Saline solution is the technical term for salt water, which has many benefits to human health.

Salt water draws water out of bacteria cells, causing the bacteria to dehydrate and die. Most bacteria can’t live in a salty environment.

At the first sign of a sore or scratchy throat, gargle frequently with salt water, made by mixing _ to _ tsp. salt in a cup of warm water. Gargling washes the back of the throat and tonsils. It’s soothing, plus the salty solution kills bacteria such as strep. Most children age 3 and older can be taught to gargle and spit so they don’t swallow large amounts of salt water.

For a runny or congested nose, squirt a saline solution up your nose several times a day. This can clear your nose and sinuses as effectively as decongestant medicine, without the side effects. You can buy and over-the-counter saline nasal spray, or can use an empty nasal spray bottle and mix your own solution: one cup of warm water plus _ to _ tsp. salt; you can add a pinch of baking soda so the solution won’t sting. Stand over a sink and gently squirt the solution into one nostril at a time while sniffing to get the solution back into the sinuses. It’s normal for a little solution to run down your throat. Then, gently blow your nose.

For infants with congested noses, use a bulb syringe to drop a small amount of saline solution into the nostrils, then gently suction out the saline and mucus.

Discard unused homemade nasal saline solution after each use. Clean out your bottle or bulb syringe with soapy water, rinse and let it drain before the next use.

Also, minor wounds, scrapes and abrasions tend to heal a bit more quickly if they are cleaned with a saline solution.