargling with baking soda

A good way to fight a throat infection is to rinse with a solution of baking soda and water. It has anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it disinfects and soothes a sore throat.

Add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of boiled water at room temperature. More baking soda can irritate the mucosa, which will be opposite to the desired effect.

Gargling with sage

Herbal rinses are also great for swelling and sore throats. The most effective action is shown by sage, chamomile and thyme. Pour hot water over the sage and let it brew for about 15 minutes. Then set it aside to cool.

Do not rinse your throat with hot tea!

Gargling with iodine

A very often recommended method for a sore throat is rinsing it with iodine.

Iodine is a solution of the element - iodine - in alcohol. Both iodine and alcohol have a strong antibacterial effect. For this reason, iodine was used by our grandmothers to disinfect wounds and cuts. However, it was quite painful (due to the high alcohol concentration), unsightly due to the dark brown color of the skin, and it also led to tissue damage.

Iodyna, however, is still great for a sore throat and even tonsillitis. It is suitable for both rinsing and brushing the throat and tonsils.

The iodine gargle solution should be prepared in cooled boiled water in a ratio of 1 to 10. The solution should be used immediately as it is very unstable. In the case of purulent angina, the throat should be rinsed approx. 4 times a day.

Brushing the tonsils should be done with a 1 to 1 solution of iodine and glycerin. For brushing you need a sterile gauze dressing, which should be wrapped around a wooden spatula.

Iodine should not be used by people struggling with thyroid diseases, especially hypothyroidism, Graves' disease and Hashimoto's.

Oil gargling

There have been many myths around gargling with oil. One thing is for sure - you shouldn't gargle your throat with oil. The oil can only be used to rinse the mouth. When gargling the throat, the oil could easily get into the stomach, which is not good for he alth, as the oil collects bacteria and toxins along the way through the digestive tract. Also, the presence of oil in the throatmay induce a gag reflex.

On the other hand, rinsing the mouth with oil will help to fight bacteria in the mouth, thus helping to inhibit the development of infection. The oil removes bacteria and germs from hard-to-reach places (e.g. between the teeth), thus relieving the immune system. For a mouthwash, choose coconut, rapeseed, sunflower, linseed or sesame oil.

How to gargle?

Rinse the throat with an appropriate solution at room temperature.

Take a small sip of the solution, tilt your head back and let it out, gently gurgling it.

After a few seconds, the liquid should be returned to the wash basin.

Repeat this process about 4 times.

Too long and too frequent gargling of the throat may irritate the mucosa, so this process should be repeated up to 3-4 times a day.

About the authorWeronika RumińskaA graduate of Polish philology with an editorial and publishing specialization at the University of Warsaw. She developed her interests related to the editor's work already during her master's studies, actively cooperating with Poradnikzdrowie.pl on the editorial path and social media. Privately, a lover of good crime fiction and horse riding.

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Category:

Alternative medicine