Ingredients to Make a Sinus Wash

Using a sinus wash to relieve irritated nasal passages and sinus cavities is not a new concept. People have been using nasal irrigation to relieve the symptoms of allergies, congestion, sinus pain, headache and rhinitis for centuries. There are a number of different ingredients used to make commercial and homemade sinus washes. The ingredients should help flush away foreign bodies like dust, pollen, dander and other allergens. They also should help disinfect and sterilize your nasal passages and sinuses.

Water

• Sterile water is the base for a nasal wash solution, so using distilled water or filtered water is advisable. You also can boil tap water to remove bacteria. After water is boiled, it should be stored in a sterile container in your refrigerator. You will need about 1 qt. of water for a nasal wash.

Baking Soda

• Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is used because it helps dissolve mucus while the saline irrigates the nasal passages. Baking soda is also used because it helps establish a pH balance in the nasal wash solution. Add 1 tsp. of baking soda to your nasal wash solution.

Salt

• Salt is the ingredient that turns plain water into saline, or saltwater. A variety of salt types can be used, including sea salt, table salt, pickling salt and canning salt. Avoid using any kind of salt that has iodine, anti-caking agents or preservatives; these ingredients can be drying and cause nasal passage irritation. You will need 2 tsp. of salt to make a nasal wash.

Karo Syrup

• Karo syrup is used in a nasal wash solution to match your body's natural sugar concentration. The addition of a sugar to the solution helps prevent your nasal passages from becoming dried out. Adding 1 Tbsp. of Karo syrup to your nasal wash will do the trick.