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Salt Water for Laryngitis

| Modified on May 14, 2023
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There are few natural remedies that are easier and cheaper than salt water. Gargling with salt water to cure laryngitis or a sore throat is a common remedy for people worldwide. It seems simple enough - but why does it work?

The salty water creates an inhospitable environment for the bacteria causing the infection. Many strains of bacteria are now resistant to low levels of salt, but they still cannot thrive and reproduce in the salty environment. Infections also cause excess fluid to form; the salt helps to draw this excess fluid from the tissue. This reduces the swelling, making the throat feel better and promoting healing.

Salt Water Gargle

Salt dissolves better in warm water. Add 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt to a glass of warm water and gargle as long as possible. Spit out and repeat 3 times. This can be done several times throughout the day and evening, with the last gargle just before bed.

NOTE: If the salt water gargle does not help with laryngitis or a sore throat, it may mean that the infection is in tonsillar crypts. This means that the salt water cannot reach the infection, so will not be able to heal it.

Continue reading below for reports from our readers on how salt water worked to cure their laryngitis! If you try this remedy, please let us know how it worked for you!

Related Links:

10 Best Natural Remedies for Soothing a Sore Throat
Home Remedies for Laryngitis
Sea Salt Health Benefits - Bladder Infections, Sore Throats, Sinuses

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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6 User Reviews

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Posted by Anon (Iberia, Missouri) on 12/18/2012
 ★★★★★

Here's something Ive done to get my voice back in a few hrs. For 1 day, eat a raw lemon w/ salt. After about 2 lemons & salt you'll have your voice back.

I take care of 7 kids & losing my voice happens a lot & this has always helped. If you don't like lemons, eat a spoonful of all natural honey after eating the lemon.

Salt Water
Posted by Matthew (Hopkins, MN) on 12/30/2008
 ★★★★★

laryngitis and salt water: it does work...for about 5 minutes, and one can keep doing it as long as it's needed. For work, I talk on the phone all day long and I can't rest my vocal cords, this will keep me audible for about 2 minutes before I have to gargle again. But it does work.

Replied by Rjay
(Binan, Philippines)
07/28/2011
★★★★★

I try it and it definitely works!! Taste bad.

Salt Water
Posted by Marie (Donegal, Ireland) on 12/22/2008
 ★★★★★

Well, I thought I would never sing again with my bad flu. I could hardly talk. thumbs up !! I tried salt and vinegar,that worked and I tried salt and water, it tastes nasty at first but its ok in about 5 seconds..

Salt Water
Posted by Charis (Woodhaven, Queens, NY) on 05/18/2007
 ★★★★★

In my personal case i suffer from laryngitis for years caused by smoking, vocal adusing and reflux , eucalyptus and sage fights the soreness and soften the mucus. Salt with warm water helps alot.. and don't talk for a few days, and when you start talking don't shout until you're perfectly cured.. Better results i had with homeopathy and avoid or reduce to the minimum FOREVER smoking, loud talking, caffeine, alcohol, and anything that can cause toxins in your system. Unfortunately all the "bad habits" attack in the throat for some people and that's a bell ringing for u that u should stop them. Good luck

Salt Water
Posted by Gwyn (Chickasha, Oklahoma) on 05/05/2007
 ★★★★★

I get laryngitis every year like clock work. The only thing I found that helps is gargling on warm salt water. Just put some salt in a coffee cup and add hot tap water, stir, and gargle. Spit and repeat 3-4 more times. It is okay to swallow some of the liquid. But don't drink it. It helps loosen up the mucus in your throat due to the drainage of your sinus/allergy infection. Avoid extensive talking if possible. I had heard that rubbing "Absorbine JR" around your throat/neck, helps the swelling go down. I tried it and had it to where I could taste it. It didn't work. So, just resting your voice box and using warm salt water is the only remedy I could advise. Hope this helps.



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