Gargles and rinses
Gargling is local treatment: the infusion sits on the irritated mucous membrane for a few seconds and is then spat out. Because nothing is absorbed, it is comparatively safe — but it is also shallow. Three five-second gargles achieve nothing; the classic recommendation is thirty seconds per mouthful, several times a day.
How it is done
- Make an infusion slightly stronger than drinking tea: one to two teaspoons per 150 ml.
- Let it cool to hand-warm. Too hot only adds to the irritation.
- Take a mouthful, tip the head back and gargle for about thirty seconds, then spit it out.
- Work through the whole portion this way, three to five times a day.
- For a mouth rinse, do not gargle — draw the liquid between the teeth and spit it out as well.
What this form suits
Tannin-rich plants such as sage, oak bark and witch hazel tighten the mucous membrane and dampen irritation. Chamomile and calendula are used for inflamed gums, thyme for a sore throat with cough.
Where it ends
Gargles are spat out, not swallowed — that goes especially for oak bark and other strongly tannin-rich infusions. Tannin-rich preparations should not be used for longer than two to three weeks at a stretch. Children gargle only once they can do it safely, otherwise they swallow. Pus on the tonsils, high fever, severe one-sided throat pain or difficulty swallowing over several days are not a case for gargling but for a doctor.
Plants used this way
48 plants in this database have at least one documented use in this form. Not on this list: toxic and legally controlled species — and, for plants carrying a caution, any internal use resting on folklore alone. Everything remains reachable through the search and the plant index.
Traditional agrimony gargle for mild oral and pharyngeal inflammation, aphthae and gum irritation — astringent tannins, EMA traditional use.
Astringent mouth and throat rinse for aphthous ulcers, mild gum inflammation and throat irritation, based on tannin action.
Cold macerate as gargle and mouth rinse for irritation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.
Gargling with a more concentrated infusion for mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa, also recognised by the German Commission E for…
In folk medicine a basil infusion is used as a gargle for mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.
Gargling with a strong rhizome decoction for pharyngitis, stomatitis, and spongy gums.
Cooled leaf infusion as mouthwash for oral mucosa inflammation and aphthous ulcers.
Mouth rinse and gargle to support the treatment of minor inflammation in the mouth and throat.
Folk medicine for bleeding gums, mild gum inflammation (gingivitis) and bleeding mouth after tooth extraction — astringent and hemostatic.
Concentrated flower infusion for rinsing in mouth ulcers and mild gum bleeding.
A 1–5% mouthwash with clove oil (in water or alcohol) acts antiseptically and anti-inflammatorily in mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal m…
Because of its astringent tannins the infusion was used in folk practice as a gargle for irritations of the mouth and throat.
Diluted infusion as a gargle for mild inflammation of the oral mucosa and throat.
Concentrated leaf infusion as a gargle for inflammation of the oral mucosa, gingivitis, and throat inflammation.
Cooled root decoction as mouthwash and gargle for dental and gum problems, aphthous ulcers, throat irritation and halitosis.
In folk practice and within the traditional indication, the mucilage-rich flower infusion is used as a gargle for a scratchy throat and hoarseness…
The mucilage- and tannin-containing infusion is traditionally used as a soothing gargle for minor throat and pharyngeal irritation.
Witch hazel gargle / mouth rinse (Commission E) for minor oral and pharyngeal mucosal inflammations — astringent tannins reduce swelling and redness.
Traditional use of the tannin-rich decoction for mild inflammation of the mouth and throat.
Concentrated cooled infusion used as a gargle for sore throat and oral mucosa inflammation.
Gargling with purple loosestrife tea was used for sore throats and pharyngitis.
Soothes irritation of the mouth and throat mucosa and the associated dry tickly cough by coating the irritated areas with a fine film of mucilage.
Chamomile mouthwash or gargle for aphthae, gingivitis and mild throat inflammation — positively assessed by Commission E; traditional use per the E…
Oral rinse formulations based on Mentha villosa extract were tested for antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens in a Brazilian study (Nogueir…
Traditional use for minor inflammation and small ulcers (sores) of the mouth and throat mucosa.
Gargle and mouth rinse for mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.
Saponins exert a mild surface-irritant and mucus-loosening effect; complementary external use alongside internal tea cure for catarrh.
A 2% decoction (2 g bark per 100 ml water) is suitable for gargling in mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa, and as a mouthwash for…
Fresh quince juice or a decoction of the fruit is used as a gargle for mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.
Traditionally used as an astringent mouthwash, gargle or gum application for minor inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth and throat, such as gum…
Folk-medicinal use of a strong rose-hip infusion as astringent gargle for incipient sore throat, hoarseness and mild irritations of the oral and ph…
Cooled leaf infusion as mouthwash or gargle for mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.
Main indication per EMA HMPC and German Commission E: gargling and mouth-rinsing with sage leaf infusion for inflammations of the mouth and throat…
Elder flower gargle for sore throat and hoarseness — mildly anti-inflammatory and mucous membrane soothing.
Freshly pressed or gently warmed rowan berry juice was used as a gargle for hoarseness and sore throat.
Spearmint tea used as a gargle in folk medicine for mild sore throat, bad breath and mild oral mucosal inflammation.
A decoction of the herb is used in folk medicine as a gargle for throat inflammations and pharyngeal complaints.
Gargle for sore throat and inflammation: the tannin-rich leaf decoction has an astringent effect on the pharyngeal mucosa and soothes inflammation.
Antiseptic gargle for sore throat, tonsil irritation and inflammation of the oral mucosa.
Folk gargle for sore throat and pharyngitis.
Astringent rinse for minor inflammations of the mouth and throat — for example sore gums.
Mild inflammation of mouth and throat mucosa
Traditional mouth and throat rinse for mild oral mucosa inflammation, aphthae and gum irritation.
Mullein flower gargle for mild pharyngeal irritation and sore throat — demulcent mucilage coats and soothes irritated membranes.
Folk gargle from vervain for mild throat and oral complaints — astringent tannins provide mucosal protection.
Stronger infusion (2–3 g per 150 ml) as a gargle for mild inflammation of the oral mucosa and throat.
Used externally as a gargle and rinse for mild inflammation of the mouth and throat mucosa.
Folk horehound gargle tea for sore throat, hoarseness and pharyngitis — astringent tannins soothe locally.