Salt solution has many uses for a number of health problems, such as sore throats, piercing wounds, or skin infections. The best part is that this solution can be made in minutes with a mixture of two ingredients from your kitchen. Keep reading this article to learn how to get the right ratio to make this natural and effective solution.
Step
Part 1 of 2: With a Microwave Oven
Step 1. Buy regular table salt or sea salt
Don't buy salt that is beautifully shaped, flavored, colored or flavored; The salt used should be as pure as possible. Make sure the salt is iodine-free and contains no preservatives - if it contains both substances, the solution you make can irritate the skin/respiratory tract/any part of the body you are treating with this solution.
Step 2. Put 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) of salt in a cup
Your saline solution should mimic the concentration of salt or tears by making a normal solution (the actual term) that contains 0.9% salt. For children, make a solution that is not too salty; for adults, it's fine to make a slightly saltier solution. But quite a bit!
- If you like, some recipes say to add 1/2 teaspoon or more of baking soda. However, it is not necessary to add to make a normal solution.
- The above measurements are used for 237 ml of water. If you use more water, use more salt.
Step 3. Add 237 ml (1 cup) of hot water, mix well
Heat in the microwave for a minute or so, pour into the kettle, or whatever you prefer to heat it to a point where the water is hot but not boiling. Take a spoon and stir the solution.
- Make sure the solution is stirred well! If the solution becomes cloudy or dirty, discard the solution.
- If you want a safer option, use distilled (or really boiled) water. This is to ensure all materials used are sterile and hygienic.
Step 4. Depending on your health concerns, clean, soak or rinse your mouth with the saline solution
But make sure not to swallow it! Note that this solution is not intended for open wounds.
- For piercings, do not immerse them in water. Only clean the area, as this saline solution can dry out the surrounding area quite a bit. Talk to a licensed professional about the best way to care for your newly installed piercing.
- For nail infections or other related skin infections (not open wounds), soak the infected area in a saline solution 4 times a day. This method can take days to weeks to produce results, see a medical professional before the infection spreads, and if you see a red line around the infected area go to the ER.
- For sore throats, rinse your mouth every morning and night, don't swallow the solution, even if doing so accidentally won't harm you. If sore throat persists after 2 days, see a doctor.
Part 2 of 2: With the Stove
Step 1. Pour 1 cup of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a saucepan
The dose is 237 ml of water and approximately 2.5 grams of salt. Make sure the salt is iodine-free and doesn't contain preservatives, colors, flavors, or other unnecessary artificial substances.
1/2 teaspoon doesn't look like much, does it? For adults, it's okay to add a little more salt, but only a little. You should have a solution that resembles your own tears – which is 0.9% salt
Step 2. Simmer for 15 minutes
Cover the pot when you start. Set a timer and leave it. If you need to prepare something else at this point (like a neti pot), do so now.
Step 3. Use the solution you have made
The most common uses for saline solution are to clear the sinuses, relieve a sore throat or to rinse contact lenses. Just make sure the solution is safe and appropriate for your intended use.
If you're gargling with the solution, wait until the solution cools down a bit so the solution doesn't burn your throat – it should be very warm – not searing. The same applies to use in your nasal passages or skin; You certainly don't want to make your problem worse
Step 4. Pour the remainder into a sterile tube, bottle, or cup
Only if you have leftovers. Make sure your container is sterile to ensure the solution remains effective. You can also make sure by boiling it.
Tips
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Discard the solution after 24 hours. If you did store it (or part of it), cover the cup and store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Any longer than that and the solution should be discarded. Plus, it's just salt and water - you can recreate it in a pinch. It is important to use a fresh solution as a safe and effective option.
Warning
- If you're not sure you have an infection, see a doctor.
- If symptoms persist, see a doctor.
- Do not boil the solution; The salt solution should be as hot as you can stand, but not boiling. Boiling won't make it any more effective.
