Gargling- why use salt water?

It is because when salt water enter the throat, it neutralizes the acid which causes pain in the throat. Salt can balance the PH in our throat when it is sored. When salt + gargle, it is used to wash away the unwanted mucous.

I agree that it would taste better, but it won't help your sore throat. Since bacteria is usually the cause for the soreness the sugar will not affect them. They have a specific amount of salt water in their cells that allow them to function properly. With the added amount of salt to the environment, osmosis occurs. This means that the higher amount of salt on the outside goes into the bacteria to try to even out the two environments. This, in turn, causes the bacteria to dehydrate thus getting rid of your sore throat. So, despite the taste, it works better. If you want something that tastes good, there is a drink mix that I always use that is a mixture of hot water, lemon juice, and honey. The lemon juice cuts through all the gunk and the honey soothes it afterwards...do the salt mixture, rinse, then drink this. You will feel amazing afterwards! :)