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Alternatives to Gargling Salt

Gargling with one tablespoon table salt mixed with 8 ounces of warm water is an effective home remedy for a sore throat, according to the MayoClinic.com. But if you’re looking to soothe your throat without reaching for the salt shaker, you might want to check your cupboard or the local health food store for the ingredients for alternatives. Before you do try alternatives to gargling salt, check with your doctor first; certain medications may interact in a negative way with your chosen alternative.

  1. Honey

    • Apart from being a sweet treat, honey has been used for centuries as a healing agent both topically and internally. Along with potassium, calcium and iron, honey brings a lot of nutrients to the table. Mix a tablespoon of honey into your tea, or squeeze the juice of a lemon into a glass of warm water. You can also add some honey and let this natural balm coat your sore throat. Never give honey to children less than a year old due to the spores in honey that may cause botulism in babies.

    Garlic

    • Plan on using this alternative to gargling with salt when you have no social engagements. Garlic is loaded with allicin, which fights bacterial and viral infections, either of which can attack your throat to make it sore. Two to four minced raw garlic cloves can be added to your meals or it can be taken as a tincture, in tablets or oil form. See your doctor if you are taking blood thinners before you use garlic as a remedy.

    Goldenseal

    • The root of the Goldenseal plant has been prized for hundreds of years for its anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antibacterial properties, among others. Mix the dried roots with tea or buy a tincture of Goldenseal and add 10 drops to two tablespoons of water to reduce the swelling in your throat caused by mucus. Goldenseal can be purchased in a health food store or at some pharmacies, but check with your doctor before using if you suffer from hypertension, glaucoma or diabetes or have had a stroke as Goldenseal may produce adverse reactions.

    Apple Cider Vinegar

    • Any vinegar can do the trick, but apple cider vinegar is the most palatable for this alternative to gargling with salt. Grab a glass of warm water and stir in two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Gargle until the glass is empty and repeat every hour until your sore throat is gone.

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