Saline solution is easy to make at home. You will need:
- Water
- Table salt or sea salt
- Clean utensil
- Container
Before you begin, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Then:
- Sterilize the container by boiling it in water for about 20 minutes and then letting it cool.
- If you’re using tap water, take 1 cup and boil the water first in the sterilized container for at least 20 minutes, or you can directly pour distilled water into the container.
- Put 2.5 grams of salt in the water and mix it thoroughly in the water till it dissolves.
- If you are using boiled water, let the mixture cool before using it or keep it in the fridge after it cools down if you want to use it later.
You can store and use homemade saline solution for 3 days. If you want to make it in bulk, you can store it in the refrigerator for a month.
How to make saline solution for nasal irrigation
To prepare nasal irrigation solution
- Take 1 cup of boiled water or distilled water.
- Add 2.5 grams each of salt and baking soda to the water.
- Stir until the salt and baking soda have dissolved.
Pour the nasal saline irrigation solution into a neti pot, ear bulb, syringe, or a saline rinse bottle and then squeeze it in both of the nostrils. Then, bend your head over the sink so that the solution mixed with the nasal secretions comes out of the nostrils.
6 uses for saline solution
- Clearing nasal congestion. Saline water irrigation can moisten nasal passages and help relieve nasal irritation and congestion. It can stimulate the secretion of excess mucus from the nasal passages and relieve stuffy nose and sinusitis.
- Relieving sore throat. Gargling with saline solution can help soothe a sore throat.
- Cleaning wounds. Washing wounds with saline water is an effective way of cleaning them. It helps remove dead cells and germs.
- Removing ear wax. Irrigation of ears with three to five drops of saline water is an effective home remedy to soften and remove earwax.
- Cleaning contact lenses and piercings. Regular cleaning of contact lenses and piercings keeps them germ-free and helps prevent infection of the eyes and pierced areas.
- Bladder wash. People who are placed on urinary catheters for several days need to irrigate their bladder with saline water. The procedure is called bladder wash, which helps remove any excess urine and blood clots from the bladder.
SLIDESHOW
The 14 Most Common Causes of Fatigue See SlideshowIs saline water safe for everyone?
Saline water is generally safe for everyone except for infants. Side effects are rare. Keep the following things in mind:
- Use saline water only occasionally: Though saline water is recommended for nasal irrigation for cold and sinusitis, it should not be used frequently. If nasal symptoms are not relieved with nasal saline drops, consult your doctor. Frequent use of nasal saline drops can interrupt the protective mucosal barrier of the nose and increase the risk of infections.
- Do not use too much salt: Saline water should salt in a suitably diluted form. It should not cause a stinging sensation in the nose, ears, or even on wounds.
Fellows J, Crestodina L. Home-Prepared Saline: A Safe, Cost-Effective Alternative for Wound Cleansing in Home Care. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2006 Nov-Dec;33(6):606-9. doi: 10.1097/00152192-200611000-00003
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