How to Make Saline Solution for the Nose

Saline solution is commonly used for nasal irrigation. During nasal irrigation an irrigation bottle, neti pot or bulb syringe is filled with saline solution and used to rinse out the nostrils. This can help to relieve nasal and sinus congestion caused by colds, seasonal allergies and other upper respiratory conditions. Premixed saline packets for nasal irrigation can be purchased at pharmacies, but it is easy and inexpensive to mix up your own.

Things You'll Need

• Non-iodized salt
• Baking soda
• Neti pot, irrigation bottle or bulb syringe

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Instructions

• 1

  Measure a quarter tsp. non-iodized salt into a small, clean bowl or container. Kosher or pickling salt is a good option, according to the University of Michigan's Health System website. These types of salt do not contain additives.

• 2

  Add a quarter tsp. baking soda to the salt. Baking soda softens the effect of the salt, making it gentler on the nasal passages, according to WebMD.

• 3

  Add the salt and baking soda mixture to 8 oz of warm water and shake or stir until dissolved.

• 4

  Fill neti pot, irrigation bottle or syringe with saline solution.

• 5

  Rinse nasal passages with saline solution according to your doctor's instructions or the instructions that came with your neti pot or irrigation bottle.