How to Make Saline Nose Drops

Saline nose drops help relieve a stuffy nose and other nasal symptoms due to allergies or cold. A stuffed-up nose results in sneezing and pressure in the face. While there are many commercial products and over-the-counter medicines available to help relieve nasal congestion, homemade saline nose drops are effective, simple to make and inexpensive.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 tsp. table salt
• 8 oz. warm water
• Eye dropper

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Instructions

• 1

  Table salt is the key ingredient in saline nose drops.

  Mix 1/2 tsp. table salt and 8 oz warm water in a bowl. Stir the two ingredient well until the salt is completely dissolved.

• 2

  Squeeze the bulb of the eye dropper and then place the tip in the saline solution. Let go of the bulb to suck up some of the saline.

• 3

  An eye dropper gets saline nose drops into the nose.

  Lie down on your back or sit in a reclining chair with your head tilted back. Squeeze two or three drops of the saline nose drops into one nostril while sniffing in to draw the saline into the nose. Repeat with the other nostril.

• 4

  Remain in a reclined position for a few seconds so the saline solution has time to get into the nose.

• 5

  Squirt a few drops in each nostril as often as needed for about two hours. Blow your nose a few times to relieve congestion.