Warm salt-water gargle or rinse
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What people do
Half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water, gargled or swished for 30 seconds and spat out. Used for sore throats and minor mouth irritation.
How it’s typically done
- Dissolve about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
- Gargle or swish for around 30 seconds.
- Spit it out; do not swallow.
- Repeat a few times a day while symptoms last.
Notes from people sharing it
Simple and cheap, which is a large part of its appeal.
Background & evidence
Traditional practice
Explore where this practice comes from and what people say about it. Personal experiences and traditional use can offer useful context; research can help clarify which benefits are supported, what remains uncertain and where more study is needed. We identify the source type and link to further reading where available.
A few things to consider
It does not treat infection. Seek care for a severe sore throat, fever, swelling or pain that does not settle.