Dr Oscar Duke, the medical expert on BBC Morning Live, shared a cost-effective kitchen essential that could help address symptoms of covid, colds, and flu. His suggested remedy offers a budget-friendly alternative to expensive over-the-counter medications typically found at pharmacies.
As we enter October, the season conducive to rapid virus transmission due to increased indoor activities in damp environments, creating favorable conditions for germ proliferation. Alongside the usual cold and flu viruses, the current prevalent strains of covid this month are known as Stratus (XFG) and Nimbus (NB.1.8.1).
Although several symptoms of Stratus overlap with other variants, two distinct indicators are a hoarse or raspy voice and fatigue. Conversely, Nimbus is characterized by a severely sore throat, often described as a “razor-blade sensation,” along with swallowing difficulties, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea and bloating, with reports suggesting high contagion levels.
It’s essential to note that many symptoms of these strains mirror those of other variants and common colds, such as coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, fever, headache, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
Dr Oscar Duke emphasized the potential of table salt in alleviating sore throats, a prevalent symptom in covid, common colds, and flu cases. During a segment on BBC Morning Live with hosts Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton, he highlighted the simplicity of using a household ingredient that is likely already in your pantry.
Explaining the benefits of saltwater, Dr Duke mentioned that mixing it with water could provide immediate relief. He clarified that while there’s no cure for these viruses, symptom management is crucial as the infection progresses. “Most treatments focus on easing discomfort as the virus takes its course,” he elaborated.
According to Dr Duke, saltwater drops may reduce symptom duration by approximately two days. To prepare homemade saltwater, he recommended combining three teaspoons of salt and one teaspoon of bicarbonate in a bowl of cooled boiled water.
He suggested diluting one teaspoon of the mixture in 250ml of water, which equals about a cup, and administering it through a spray, dropper, or inhalation from the palm to help dissolve mucus.
Common supermarkets offer table salt at minimal prices, with Aldi selling a 750g bottle for just 65p, translating to 1p per 10 grams. Using three teaspoons of salt, as recommended by Dr Oscar Duke, amounts to slightly less than 2p.
Dr Duke referenced a recent study that corroborated the effectiveness of saltwater drops in alleviating cold symptoms. This study, conducted in Edinburgh with around 400 children, revealed a potential reduction in symptom duration by two days. However, it is crucial to understand that while saltwater may offer relief, the virus might still be present, with the solution aiding in mucus clearance, relieving discomfort.
Gargling with saltwater can reduce throat swelling, draw fluid from inflamed tissues, alleviate discomfort, and help clear mucus, improving symptom management. Warm water can soothe the