Why does gargling salt water help a sore throat?

When I was younger every time I had a sore throat my mom made me gargle salt water. Why does gargling salt water help a sore throat? I hate salt water.

As the above poster said it kills the germs that are sitting there and making your throat sore. Cold germs multiply in your throat before you actually get a cold, so if you gargle you can kill off at least some of them and your cold won't be as bad.

I hate salt water too, it makes me gag, so I use mouthwash. It kills the germs but tastes a little better. I look for the cinnamon flavor- it's less intense, and I drown those little buggers out every time I go to the bathroom. Try it, it'll make your throat less sore too.

As the above poster said it kills the germs that are sitting there and making your throat sore. Cold germs multiply in your throat before you actually get a cold, so if you gargle you can kill off at least some of them and your cold won't be as bad.

I hate salt water too, it makes me gag, so I use mouthwash. It kills the germs but tastes a little better. I look for the cinnamon flavor- it's less intense, and I drown those little buggers out every time I go to the bathroom. Try it, it'll make your throat less sore too.