A sore, itchy throat and respiratory congestion are some of the more common symptoms of a cold, and gargling with salt water seems to help for several reasons. A saline solution can draw excess fluid from inflamed tissues in the throat, making them hurt less.
Gargling with salt water is a common home remedy that is believed to alleviate the symptoms of the common cold, especially respiratory congestion and a sore throat. The theory behind this remedy is that the saline solution can draw excess fluid from inflamed tissues in the throat and loosen thick mucus, thereby removing irritants like allergens, bacteria, and fungi from the throat.
A randomized study published in The American Journal of Preventive Medicine in 2005 found that regular gargling with salt water reduced upper respiratory tract infections by almost 40% compared to the control group. The study followed almost 400 healthy volunteers over a 60-day period during cold and flu season. Gargling with water and using nasal saline spray are also cost-effective and supported with clinical evidence. Furthermore, according to the Mayo Clinic, gargling with a saline solution can ease symptoms of a cold, and for best results, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a full glass of warm water and gargle the solution for a few seconds before spitting it out.
Gargling with salt water can ease the symptoms of the common cold, especially respiratory congestion and a sore throat. The remedy works by drawing excess fluid from inflamed tissues in the throat and loosening thick mucus, thereby removing irritants like allergens, bacteria, and fungi from the throat. A randomized study published in The American Journal of Preventive Medicine in 2005 found that regular gargling with salt water reduced upper respiratory tract infections by almost 40% compared to the control group. Gargling with water and using nasal saline spray are also cost-effective and supported with clinical evidence.
Gargling With Salt Water Can Ease Cold Symptoms Anahad O’Connor
https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/28/health/28real.html
Prevention of upper respiratory tract infections by gargling: a randomized trial
