Saline nasal spray: A natural alternative

When nasal congestion makes it difficult to breathe easily, you don't necessarily have to reach for an over-the-counter medication to address the problem.

A saline nasal rinse or spray may be helpful in easing stuffiness.

Saline is a term for a mixture of sodium chloride (salt) and water. The solution is used for a number of purposes, including addressing a stuffy nose. Nasal saline sprays can help temporarily moisturize nasal passages and thin mucus, allowing air to pass through the nasal passages more easily. Nasal saline rinses are used to flush mucus and allergens out of the nasal passages.

Salinity is a measure of how much salt is present in a liquid. When discussing a saline nasal spray or wash, salinity refers to the concentration of salt in the solution.

Saline solution is another name for saline. Prepared saline solution products are used for rinsing contact lenses, flushing out wounds, nasal care and other purposes.

To make your own solution, gather baking soda and noniodized salt. You will also need 2 cups of water that has been distilled, sterilized or boiled and allowed to cool until lukewarm. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and a small pinch of baking soda into the water. Stir until it is dissolved.

A neti pot looks similar to a miniature teapot. However, it has a longer, narrower spout. It is a type of nasal rinsing device that uses a saline solution to treat congested sinuses, colds and allergies. A neti pot may be used to moisten nasal passages exposed to dry indoor air.

Using a saline solution to rinse your nasal passages with a bulb syringe or neti pot may involve the following steps.

1. Lean your head forward over a sink. Tilt your head to about a 45-degree angle.
2. Place the tip of the bulb syringe or spout of the neti pot just inside your nostril that's closest to the sink.
3. Open your mouth and squeeze the bulb or tilt the pot to allow the water to enter your nostril. Breathe through your mouth, not your nose.
4. The saline solution will travel through your nasal passages and drain out of your other nostril.
5. Blow your nose gently to remove any excess solution.
6. Repeat steps 2–5 on your other nostril. 
   
   

Wash the bulb syringe or neti pot properly and allow it to thoroughly dry between uses. If you're using a nasal rinsing device, follow the manufacturer's directions for use.

An over-the-counter nasal saline spray will have directions for use on the packaging. It's very important to follow these directions carefully. In general, to moisturize dry nasal passages, squeeze the bottle twice in each nostril as needed.

Because an over-the-counter saline nasal spray does not contain medications, it can be used as needed to address a stuffy nose. Some people may develop irritation due to preservatives found in some saline nasal sprays. If this occurs, consider a preservative-free saline nasal spray.

 Clinically reviewed and updated by Amy Magill, MA, RDN, February 2021.