Cold & cough10 min
Tulsi and Salt Gargle
Tulsi leaves boiled with a pinch of salt, then cooled until warm, can be gargled and spat out. It is a throat rinse, not a drink, and it is not for anyone who cannot gargle safely.
A warm tulsi and salt gargle
A few tulsi leaves and a pinch of salt in water make a simple gargle once the boil has cooled to warm. The salt stays a pinch. The water is for the throat, then it is spat out. Swallowing it is not the habit.
Children who cannot gargle and spit should not use it. A scratchy throat may settle with rest, but a cough past a few days needs a doctor.
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 fresh tulsi leaves
- A pinch of salt
- 1 cup drinking water
How to prepare
- Boil the tulsi leaves in the water with a pinch of salt for a few minutes.
- Cool the liquid until it is warm, gargle, and spit it out. Do not swallow it.
How to use
- Gargle once or twice in a day with the warm liquid.
- Spit every mouthful out.
- Do not give this gargle to anyone who cannot spit reliably.
Helpful habits
- If it is still hot, wait. A burn on the throat is not helpful.
- A fresh pinch of salt is enough. A salty brine is harsher than it needs to be.
Precautions
- Spit the gargle out. It is not a drink.
- Do not use it for small children who cannot gargle safely.
- A cough past a few days needs a doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Should I swallow the tulsi and salt water?
- No. Gargle with it while it is warm, then spit it out.
Can a small child use this gargle?
- No. Skip it if the person cannot gargle and spit safely.
When should a cough be checked?
- A cough past a few days needs a doctor. This gargle is only a short rinse.
