Homemade Saline Nose Drops

TheDancingCook's Note:

Do you have sinus congestion with clogged ears? Well this is for you, very simple. This recipe was given to me by several nurses I work with; it's the same advice they give to our patients (pediatric through adult) and so they gave the same advice to me when I had these symptoms and let me tell you, it works wonders.

• Total Time: 1 mins
• Prep Time: 1 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 1 cup

• 8 ounces warm water
• ½ teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. You will also need: 1 dropper.
2. Mix the water and salt.
3. Squeeze some of the mixture through a dropper.
4. Lay across a bed, with your head hanging over, upside down, and sniff a few drops up each nostril.
5. Do this as many times within a 2 hour period and blow your nose occasionally until each ear/nostril is cleared.
6. Take a break for a few hours, then perform again, as needed.

Reviews

[sporgo]

Recipe is spot on. It is extremely important to use distilled water or boil your water and sterilize the dispenser also. Some districts do not treat their tap water enough to kill the Naegleria fowleri amoeba. If you fail to sterilize your water this amoeba can travel from your nose to your brain and kill you. This is called primary amebic meningoencephalitis.

[Chef #252274]

I'm a visiting nurse, if a patient needs saline, we give them the recipe given but tell them to bring the solution to a boil, then simmer it for 10 minutes. Let it cool then put it into a sterile container. I've been using this method for 24 yrs. with good results. I also have allergies and the net pot works wonders.

[farmchick #2]

I used to get the worst sinus infections that took weeks to clear up. I got pregnant and sudenly couldn't use the regular drugs...my Dr. said to try this. I LOVE IT. It works so much better than any drug I ever took. I also don't seem to get allergies as often now that I don't take the drugs. I don't know why, just weird. Anyhow, I use a sinus rinse bottle made by NeilMed. It shoots the water up your nose...yes, gross sounding...until you get better in one day vs. weeks. If you have problems, or you're pregnant try it. I'm very glad I did. I also agree with Chef#544852 to add a pinch of Baking Soda.