How to Make Homemade Saline Mist

Saline mist is commonly used to relieve irritated or dry nasal passages. These conditions have several causes, including dry weather, indoor air, plane travel, nasal steroid use and allergies. Saline mist nasal sprays are also used to clear congestion when you have a cold. You can purchase one at your local drugstore, but this can get expensive, especially if you need to use it on a daily basis. Luckily, saline is simply a mixture of salt and sterile water, and you can make your own affordable -- and refillable -- saline mist spray using items you can buy at your local supermarket and health food store.

Instructions

1

Pour 10 oz. of distilled water and tsp. of non-iodized sea salt into a clean saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir the solution until the sea salt is completely dissolved. Let the solution cool for about 15 to 30 minutes before transferring to a nasal spray bottle.

2

Place a clean funnel over the opening of the nasal spray bottle. Carefully pour in the solution.

3

Blow your nose gently to remove any mucous in your nostrils. Remove the cap and insert the tip of the spray into one nostril.

4

Tilt your head down, then spray the mist into your nostril twice or more until you feel the urge to sneeze or blow your nose. Blow your nose gently with a clean tissue paper to remove the solution. Repeat in your other nostril.

5

Store your homemade nasal mist spray at room temperature. Sterilize your nasal bottle after you have used up all the solution. Pour boiling water into the bottle and let it cool. Wash the nasal sprayer and cap with antibacterial dishwashing soap and water. Discard the water and refill with new saline solution.