Homemade Saline Solution

Water, salt and baking soda are the only ingredients needed for making homemade saline solution.

Homemade saline solution is used as a remedy to clean wounds, relieve allergies, clear congestion from colds, and ease the pain of ear infections. The salty water pulls mucus out of the nose and opens up nasal passages and sinuses. Because homemade saline solution is not sterile, it should never be used as a substitute for store-bought contact solution. Saline solution can be applied with a dropper, or even used with a Neti pot.

Things You'll Need

• One quart jar (clean, with a lid)
• One level teaspoon of non-iodized salt
• One level teaspoon of baking soda (optional)
• Clean tap or bottled water
• Mortar and pestle (optional)
• Dropper or Neti pot (optional)

Instructions

Making Saline Solution

1. Wash and dry the glass jar and make sure it is clean. Fill the jar with bottled water, tap water or distilled water. The water does not need to be boiled. If you do boil the water, be aware that does not mean it is sterile. Do not use the solution right away if you boil the water, because it will be too hot.

2. Mix the baking soda and non-iodized salt together in a small bowl, or grind with a mortar and pestle. Grinding results in a fine grain that will dissolve faster. Do not use table salt. Non-iodized salt is pickling salt and can be found at most grocery stores. Table salt has additives and should be avoided.

3. Combine the salt and baking soda mixture with the water and stir. You can also cap the jar and shake it until the mixture is combined. Boiling the mixture before use is optional.

Tips & Warnings

• Collect the saline solution using a dropper or pour it into a Neti pot. Drop a few drops into the nostrils, ears, or wound for relief.

• Store the saline solution at room temperature for up to one week. Shake or stir before the next use.

• Consult your doctor if you have homemade saline solution concerns.

• Always use caution when boiling water.

• Do not put homemade saline into your eyes.

• Do not use homemade saline solution with contact lenses.

References

• Daily Cup of Yoga: Don't Touch My Neti Pot! The Ancient Practice of Nasal Cleansing
• Food.com Recipes: Homemade Saline Nose Drops