How do you make homemade ORS solution?

December 26, 2025 •

3 min read

The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that oral rehydration therapy has prevented millions of deaths from diarrheal diseases since its widespread promotion. This success is largely due to the effectiveness of a simple salt, sugar, and water mixture. For times when commercial packets are unavailable, knowing how do you make homemade ORS solution can be a lifesaver.

Quick Summary

A step-by-step guide to preparing a homemade oral rehydration solution using clean water, sugar, and salt, based on recommended guidelines. Details ingredients, preparation instructions, and important safety considerations for its use during dehydration.

Key Points

Standard Recipe: Mix 6 level teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 level teaspoon of salt into 1 liter of clean water until dissolved.
Clean Water is Essential: Use boiled and cooled water to reduce the risk of contamination, especially in areas with unsafe water sources.
Precision is Key: Accurately measure ingredients. Improper ratios, particularly too much salt, can be dangerous and lead to salt toxicity.
Homemade vs. Commercial: Homemade ORS is a good emergency measure, but commercial packets offer the safest, most precise electrolyte balance.
Not for Infants: Do not administer homemade ORS to infants without a doctor's advice due to the high risk of improper electrolyte concentration.
Storage: Discard any leftover homemade solution after 24 hours to ensure safety.

Why Homemade ORS is a Crucial Skill

Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is a specific mix of electrolytes and glucose that helps the body absorb water more efficiently, making it far more effective for rehydration than plain water alone. It's particularly vital during illnesses causing fluid loss, such as diarrhea or vomiting. While commercial ORS packets are the safest option due to precise ingredient ratios, knowing how to create a homemade version is an important skill in an emergency or when traveling in remote areas. A properly prepared solution can help manage mild to moderate dehydration until professional medical help is accessible.

The Standard Homemade ORS Recipe

Based on a version recommended by health authorities, the standard recipe involves a careful balance of ingredients. The key is to use level, not heaping, measurements to ensure the concentration is not too high, which could be harmful.

Ingredients:

1 liter of clean drinking water (boiled and cooled is best)
6 level teaspoons of sugar
1/2 level teaspoon of salt

Instructions:

Prepare the water: Use a clean container to measure out exactly one liter of clean water. If the water source is questionable, boil it for at least one minute and let it cool completely before use.
Add dry ingredients: Measure out 6 level teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 level teaspoon of salt. Be precise; using too much salt can be dangerous.
Mix thoroughly: Add the sugar and salt to the water and stir until both ingredients are fully dissolved.
Administer the solution: Sip the solution slowly over the course of a few hours. If vomiting occurs, stop for 5-10 minutes and then resume with smaller, more frequent sips. The solution should be consumed within 24 hours of mixing, especially if not refrigerated.

Homemade ORS Variations and Precautions

For additional flavor and nutrients, particularly potassium, some variations are possible. However, the basic salt-sugar-water ratio should be maintained. For instance, adding a mashed banana or a bit of orange juice can help with palatability and increase potassium levels, but should be done with care to avoid excessive sugar.

Comparison of Homemade ORS vs. Commercial ORS


Feature	Homemade ORS	Commercial ORS
Composition	Made with household salt and sugar. Ratios may be inconsistent due to measurement variations.	Precisely measured electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, citrate) and glucose for optimal absorption.
Safety	Less predictable due to potential for measurement errors; too much salt can be toxic.	Safe and reliable when mixed according to package instructions.
Availability	Can be made anywhere with water, salt, and sugar.	Requires access to a pharmacy or healthcare provider.
Taste	Can be improved with fruit juice or other natural flavorings, though not recommended for infants.	Often available in different flavors to encourage consumption, especially for children.
Usage	Recommended for delaying or preventing dehydration in situations where commercial ORS is unavailable. Not a long-term treatment.	Standard, first-line treatment for moderate dehydration caused by diarrhea or vomiting.

Important Safety Cautions

Do not use for infants: Unless under a doctor's strict supervision, homemade solutions are not recommended for infants due to the high risk of imprecise measurements causing an electrolyte imbalance.
Monitor symptoms: Homemade ORS is a temporary measure. Seek medical attention if dehydration symptoms worsen, persist, or if the individual has severe dehydration, is unable to drink, or has other complications.
Discard unused solution: Any unused homemade ORS should be discarded after 24 hours to prevent bacterial contamination.

Conclusion

Creating a homemade ORS solution is a valuable skill for a home first-aid kit or for travel in areas without access to commercial products. While commercial ORS packets are safer and more effective for treating moderate dehydration, this simple recipe provides a crucial stop-gap measure to prevent or delay dehydration. The key is to be extremely precise with the measurements and to remember that this solution is a temporary fix, not a replacement for professional medical care, especially in infants or severe cases. Always consult a healthcare provider for the proper management of dehydration.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should use standard table salt (sodium chloride) for the recipe. Some guidelines mention adding salt substitute (potassium chloride), but for the simple recipe, standard table salt is sufficient and most common.

Commercial sports drinks often contain high levels of sugar and may not have the optimal balance of electrolytes for therapeutic rehydration. ORS is specifically formulated for medical rehydration, while sports drinks are designed for athletic performance.

Health experts generally advise against giving homemade ORS to infants and small children, recommending commercially prepared solutions instead. In an emergency, it may be used for older children, but always consult a doctor, as improper preparation can be harmful.

Homemade ORS should be used within 24 hours, even if refrigerated. After this time, the solution should be discarded to prevent bacterial growth and contamination.

Yes, you can add small amounts of natural flavoring like fruit juice or a mashed banana to improve taste and provide potassium. However, avoid adding too much sugar, as this can worsen diarrhea. For infants, no flavoring should be added.

The most significant risk is an incorrect electrolyte balance. Too much salt can cause salt toxicity (hypernatremia), with symptoms including nausea, headache, and confusion, which can be fatal. Too little salt may be ineffective for rehydration.

Homemade ORS is used to treat mild to moderate dehydration caused by fluid loss from diarrhea or vomiting. For simple thirst or mild fluid loss (not illness-related), plain water is sufficient. The glucose in ORS helps the body absorb sodium and water more effectively when ill.