?????????????????????????????????????A saline solution is a great thing to have on hand if you Are you looking for a natural way to combat it? If so, then you'll want to read this blog post! In today's post, we will be discussing how to make saline solution at home. This is a great alternative to store-bought saline solutions, which often contain harsh chemicals and other additives. Plus, it's super easy to do - just follow the steps outlined below!

When using a nasal wash (neti pot) or nebulizer, your body will thank you if you use saline. Using a .9% saline solution mimics our bodily fluid and is much more gentle than simple distilled or filtered water.

When doing a nasal wash or using a neti pot you'll use a much larger volume of saline than to nebulize so this article will give you recipes for both.

This homemade saline solution can be prepared in advance and stored for up to three days in the fridge. Saline solution is available at pharmacies, but not only will this recipe save you money, but it will also ensure that you have it on hand when you need it most.

Mixing a saline solution at home may seem complicated, but this task is actually quite simple.

Two Ingredients:

• Distilled Water
• Salt

Distilled Water

I was buying distilled water for years when I finally decided to purchase a machine to make my own at home. I really like the convenience and the assurance of the quality (It hasn't been sitting on a hot truck or in a situation where the plastic container for months or years potentially leaching plastic into the water.)

I started with the basic unit below that's available on Amazon. After several years I treated myself to the upgraded model.

Salt

?It's so important to use a non-iodized salt that has not been adulterated or manipulated like table salt has. Natural sea salt contains trace minerals that soothe the nasal passages. If you have a favorite Celtic, pink Himalayan, or sea salt use what you have. Or the Celtic Sea Salt below is a great choice.

Or the Celtic Sea Salt below is a great choice.

Here's how to make saline solution in three easy steps.

Step 1: Measure out all your ingredients

For Neti Pot:

• 1 Liter of distilled water
• 2 teaspoons of salt. A non-iodized table, kosher, or canning salt will work just fine.

When I'm at home, instead of using pre-made saline, I mix a 1/4 teaspoon of high-quality, fine-grain salt into the distilled water in my neti pot, but if you want extra convenience or while traveling these salt packets are a godsend. They are small, go through TSA just fine and save you from spilling salt all over.

For more guidance and a demo on how to use a Neti Pot, check out my blog HERE!

For Nebulizing:

• 1 cup of distilled water
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt Non-Iodized table, kosher, or canning salt will work just fine.

Step 2: On Your Stovetop

• Boil water covered for 15 minutes.
• Allow to cool to room temperature.
• Add salt.
• Stir until dissolved.
• Allow to cool.
• Place in a clean jar.
• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. (After that, it should be discarded.)

Again: for an approximate .9% solution, here's the ratio for three different amounts:

A scant 2 teaspoons per 4 cups (1 liter) of water.

A scant 1 teaspoon to 2 cups of water

A scant 1/2 teaspoon to 1 cup of water.

Metric Measurements for those with scales at home:

9 grams salt to 1 liter of water (1000g)

4.5 grams salt to 1/2 liter (500g)

2.25 grams to 1/4 liter (250g)

Here are two optional additives to consider including in your sterile saline solution.

1-7 drops quality iodine to add additional anti-viral qualities

pinch of baking soda to add a soothing, alkaline quality (good for irritated tissues)

I use iodine throughout cold and flu season and use plain saline or saline with added baking soda during allergy season. To adjust the amounts of added iodine, or to figure out if I need to use the neti pot, I use muscle testing (see my blog Muscle Testing: How to Quit Guessing and Get Answers)

If you chose to master the neti pot and learn to nebulize you will have a much easier time during cold and flu season. Many times, an illness can be stopped in its tracks and if you do get a cold or flu, these two practices can lessen the severity and duration!

To your health!

"Live Inspired!"

Note: Distilled water is recommended over spring water or tap water, as distilled has had the minerals and impurities removed. If you don't use distilled water, it's best to leave out the salt (or any other additive) until after boiling.

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