A - Z of Home Remedies & Cures

Gargling clears out unhealthy bacteria from your mouth and throat and helps relieve sore throats, it also helps improve oral health. Use a drinking glass for gargling and make sure it is clean.

Add half a teaspoonful of table salt to a half glass of water: hot, cold or lukewarm water can be used and tap water is normally acceptable in the UK.  Stir the water to dissolve the salt. Take a small drink from the glass and swirl the liquid around your mouth, moving your tongue up and down, and then moving your cheeks in and out to ensure the liquid gets sloshed around all parts of your mouth.

Next tilt your head back, open your mouth (try not to swallow the liquid), and using your voice, try to make an ‘Ahhh’ sound for 2-3 seconds. This may take a few attempts to get the technique working. The gargling vibrations will cause the liquid to move about and coat the back of your mouth removing bacteria. Spit out the gargle into the wash basin. Don’t worry if you swallowed some liquid, it won’t do any harm, apart from making you thirsty. Swallowing too much salty water will make you feel ill.

Repeat this exercise and try to make the ‘Ahhh’ sound last for 5-6 seconds, this will remove more bacteria and sooth your sore throat. When you have finished gargling you may freshen up your mouth by brushing your teeth and rinsing with water.

If the salt water gargle is too harsh for you, add lemon or lime juice and honey to hot water for a soothing gargle. If you swallow any of this honey and lemon liquid while gargling it can be regarded as a healthy drink. If you haven’t used all the honey and lemon gargle mix you can drink it as a health drink.