Soothing Throat Gargle for Irritation and Inflammation
A traditional medicinal gargle combining potassium nitrate, barley water, and honey vinegar to soothe throat irritation and reduce inflammation. This gentle antiseptic solution can be used frequently throughout the day for relief.
Ingredients
- 0.25 teaspoon Potassium nitrate (saltpeter), food grade (Equivalent to 2 drachms; available at specialty pharmacies or brewing supply stores. Use only food-grade quality.)
- 0.875 cup Barley water, strained and cooled (Equivalent to 7 ounces; make by simmering pearl barley in water and straining)
- 1.75 tablespoons Honey vinegar (oxymel) (Equivalent to 7 drachms; can substitute with 1 tablespoon honey mixed with 3/4 tablespoon apple cider vinegar)
- 0.25 cup Pearl barley (For making barley water)
- 4 cups Water (For cooking barley)
Instructions
- 1Rinse pearl barley under cold water. Place barley in a pot with 4 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
- 2Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until barley is tender and water is cloudy.
- 3Strain the barley water through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl, discarding the barley grains. Allow the liquid to cool to room temperature.
- 4In a clean glass or jar, measure 7/8 cup (7 ounces) of the cooled barley water. Add 1/4 teaspoon potassium nitrate and 1.75 tablespoons honey vinegar. Stir thoroughly until the potassium nitrate is completely dissolved.
- 5Take 2-3 tablespoons of the gargle solution into your mouth, tilt your head back, and gargle for 30 seconds, allowing the liquid to reach the back of your throat. Spit out after gargling. Do not swallow. Repeat every 2-3 hours as needed for throat irritation.
