Cold & cough12 min
Guava Leaf Warm Gargle
Tender guava leaves boiled, cooled, salted lightly, and used as a gargle that is spat out.
A guava leaf gargle you spit out
Four tender guava leaves simmered in water, strained, and finished with a pinch of salt make a warm gargle. The taste can be bitter. That is not a reason to swallow it or to stir in honey. Every mouthful is gargled and spat out.
Pick leaves from a tree you know has not been sprayed. Children who cannot gargle safely should not try it. This does not treat a throat infection. Fever, rash, trouble swallowing, or a cough beyond a few days needs a doctor.
Ingredients
- 4 tender guava leaves
- A pinch of salt
- 1 cup water
How to prepare
- Rinse the guava leaves and simmer them in the water for five minutes.
- Strain, stir in the salt, and cool the liquid until it is warm.
How to use
- Gargle a mouthful and spit it out. Repeat a few times.
- Do not swallow the gargle.
- Once or twice a day is enough. A sore throat or cough beyond a few days needs a doctor.
Helpful habits
- Use young leaves from a tree that has not been sprayed.
- Do not add honey to a gargle that is meant to be thrown away.
Precautions
- Gargle only. Spit every sip out.
- Not for children who cannot gargle safely.
- This does not treat a throat infection. Fever, rash, or trouble swallowing needs a doctor, as does a cough beyond a few days.
Frequently asked questions
Should the guava water be drunk?
- No. It is a gargle. Spit it out.
What if it tastes bitter?
- Spit it out anyway. Do not sweeten a gargle you are discarding.
Can this cure a throat infection?
- No. Lasting pain, fever, or a cough beyond a few days needs a doctor.
