Surely we have ever heard that gargling with baking soda and water is advisable when we have a sore throat. Although many may still be surprised, this mixture is recommended for said discomfort. Of course, the treatment prescribed by the doctor should never be left aside.
On the other hand, rinsing with this mixture daily can help maintain good dental hygiene, contributing to removing plaque on the teeth and helping to maintain fresh breath.
Contents
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 organism. The chemical formula with which sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate is represented is NaHCO3.
A whitish powder creates an alkaline reaction in contact with water and then dissolves entirely. In addition, it is a substance easy to find in any supermarket.
One of its advantages is that it is not toxic when ingested (in small quantities), so it is used as a baking powder to prepare various desserts.
Apart from this possible use in the kitchen, baking soda offers many other services. Among these, we can mention that it is an excellent ally in maintaining oral hygiene.
Baking soda gargles and their benefits
A valid measure to obtain relief during the typical colds that present with a sensation of having a scratchy throat and pain when swallowing saliva, any food or drink, is to gargle with baking soda and water.
Ingredients to make the bicarbonate gargle
- One cup of warm water (125 milliliters).
- One teaspoon of baking soda (5 grams).
Preparation
- In the cup of hot water, we add the teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate and stir very well until the bicarbonate is completely dissolved.
- We take small sips and keep the mixture in the throat, as deep as possible, to start the gargle for approximately thirty seconds.
- We spit out the mixture since it is unnecessary to swallow, as it can be bad for your health.
- It is recommended to repeat the same procedure until the cup’s contents are finished.
The effects of bicarbonate in combination with water, which should not be cold but not too hot either, will help to provide relief, clean mucus, and reduce inflammation in the throat.
In relieving neck discomfort, baking soda and lemon can help keep your breath fresh.Precautions when using baking soda
Care must be taken not to swallow the mixture while gargling, as bicarbonate can cause adverse reactions:
- vomiting
- Nausea.
- Flatulence.
- Heartburn.
- Muscular weakness.
- Respiratory distress.
Although gargling can help relieve a sore throat, it is necessary to remember that this measure is not a cure or a substitute for the treatment prescribed by the doctor.