How to Make Nasal Irrigation Solution

Nasal irrigation solution is fairly easy to make and extremely useful for the prevention and treatment of cold and flu symptoms. Many doctors suggest nasal irrigation as a more effective cure than cold or flu medication for sinus congestion and post-nasal drip. Make your own nasal irrigation solution and you will save money and feel more comfortable while enduring seasonal allergies, a cold or the common flu.

Things You'll Need

• Pickling or canning salt
• Baking soda
• Distilled or boiled water

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Mix three teaspoons of salt with one heaping teaspoon of baking soda. Store this in an airtight container for mixing up individual treatments as needed. The type of salt used is important because salt with iodine or preservatives may irritate the nasal lining.

• 2

  Add one teaspoon of the above solution to 8 oz of lukewarm distilled (or boiled) water. Servings for treating children are 1/2 teaspoon to 4 oz of water. Once you have added the solution, stir or mix it until it has dissolved. Do not shake the fluid as it may produce bubbles that irritate the nasal passages when used during irrigation.

• 3

  Administer the solution by tipping the head forward at an incline and using a bulb syringe or nasal saline applicator to spray the solution into one nostril. Tilt your head forward and breathe normally until the solution runs out the other nostril. Repeat the procedure with the opposite nostril. When finished, blow your nose and then repeat the process until sinuses are clear.

• 4

  Discard any unused solution as bacteria can breed in closed containers of lukewarm water. Mix up another dose when ready to repeat the process or whenever sinuses feel congested.