How to cure sore throats, sinus congestion, and earaches with salt water

If you're troubled by frequent sore throats, sinus congestion and infections, or earaches, you know that the cure can be just as unpleasant as the illness. Whether you choose over-the-counter or prescription treatments, the side effects can be a nuisance. Repeated use of antibiotics can reduce their effectiveness, and even non-drowsy cold formulas usually list drowsiness as a possible side effect. Not to mention, frequent use of cold and sinus treatments quickly becomes costly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• warm water
• table salt
• cup
• eye dropper

1. Stir about a half of a teaspoon of table salt into a cup of warm tap water. Warmer water will do more to loosen congestion, but it should not be hot enough to cause discomfort.
2. For a sore throat, gargle a few times for about 10 seconds. Repeat at least twice a day until symptoms subside.
3. For earaches, use an eye dropper to place several drops into your ear canal while lying on your side. Leave the solution in your ear for at least half a minute. Holding a cloth or paper towel to your ear, sit up to allow the solution to drain.
4. For nasal congestion or sinus infection, tilt your head back use an eye dropper to apply salt solution to each nostril. Again, you'll want a towel or cloth handy, as the solution will drain once you are upright.

Tips & Warnings

• Post-nasal drip should be treated with a combination of gargling and nose drops.
• Over-the-counter saline solutions are available, but with a lower salt concentration, they are not as effective at loosening congestion or fighting infection.
• Salt water in your nose isn't a pleasant sensation. But the momentary discomfort is well worth how quickly you'll feel relief from your symptoms, and how much money you'll save on cold medication.
• Natural remedies should never replace professional medical treatment in the case of severe or lingering symptoms.