Evidence supporting the use of: Acetic acid
For the health condition: Sore Throat

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Acetic acid, the main component of vinegar, has a long history of traditional use in home remedies for sore throat. Vinegar gargles are a folk practice in many cultures, believed to provide relief due to acetic acid’s antibacterial properties. The justification for its use is rooted primarily in tradition, rather than rigorous scientific validation. While acetic acid does demonstrate antimicrobial action in laboratory settings—being able to inhibit the growth of some bacteria—there is limited direct clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness or safety for treating sore throat in humans. Most medical guidelines do not recommend vinegar or acetic acid for sore throat due to a lack of robust, controlled human studies. Additionally, vinegar can be irritating and potentially harmful to the mucous membranes of the throat if used undiluted or in high concentrations. In summary, the use of acetic acid for sore throat relies mostly on anecdotal evidence and tradition, with only indirect scientific rationale based on its antimicrobial properties. Caution is advised, and more research is needed to establish its safety and efficacy for this purpose.

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Products containing Acetic acid

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