For common cold prevention, gargle, gargle, and more gargle

Can gargling with salt water relieve common cold symptoms? Could it even prevent the cold?

Sure can. But you don’t need the salt.

A recent New York Times article referenced a 2005 gargling study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Researchers in Japan recruited more than 380 healthy subjects. For 60 days during cold and flu season, some subjects gargled with water three times each day while others did not.

Results: Compared to non-garglers, the garglers had 40 percent fewer upper respiratory tract infections.

So how does it work?

Dr. Philip T. Hagen of the Mayo Clinic told the Times that gargling loosens mucus, removing bacteria and fungi from the throat.

And for relief from cold symptoms, just stir a little salt into the water cup.

Dr. Hagen added that a saline solution can relieve inflamed throat tissues by drawing out excess fluid.

And while we’re on the topic of salt…

A few days ago, I wrote to you about All-Salt–a bizarre take on what you might call gourmet salt. Less than an hour after I sent it, I got this note: “What? No shout-out to yours truly for the All-Salt?”

Sorry, Joe. I should have mentioned that it was my good friend, Joe D., who sent me that link (and I know he would also expect me to mention that he has the cutest dog I’ve seen in a long time.) Thanks, Joe…and keep those links coming.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson

Sources:
“Prevention of upper respiratory tract infections by gargling: a randomized trial” American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Vol. 29, No. 4, November 2005, ajpm- online.net
“The Claim: Gargling With Salt Water Can Ease Cold Symptoms” Anahad O’Connor, New York Times, 9/27/10, nytimes.com