Does Saltwater & Baking Soda Gargal Help a Sore Throat

A sore throat makes doing just about anything uncomfortable. Swallowing and speaking can both become especially painful. There are a number of causes for this irritating condition, but everyone wishes it would leave. Although commercially-produced throat sprays and lozenges will usually facilitate a sore throat's departure, these can be expensive and contain questionable ingredients. However, quick and inexpensive sore throat solutions can be created in seconds in the kitchen.

Saltwater

Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water, then gargle for at least 30 seconds. This can help relieve sore throat pain. Repeat this process once an hour until bedtime or until soreness has gone. Salt helps remove mucus and other substances from the throat as well as helps to step bleeding. It is best not to swallow this mixture, however, since an excess of salt can lead to high blood sugar and other problems.

Baking Soda

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, also tends to work well as a sore throat-relieving gargle. Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda in 1 cup of water and gargle for at least 30 seconds. Baking soda is an acid neutralizer, it can create an environment in the throat that is inhospitable to yeasts and other organisms in the throat. Like a salt gargle, repeat a baking soda gargle once per hour. You will also want to avoid drinking this mixture, since too much acid-neutralizing substance in the stomach can sometimes lead to an uncomfortable increase in stomach acid because of the body's attempt to compensate for low acid levels. With both of these gargles, swish and gargle the mixture in the back of the throat, then spit it into a sink when finished.

Baking Soda and Saltwater Mixture

Mixing both saltwater and baking soda into a glass of water can also have a positive effect on throat pain. However, since both of these remedies work in slightly different ways, simply sticking with one or the other may be best. Try each gargle out individually. But if they both seem to help a little, a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in a cup of water to may make a bigger impact.