Homemade Saline Nose Drops

From: Chef #458927

On Jul 23, 2008

this is the best thing ever! it is the only way i can keep myself from getting a sinus infection.

From: Chef #544852

On Jul 25, 2007

My alergist recommends adding a pinch of Baking Soda to buffer the salt and generally using distilled water if the solution is going to be prepared ahead of time and used over several days. I have also seen recipes that specify non-iodized salt, but no reason was given.

From: Christy5

On May 31, 2005

This is very similar to the formula the Pediatric group I once worked for would use, but they were specific about using distilled water. Tap water has been treated with chemicals and sometimes carry microorganisms.

From: jlhicks119

On Dec 3, 2005

This same recipe can be used for nasal irrigation using a jala neti pot. Jala neti is a method of clearing out the nose and sinuses by bending forward and pouring the water through one nostril until it flows out the other nostril. I know it probably sounds gross and weird (I know I thought it was when I first heard about it), but I came across this method after searching around for a non-medicinal remedy that I could use for my allergies while pregnant or nursing. It is amazingly easy to do, and extremely effective. I use my neti pot once a day with this water/salt solution, and my sinus/allergy symptoms have been almost completely eliminated without any drugs whatsoever. I am breathing better now than I have in years. Like I said, I know it sounds strange, but if you suffer from allergy/sinus trouble, it is certainly worth trying. Neti pots can be purchased from health and yoga suppliers. I recommend a neti pot with a conical (cone-shaped) tip, as this sort of tip fits the nostril better, I think. Oh, and I do use just regular tap water, and I've never had any problems. Distilled is probably better, but I've just always used the water from the tap. I do make sure to use pure, finely-ground sea salt, though--the kind that doesn't have any additives at all. The dropper method given in this recipe probably does work, but if you are looking for long-term relief, I highly recommend regularly using a jala neti pot. It really does work!