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Why does gargling salt water help a sore throat?

When I was younger every time I had a sore throat my mom made me gargle salt water. Why does gargling salt water help a sore throat? I hate salt water.

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Answer #1

As the above poster said it kills the germs that are sitting there and making your throat sore. Cold germs multiply in your throat before you actually get a cold, so if you gargle you can kill off at least some of them and your cold won’t be as bad.

I hate salt water too, it makes me gag, so I use mouthwash. It kills the germs but tastes a little better. I look for the cinnamon flavor- it’s less intense, and I drown those little buggers out every time I go to the bathroom. Try it, it’ll make your throat less sore too.

Answer #2

As the above poster said it kills the germs that are sitting there and making your throat sore. Cold germs multiply in your throat before you actually get a cold, so if you gargle you can kill off at least some of them and your cold won’t be as bad.

I hate salt water too, it makes me gag, so I use mouthwash. It kills the germs but tastes a little better. I look for the cinnamon flavor- it’s less intense, and I drown those little buggers out every time I go to the bathroom. Try it, it’ll make your throat less sore too.

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