How to Make Your Own Nasal Saline

A simple salt water nasal spray or wash is a natural, non-medicated treatment for dry nasal passages or congestion that accompanies the common cold. Non-medicated saline sprays and drops are widely available at pharmacies, big-box stores and supermarkets, but it is easy to make your own at home. Make a fresh batch of nasal saline every time you need to irrigate your passages to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.

Nasal spray. (Image: Salvador Burciaga/iStock/Getty Images)

Step 1

Measure 8 oz. of warm water into a clean container. If your city's tap water has tested for large amounts of impurities, you can use boiled and cooled distilled water.

Step 2

Add 1/4 tsp. of kosher salt to the water. If you do not have kosher salt, you can use pickling salt as a substitute. You can find both types of salt near the table salt in the grocery store.

Step 3

Stir in 1/4 tsp. of baking soda to the saline mixture. Make sure all of the salt and baking soda have completely dissolved into the water.

Step 4

Use the bulb syringe to collect some of the saline rinse. Tip your head back and insert the nasal saline your nose, one nostril at a time. Allow the salt water to penetrate and moisten the dry tissues in your nose.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring cup

• Measuring spoon

• Kosher salt

• Baking soda

• Bulb syringe