Can a homemade saline solution unclog my nose?

A homemade saline solution can effectively help clear your nose, provided you prepare it properly and use it safely. This is a well-known, safe, and inexpensive way to cleanse the nasal mucous membranes and reduce swelling.

The standard recipe for physiological saline solution recommends using 250 ml of lukewarm, sterile water (boiled and cooled, or distilled/bottled water) with half a teaspoon of salt (without iodine or anti-caking agent, if possible). A pinch of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) makes the solution gentler on the nasal mucosa.

Do not use unboiled tap water. It may contain bacteria or amoebas that can cause rare but serious infections.

Use a nasal rinse bottle, nasal douche, or syringe without a needle. Lean forward over a sink with your mouth open. Gently pour or squirt the solution into one nostril so that it drains out the other nostril or your mouth. Repeat on the other side. Then blow your nose gently (not forcefully!).

The saline solution washes away mucus, allergens, and germs. It thins the nasal mucus, making it easier to loosen and reduces swelling of the nasal mucosa.

Be cautious again in cases of severe or prolonged nasal congestion (>10 days). This could indicate sinusitis or allergies, nosebleeds, pain during irrigation, and after nasal surgery.

Source: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006394.pub3/full

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2025-10-08 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2026