Gargle Of Baking Soda And Water For A Sore Throat

Surely we have ever heard that it is advisable to gargle baking soda and water when we have a sore throat. Well, although many may still be surprised, this mixture is recommended for this discomfort. Of course, the treatment prescribed by the doctor should never be neglected.

On the other hand, rinses with this mixture on a daily basis can help maintain good dental hygiene, contributing to the removal of plaque on the teeth, while helping to maintain fresh breath.

What is baking soda?

Sodium bicarbonate is a salt formed by sodium hydroxide derived from carbonic acid, which contributes to the acid and base balance of the body. The chemical formula that represents sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate is: NaHCO3.

It is a whitish powder that creates an alkaline reaction on contact with water and then dissolves completely. In addition, it is an easy substance to find in any type of supermarket.

One of its advantages is that it is not toxic when ingested (in small quantities), which is why it is used as a baking powder in the preparation of various desserts. Apart from making desserts, baking soda has many other and varied uses.

Among its uses, we can mention that it is   a great ally to maintain oral hygiene. Therefore, gargling baking soda turns out to be a practical method of naturally whitening teeth.

Baking soda gargles and their benefits

A valid measure to obtain relief during the typical colds that occur with a sensation of scratching the throat and pain when swallowing saliva, any food or drink, is to gargle with baking soda and water.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of warm water (125 ml).
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda (5 g).

Preparation

• In the cup of hot water we add the teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate, we proceed to stir very well until the bicarbonate is completely dissolved.
• We take small sips and hold the mixture in the throat, as deep as possible, to start the gargle for approximately thirty seconds.
• We end up spitting out the mixture as there is no need to swallow it as it can be bad for your health.
• It is recommended to repeat the same procedure until the contents of the cup are finished.

The effects of bicarbonate in combination with water, which should not be cold, but also not very hot, will help to feel relief, clear mucus and reduce inflammation of the throat. 

In addition to relieving throat discomfort, the baking soda and lemon mixture can also help keep your breath fresh.

Precautions when using baking soda

Be careful not to swallow the mixture while gargling, as bicarbonate can cause adverse reactions:

• Vomiting
• Sickness.
• Flatulence
• Heartburn.
• Muscular weakness.
• Shortness of breath

Although gargling can help to relieve a sore throat, it is necessary to bear in mind that this measure does not constitute a cure as such or a substitute for the treatment prescribed by the doctor.