Can gargling saltwater cure a sore throat?
Gargling with salt water is a common method to treat sore throat. But it is important to note that it doesn’t cure a sore throat. It just provides some relief. A sore throat is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. This infection activates our immune system due to which. Immune cells, blood and plenty of fluids reach the site. Causing redness, swelling, pain, etc. But how does gargling with saltwater provide relief? By osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water from. Lower concentration of solute to higher concentration of solute. Through a semipermeable membrane. Now in saltwater, the amount of solute, that is salt. Is relatively higher than the salt present in the tissues of our throat. So, when we gargle, the excess fluid rushes out of our tissues. Reducing swelling and thus, easing out the pain.