Does salt draw out infection?

We’ve all heard grandma’s remedies – gargle saltwater for a sore throat or pour some in your wounds to prevent infections. But does it really work? Do the salty buggers actually have healing power or is it just another old wives’ tale? Well, let’s put on our science hats and investigate! Hold on tight as we sail through the murky waters of medical myths.

What is salt anyway?

Before jumping into whether salt can cure us all from every ailment under the sun, let’s start by discussing what exactly this miracle mineral is. You may be surprised to know that no matter how fancy it sounds, table salt – or sodium chloride (NaCl) – isn’t one single pure compound; it has those two elements bonded together. And there are different types of salts out there with variations in minerals and structure.

How do we use salt to treat infection?

Salt has long been used for its antibacterial properties; nobody wants germs creeping up on them after all! When mixed with water and applied directly onto an infected area, the hypertonic solution draws water out of bacterial cells via osmosis, causing them to shrivel up like raisins rather than multiply like rabbits (eww). This process dehydrates bacteria and fungi making their environment inhospitable towards life forms.

But before you bust open your cupboard full of table salts in excitement (please don’t) there lies some fine print you need to consider based on three primary situations:

Can I rub some rock salts on my skin?

Rock popularly known as Himalayan Salt lamps have taken over health food stores due to its claimed air-purifying ability — releasing negative ions in small amounts when heated.

However,
– Rubbing giant chunks will cause abrasions
– Heated lamps only release ions not enough amount that can be diluted in water to make enough hypertonic solution.
– We need salt dissolved in the correct concentration if we want it to work correctly.

Which types of salt work for treating infections?

While different salts undoubtedly have various benefits, not all are created equal when it comes to fighting infection. For medicinal purposes, we recommend only using those with a high percentage of sodium chloride or potassium iodide such as sea salt, kosher salt (not pig or monkey kind) and rock/crystal salts. It is better recommended that you ask your pharmacist before using any type of ‘unpopular’ ancient remedies so that they can guide you best.

And No,
– You cannot use pink-drunk flamingo pool floaty filled with salty oceanic contents to soak feet
– You can’t also use margarita rimming salt.

If you understand basic science —Table Salt — Sodium Chloride (NaCl) will be less prone towards contamination than table Salt mixed with anti-caking agents & dextrose which may sustain bacterial growths.

Does gargling with warm, salty water get rid of sore throats?

Remember how we discussed earlier that our bodies thrive on balanced environments? Yeah well, there’s this thing called pH too! When your throat becomes inflamed due to a viral or bacterial infection, acid builds up causing swelling and pain; creating an acidic environment for bacteria – not cool!

Gargling warm saltwater restores balance by neutralizing these acids and releasing trapped mucus caused by old boogers swinging from the back of the throat like pendulum clocks! Seriously gross but true.

But how much do I add?
A typical rule-of-thumb recipe consists 1/2 teaspoon added into 8 ounces (237 milliliters) lukewarm water needed per tablespoon depends upon severity.
Rinse twice daily
If symptoms exist more than two days visit medical professional.

~~Don’t forget to sing “row row your boat” after the second gargle.~~

Can saltwater cure other infections like UTI’s?

The hypertonic property of salt is helpful in fighting bacterial and viral infections effectively but doesn’t work systematically (aka inside our bodies) to treat whole-body infections. Gargling is recommended mostly because the throat is an exposed area; easy for us to reach and apply on.

UTIs, on the other hand, require a direct approach with medication as well as altering lifestyle practices such as increased daily intake of water intake.

Disappointing news if you wanted a salty cocktail drink suggestion.

What are some home remedies where we can use Salt?

Salt has been used not only for its antibacterial properties but also had culinary value since ancient times — Egyptians used salts for mummification process and preserved fish or meat. But personally gifted from my grandmother was her patented Salted Lemon piece which she describes help with digestion, reduces bloating & maintains gut health.

Here are some quick recopies that might be worth giving a shot:

1: Peppermint oil soaked With epsom & himalayan salts

Mint helps reduce inflammation naturally; add Epson salt which provides magnesium needed by muscles!

• In A bowl – Mix Himalayan salts (3tbsp), Epsom Salts (1/2cup) & added dried peppermint herbs until fully mixed

• Add 5-6 drops Peppermint essential oils (Remember never consume undiluted essential oils)

• Store this mixture in air-tight container until ready to use.

Add one cup of vanilla almond milk along with bath-water additives just before soaking!

·Relaxes Muscles
·Provide similar effects as sauna session which flushes toxins out through sweat glands.

2: Oil pulling suspended pink himalayan salt

Oil Pulling with coconut oil is a popular ancient Ayurvedic technique where we swish oil in our mouth for 15-20 minutes, which draws out toxins from the body.
It can be enhanced by suspended pink Himalayan Salt crystals in it.

• In A Glass – Add lukewarm water to melt one tablespoon of cold-pressed coconut then add dissolved salt crystals
• Start Swishing

No magic potions here & unsurprisingly no “permanent cure” found but many users observation noted visible results such as whiter teeth, reduction in bad breath etc.

Conclusion

So there you have it – the salty truth (pun intended) about whether salt can indeed draw out infection or not. To sum up: Yes, certain types of salts with high percentages of sodium chloride and potassium iodide are effective at fighting bacterial infections when applied directly on infected areas like wounds or gargling waters for sore throat; hygienic care needs to be taken into consideration before using ‘any type’ of home remedies especially ones that would advise rubbing chunks on your skin! While some general health benefits might occur through ingestion indirectly via hygiene practices including cooking/seasoning food properly, any bulk claims made towards curing ailments should always be consulted with licensed medical professionals instead.

Remember folks —science doesn’t lie(except when they said Pluto was a planet). Happy healing!

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