Homemade Nasal Spray

With the onset of cold and flu season, many experience the misery of a stuffy nose. It is particularly unpleasant to be in bed at night, attempting to get some much needed rest, and not be able to breathe.

Over-the-counter solutions can provide some relief. But you can make your own nasal spray to save money or to avoid certain chemicals in commercial preparations. It is not difficult, and once you get accustomed to making it, you will be able to do it easily and quickly. Nasal sprays will help with congestion, and some can even speed your recovery.

To Get Started

• First, find and prepare an appropriate nasal spray bottle. It is preferable to have one with a cap that twists on and off. If you have one that used to contain another type of nasal spray or a commercial preparation, wash and sanitize it. You can purchase nasal spray bottles online, if you do not have an old one that you can sanitize and re-use. You will also need a small pan for boiling, and some purified or distilled water.

Make Saline Nasal Spray

• Saline nasal spray is the most commonly used. This is gentle enough that it can be used even on children.

  To make saline nasal spray, take ordinary, non-iodized table salt. Add 1 level tsp. of salt to 1 cup of boiling water. Boil for ten minutes. Allow to cool. Pour the preparation into the nasal spray bottle.

  To use this preparation, spray two sprays into each nostril as needed for nasal congestion, or simply to sooth nasal passages during a common cold.

Make Xylitol Nasal Spray

• Xylitol is not only a natural sugar substitute, but helps with a variety of health issues. Chewing gum with xylitol is used to prevent tooth decay in children and adults. Using a xylitol nasal wash helps prevent and clear up congestion associated with the common cold.

  Xylitol nasal spray is expensive (up to $15 a bottle, plus shipping, in 2009) if purchased online, but you can make your own for a lower cost.

  To make the spray, you need to mix 1 cup of water, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tbs. of xylitol crystals, 4 drops of grapefruit seed extract and a pinch of ordinary household baking soda. The water should be warm, and you should mix the ingredients until they are completely dissolved. Xylitol crystals and grapefruit seed extract are available to order from multiple online sources, or can be purchased at your local natural/health foods store.

  To use the preparation, pour into nasal spray bottle and spray two sprays into each nostril as needed.

  As with any nasal spray or natural remedy, always consult your doctor before use.