Ever hear the saying, ‘it’s like salt to the wound?’ Well, that’s actually a good thing! Saltwater gargles really are effective – even if you first heard about them from your grandma. Saltwater gargles are a simple, safe, and affordable way to help ease throat and mouth issues. There is some scientific proof that they are an effective home remedy. The addition of salt with warm water used as a gargle, creates an osmosis effect where the concentration of salt draws fluids from your mouth and throat tissues and has been known to ease throat issues. It has also been known to break up thick mucus, which can remove irritants like allergens, bacteria, and fungi from the throat, according to Philip T. Hagen, MD, editor in chief of the Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies.
History of use.
Did you know that the medicinal use of salt dates back to 1600 B.C? Salt was known across Europe as, ‘White Gold,’ and for good reason too. The health benefits of salt have been recorded in some of the oldest medical scripts. It was believed that salt could dry out and disinfect wounds. During World War 2, it was still used to heal soldiers' wounds before they could reach a hospital. Ancient Egyptian medicine prescribed medicinal solutions, that had salt as a base ingredient. These were administered orally, applied as an ointment or as a suppository. Greek medicine also made use of salt by mixing it with honey to create a topical application to disinfect cuts and wounds.
Why should I use a Throat salt gargle?
Salt water gargles have become a popular remedy for some minor ailments. They’ve also been used successfully as alternative treatments long before modern medicine. Salt has been scientifically proven to help draw water out of oral tissues while creating a salt barrier that locks out harmful pathogens from getting back inside. This makes salt water gargles valuable for blocking viruses and bacteria, reducing the chance of infections in the mouth and throat, and relieving inflammation in certain cases. Throat soaks can help with:
Sore throat.
Sore throats are short-lived but unpleasant. The majority are caused by cold and flu viruses and usually run their course after a few days, but in the meantime, they can cause quite a bit of discomfort. Throat lozenges and sprays can help, but the relief they provide is temporary. You might have better luck (and speed up the healing process) by gargling with salt water! Saltwater gargles are still recommended for throat pain by doctors in clinical settings, noted in a 2011 clinical inquiry. Saltwater gargles alleviate a multitude of problems, the first of which is sore throat and throat irritation. The gargle is especially helpful with throat inflammation caused by seasonal allergies, colds, and sinus infections.
Sinus and respiratory infections.
Studies also show that saltwater may help reduce infection severity, whether it’s from a viral or bacterial infection. If you’re suffering from the flu or a cold with head and chest congestion, a saltwater gargle can thin the sore-throat-causing mucus build-up in your respiratory tract and nasal cavity. It won’t cure a sore throat—only time can do that—but its hypertonic properties (a biological term indicating the osmotic pressure is higher than that in the surrounding fluid) can help relieve pain and inflammation. This includes:
- colds
- Cases of flu
- strep throat
- mononucleosis
Fights off bacteria causing inflammation.
According to a controlled Respiratory Tract Infections study done in 2010, when you use a salt rinse, it’s harder for the bacteria in your mouth to grow spores that thrive and breed. These bacteria spores can lead to sickness and a sore throat. Moisture on the surface of the throat acts as a lubricant and helps soothe irritation, another annoyance brought on by inflammation.
Where to find Throat Soaks.
You’ll have to come up with the correct ratio of salt to water for a salt gargle. Too little is ineffective. Laki Naturals Throat Soaks are made just for this purpose. Carry a pack with you to use when you’re feeling a little stuffy in the winter, or just for maintenance mode. Laki Naturals salt is small so it dissolves quickly into water. Throat Soaks have a variety of other beneficial ingredients such as Ginger, Licorice, and Elderberry. When adding your Throat Soak to water, the water must be warm—the heat helps to dissolve the salt and increases blood flow in the throat, aiding the immune system and potentially leading to quicker healing. You’ll also have to be consistent. Gargling once won’t cut it; implement a routine and stick with it for the best results. You should start to feel better after 24 hours. It’s important to drink lots of water so the salt doesn’t cause your other cells to dry out.
Laki Naturals Variety Packets:
- Licorice & Orange (also contains Egyptian Chamomile powder and Zinc).
- Echinacea & Mint (also contains Egyptian Chamomile powder and Zinc).
- Elderberry & Mango (also contains Egyptian Chamomile powder and Zinc).
- Ginger & Pineapple (also contains Egyptian Chamomile powder and Zinc).
*Please note Laki Naturals Throat Soaks are inspired by an ancient Hawaiian remedy and these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.