A prominent doctor has unveiled an incredibly simple and effective 15-second remedy for soothing the discomfort of a sore throat, requiring just two ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen cupboard.
The Doctor's Simple 15-Second Solution
Doctor Sooj, a medical professional who uses his social media platform to share trusted health advice, explained the easy trick. He recommends this method as a helpful addition to taking standard pain relief like ibuprofen or paracetamol.
The process is straightforward: take half a teaspoon of salt and mix it into roughly half a glass of warm water. Once dissolved, simply gargle the solution at the back of your throat for 10 to 15 seconds before spitting it out.
Why This Simple Remedy is So Effective
Dr. Sooj detailed the science behind why this age-old remedy works so well. "You're rinsing the area which means that you're manually removing some bacteria, viruses and some of the pus," he stated. This cleansing action can provide significant relief, making your sore throat feel a lot better.
This advice is strongly supported by the NHS, which confirms that sore throats are very common and typically resolve on their own within a week. To help soothe the pain and potentially shorten its duration, the NHS officially recommends:
- Gargling with warm, salty water (not for children)
- Drinking plenty of water
- Eating cool or soft foods
- Sucking ice cubes, ice lollies, or hard sweets (with caution for young children)
- Getting plenty of rest
Public Reaction and Broader Symptoms
The doctor's post prompted a significant response online, with many users sharing their own prolonged struggles with throat and respiratory issues. One individual commented, "I had this for two months and had three different antibiotics," highlighting the frustration many feel. Another added, "I been on antibiotics since October goes away comes back chest infection."
Other users offered their own alternative remedies, such as slowly softening cloves in the mouth to release their juice.
Recognising the symptoms of a sore throat is key. According to health authorities, these often include:
- A painful throat, especially when swallowing
- A dry, scratchy sensation
- Redness in the back of the mouth
- A mild cough and swollen neck glands
While this simple salt water gargle is not a cure, it is a powerful, accessible, and cost-effective tool for managing the uncomfortable symptoms of a sore throat at home.
