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.
Salt Water Gargle
Posted by Rin (Camas, WA) on 12/23/2007
★★★★★
My daughter has a bad case of mono. Her tonsils were so swollen they were touching her uvula and she couldn't swallow any pain meds. We were having her gargle with a salt rinse, with no real relief. We called my inlaws and they suggested rinsing with a tsp of bs in lukewarm water followed by the salt rinse every two hours. Amazing! My daughter's tonsils are a little less swollen and it took the pain away for her to sleep for a lot longer last night. I found your site this morning when I was researching bs rinses. The doctor's we saw never even suggested it.
Salt Water Gargle
Posted by Bob (Timnbuktu, Timnbuktan) on 11/17/2007
★★★★★
Salt water and Sodium Bicarbonate Gargle the best sore throat cure -- Ingredients: Half a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate and a teaspoon of salt. Mix: Place bicarb and salt into mug. Add apx two tablespoons of boiling hot water (a quater a cup). The temperature actiates the bicarb and salt and it bubbles furiously for a few seconds. Add cool water until temperature is warm/hot cool enough to gargle -and gargle it until all gone. The bicarb helps break down the mucous and permits the salt to do its job
Salt Water Gargle
Posted by Beth (Clearfield, PA) on 08/16/2007
★★★★★
I really enjoy this site and have tried some of the suggestions with much success. I have been ready about the Cayenne Pepper for a sore throat. I can't even imagine how that must feel. I am not a fan of spicy hot things so I know I would never try the Cayenne Pepper. If there is anyone out there that is not a fan of this type of remedy, I have one that I have used for years with total success. Gargle with salt water. I can't give you the exact measurements, because I don't make the same amount every time, but I can tell you that the solution should not be any saltier than your tears which is not all the salty. This remedy has worked every time for me and my family. My husband's aunt, who was an army nurse during WWII, told me that they used salt and sugar solutions to cure a lot of things years ago when she was growing up. Both items have healing properties when used correctly. Hope this suggestion helps someone.
Salt Water Gargle
Posted by Norman (Anaheim, CA) on 12/07/2006
★★★★★
it's now 12:20am. been lying in bed and trying to sleep since 10:30pm but my constant coughing and really sore throat prevent me from sleeping so i got up and google "the best way to cure sore throat" and this site is on the top of the results. since the only thing that's available for me at this hour is the salt, i tried and gave it a shot. i heated up water and put a great amount of salt on it. i gargled it and i really felt much better. although, i can still feel it being sore, it made me stop coughing and the itchiness on my throat is gone. thanks!
Salt Water Gargle
Posted by Christina (USA) on 01/17/2006
★★★★★
YES USING SALT WATER DID HELP SOOTHE MY THROAT, BUT ALSO IT IS BETTER WITH COLD SALT WATER. HOW CAN SALT REDUCE SORENESS THOUGH I JUST DON'T GET IT.
Salt Water Gargle
Posted by Tammy (Pampa, Tx) on 01/11/2006
★★★★★
I had a really bad sore throat, but was really hungry. I snacked on some really salty peanuts. It a matter of minutes my sore throat was no longer hurting. I do believe that salt really works. I used to do the salt and water as a child. Pickle juice seemed to work as well.
Salt Water Gargle
Posted by Ruth (Fountain Inn, SC)
★★★★★
I swear by gargling salt water. My mom always used it. I tried that chloraseptic spray, it only numbs. Cough drops don't work because once you eat them they are gone. Salt will actually heal the throat. You can look it up. I think that it kills the bacteria that causes sore throats. I just know that it works. I use warm water and enough salt that I can stand it.
Salt Water Gargle
Posted by Tiggy (London)
★★★★★
a glass of tepid water with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt helps reduce soreness!!
Salt Water Gargle
Posted by Felicia (Georgia)
★★★★★
The best way I have found to soothe a sore throat is to mix 2 tsp salt with 1 cup warm water and add a crushed baby aspirin to mixture, and gargle several times.
Salt Water Gargle
Posted by Gerrad (St. Louis)
★★★★★
Salt Water Gargle helped too!! Use the hottest water that your mouth and throat will tolerate without being burned and uses Sea Salt if possible.
Salt Water Gargle
Posted by Leo (Macon, GA)
★★★★★
I used the the warm water and salt, and it worked well for me, because I could barely go to sleep, and after gargling some salt water, I was able to sleep, and was much more better the next morning.
Salt Water Gargle
Posted by Jess (MI)
★★★★★
I tried the salt water trick, and in about 30 minutes my sore throat was history. But that morning it wasn't so bad then it got bad REALLY bad. So I tried to look for a cure and I saw the salt water trick so, I tried it and it worked so you should try it! You can also add a couple drops of lemon juice if you would like. This may not cure it, but it makes it go away.
