Individuals suffering from nasal swelling, sinus drainage and sinus dryness will benefit from using homemade moisturizing nasal sprays. Homemade moisturizing nasal spray, also known as nasal wash, is a solution made of salt, baking soda and water. The solution is used to keep sinuses moist, clear of allergens and mucus.
Homemade moisturizing nasal sprays should ideally be mixed every time used. Extra solution may be kept in a glass jar for up to 48 hours.
Recipe
A simple recipe for moisturizing nasal spray or wash consists of even amounts of plain salt and baking soda being added to warm water. When preparing the dry mixture, use a small airtight container and mix the plain salt and baking soda together. Mixing 1/2 cup of each together will provide 30 days of 8 oz washes when using either a Neti Pot or nasal wash/flush bottle bought at the local pharmacy. The saline mixture consists of 1/8 teaspoon dry plain salt and soda moisture combined with 8 oz of warm water. This particular mixture is comparable to the salt consistency of your body fluids.
In warm coastal areas a saline solution mixed to match your body fluids may not be salty enough to take care of healing or moisturizing of the sinus cavities. When the above recipe does not seem to work, mix the dry ingredients 2 to 1 instead of 1 to 1. The mix would consist of 2 parts salt to 1 part soda mixed with 8 ounces of warm water. The 1/8 teaspoon of dry salt and soda mixture to 8 ounces of water is still the appropriate mixture. This solution may burn more than the 1 to 1 ratio but is tolerable. With time, the burning will cease.
Using Moisturing Nasal Spray or Wash
The homemade moisturizing nasal spray or wash is best used in a nasal wash/flush kit or a Neti Pot. A small bulb syringe, usually used to remove mucus from an infant’s nose, may also be used. The nasal wash/flush kit contains a measuring spoon, a plastic squirt bottle with a tube that goes all the way to the bottom and directions. The kit costs between $5 and $10 but may be used over a year if cleaned properly after each use.
A true nasal spray uses a bottle like most nasal sprays on the market. A fine mist is squirted into the sinus cavities. A used nasal spray bottle may be cleaned and used to hold the homemade moisturizing nasal spray. It is best to use a bottle that has not contained a liquid that is used as an antihistamine. A straight saline nasal spray bottle would be the best. Simply remove the lid, clean the bottle and add the homemade nasal mixture.
Caution
It should be noted that homemade moisturizing nasal spray or wash is not a cure for any type of infection. It is meant to moisten and clean the sinus cavities. This solution will not cure sinus infection.
When using the nasal wash/flush bottle for the first time, too much pressure may cause pain or burning in the sinus cavity. Use a slow steady stream of solution to avoid any discomfort.
