January 02, 2005

Salt Water Gargle

My throat hurts, i cannot believe i am getting another cold. i was deciding whether to gargle with salt water. i decided on YES when i found this

News Review from Harvard Medical School -- Inhaler May Limit Spread Of Germs

December 2, 2004

Inhaling salt water as an aerosol spray may reduce the number of germs exhaled and therefore the spread of germs, says a small study reported November 30 by the Associated Press. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that the effects lasted about six hours after using the salt-water treatment. Harvard University researchers concluded that the treatment turned nasal fluids into larger droplets that were less likely to be exhaled.

More in link

It seems like it could be a similar mechanism to the Zinc sprays which i use because they do seem to help shorten colds and limit disease spread, and because it cannot really hurt. Research (sponsored by the company) suggests many reasons why it helps. Salt is a hell of a lot cheaper, though, and can reduce inflammation by simple osmosis when used in moderation.

i plan to use BOTH methods, i am tired of this.
Posted by sciencegrrl at January 2, 2005 08:56 PM

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