A salt water gargle and other gargling solutions made with sodium bicarbonate, vinegar or chamomile are easy to prepare at home and effective in treating a sore throat. These gargles contain bactericidal, antimicrobial and disinfectant properties that help to eliminate microorganisms that can be causing throat inflammation.
Regularly gargling with salt water when you are treating a sore throat can be an excellent home remedy to complement the treatment your doctor prescribed. A sore throat can often be managed with medications like like anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen) or analgesics (e.g. acetaminophen), however alt water gargles and other solutions can help to reduce the need for these medications.
Teas and smoothies with anti-inflammatory properties can also be consumed to manage symptoms related to your sore throat, like headaches or fatigue. Read more about anti-inflammatory teas that you can prepare at home.
Gargles for throat pain
To soothe a sore throat at home, you can mix any of the following gargle solutions:
1. Salt water gargle
A salt water gargle has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. It may help soothe throat pain and eliminate bacteria that contribute to irritation and infection.
How to prepare: Mix 1 teaspoon of salt into 1 glass of warm water, stirring until the salt is completely dissolved. Take a sip and gargle for as long as possible before spitting it out. Repeat the process 2 more times in a row.
2. Chamomile tea gargle
Gargling with chamomile tea may help relieve a sore throat and calm irritation due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
How to prepare: Add 2 teaspoons of chamomile flowers or leaves to 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and let steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain, let it cool to a comfortable temperature, then gargle for as long as possible before spitting it out. Repeat 2 more times. Prepare a fresh tea each time you gargle.
Also recommended: Chamomile: Health Benefits & How to Prepare tuasaude.com/en/chamomile3. Baking soda gargle
A baking soda gargle has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that may help relieve irritation, inflammation, or mild infections in the throat.
How to prepare: Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda into 1 cup of warm water, stirring until fully dissolved. Take a sip, gargle for as long as you can, then spit it out. Repeat 2 more times in a row.
4. Apple cider vinegar gargle
Apple cider vinegar contains antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial compounds that may help reduce throat inflammation and relieve symptoms.
How to prepare: Mix 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into 1 cup of warm water. Gargle for as long as possible and then spit it out. It’s important to rinse your mouth with water afterward and wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to help prevent enamel erosion.
5. Peppermint tea gargle
Peppermint contains menthol, a compound with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It may help ease sore throat symptoms and support recovery from infections.
How to prepare: Steep 1 tablespoon of fresh peppermint leaves in 1 cup of boiling water. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then cool to a comfortable temperature and use the tea to gargle throughout the day.
Read more about the benefits of peppermint tea and what it can be used for.
6. Arnica tea gargle
Arnica tea contains helenalin, a compound with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antimicrobial effects. Gargling with this tea may help relieve sore throat symptoms.
How to prepare: Add 1 teaspoon of dried arnica leaves to 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain, allow it to cool slightly, and gargle for as long as possible before spitting it out. Repeat 2 more times.
7. Clove gargle
Cloves contain eugenol, which has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. A clove gargle may help reduce sore throat pain and swelling.
How to prepare: Boil 10 whole cloves in 1 cup of water for 5 minutes, then cover and let cool to a warm temperature. Strain and gargle for 20 to 30 seconds, twice a day, spitting it out afterward.
When to gargle
Salt water gargles (or garglingo ther solutions) should be performed at least twice per day while symptoms persist. If pus is visible in the throat, it may be a sign of a bacterial infection. These types of infections require additional treatment with antibiotics.
Check out other sore throat remedies that you can use to manage throat irritation and inflammation.
When it’s not recommended
Children under 6 years of age may not be able to gargle safely, which may increase a risk for choking and further discomfort. Therefore, gargling is not recommended for children five and under.
Older adults or people with swallowing difficulties may also be unable to gargle safely, and gargling is also not advised.