Only a few people know that a saline solution can treat a sore throat, a skin infection and even a cut. And the best part is that the treatment can be prepared in just a few minutes.
Preparation in the Mircowave
You Can Buy Regular Table Salt or Sea Salt
Buy plain salt rather than fancy, scented, colored, or flavored salts; the salt should be as pure as possible. Make sure it’s iodine-free and free of preservatives; anything other than salt could irritate your skin/nasal lining/whatever you’re using it for.
The Mixture
Step 1:
In a cup, put a 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) of salt. To replicate the concentration of salt or tears, make a 0.9 percent saline solution (the correct term). For fine table salt, 1/2 tsp is about right, but not for coarse sea salt, where the volume required to obtain 2.5 g can be up to twice that of fine salt.
For children, keep the salt to a minimum; for adults, a little more salt is acceptable. But only a little!
Additional Tips:
- Some recipes call for a half-teaspoon or so of baking soda.
- A standard solution, on the other hand, does not require it.
- This amounts to 8 ounces of water. Use more salt if you’re using more water.
Step 2:
Stir in 8 ounces (1 cup) of hot water until well combined. Put it in the microwave for a minute or two, put it in your kettle, or get it to a temperature where it’s hot but not boiling. To ensure sterility, you will need to run the microwave for much longer than 1 minute. When using a covered pyrex bowl, the top may become displaced due to a buildup of steam if the heating is prolonged. Use a spoon to help it dissolve.
Make sure it’s well mixed! If it’s cloudy or dirty, toss it.
Use distilled water if you want to be extra cautious (or water that has actually reached a boil). This ensures that everything is sterile and sanitary.
Step 3:
Depending on your circumstances, cleanse, submerge, or gargle the saline solution. But be careful not to swallow it! For the record, it’s not meant for open wounds.
Do not immerse piercings in water. Cleanse only the affected area, as the saline solution can dry out the surrounding areas. Consult with a licensed professional to determine the best way to care for your new piercing.
Submerge the appendage in saline four times a day for nail infections or other skin infections (but not open wounds). This procedure can take days to weeks to work; consult a medical professional before it spreads, and go to the ER if you see a red line traveling up your appendage.
Note:
If you have a sore throat, gargle with the solution morning and night; ingesting it by accident will not harm you. Consult a doctor if the sore throat persists after two days.
Preparation on the Stove
Step 1:
In a pan, combine 1 cup of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This equates to 8 ounces of water and approximately 2.5 grams of salt. Make sure the salt is iodide-free and free of unnecessary preservatives, coloring, scent, and other additives.
Doesn’t 1/2 a teaspoon seem like much? It’s safe to add a little more for adults, but only a little. You want a solution that is similar to your own tears, which is 0.9 percent saline.
Step 2:
Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes. Put the lid on right away. If you don’t use a lid, too much water will evaporate and the solution will become too salty. Set the timer and leave. If you need to prepare anything else at this point (such as a neti pot or a jar), do so now.
Step 3:
Make use of your solution. Saline solution is most commonly used to clear sinuses, soothe a sore throat, or rinse contact lenses. Just make sure it’s appropriate and secure for the purpose you intend to use it for.
If you’re gargling it, wait for it to cool slightly so it doesn’t burn your throat; it should be warm but not searingly hot. The same is true if you use it in your nasal passageway or on your skin; you don’t want to aggravate your problem!
Step 4:
Pour the remainder into a clean jar, bottle, or cup. If you have any extras. To ensure that the solution remains effective, make sure your container is sterile. You can be certain it is by boiling it as well.
