How to Make ORS at Home CDC-Approved

December 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, oral rehydration therapy has saved millions of lives since its development. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines for creating a basic sugar and salt solution to aid in dehydration, and this guide will show you how to make ORS at home CDC recommends with precision and safety.

Quick Summary

This guide provides the CDC-recommended recipe for homemade oral rehydration solution, detailing the precise ingredients and methods for safe preparation and use. It emphasizes the importance of using clean water and accurate measurements to ensure effectiveness and avoid complications.

Key Points

CDC-Compliant Recipe: Use 1 liter clean water, 6 level teaspoons sugar, and 1/2 level teaspoon salt for the recommended homemade ORS formula.
Accurate Measurements are Crucial: Precision is vital to ensure the correct electrolyte balance; use standard measuring spoons, not silverware.
Use Safe Water: Always use clean drinking water. If needed, boil the water first and let it cool completely.
Proper Administration: Give the solution in frequent, slow sips, especially if the person is vomiting. Do not rush the process.
Storage and Safety: Homemade ORS must be used within 24 hours and discarded afterward to prevent bacterial growth.
Not for Severe Dehydration: While effective for mild to moderate fluid loss, homemade ORS should not replace medical-grade solutions or professional care for severe cases.
Know When to Seek Help: Consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen, or if signs of severe dehydration appear.

Understanding the Need for Oral Rehydration Solution

Dehydration is a serious condition that occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. Common causes include diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive sweating. For many, especially children, severe dehydration can be a life-threatening emergency. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) works by replenishing the body's lost fluids and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, in a balanced formula that the gut can readily absorb. While commercially prepared packets are ideal, knowing how to create a basic ORS at home is a critical skill for emergency preparedness, particularly when professional medical help is not immediately available.

The CDC-Recommended Homemade ORS Recipe

Based on guidelines from public health organizations, including the CDC, a simple yet effective oral rehydration solution can be made using household ingredients. It is vital to follow these instructions precisely to ensure the correct balance of salts and sugars. An incorrect ratio can worsen dehydration or cause other health issues. This recipe is intended for use in situations where packaged ORS is not accessible, but should not replace professional medical advice, especially for infants or severe cases of dehydration.

Ingredients and Preparation

To make a 1-liter batch of homemade ORS, you will need:

1 liter of clean, safe drinking water (or boiled and cooled water).
1/2 level teaspoon of salt.
6 level teaspoons of sugar.

Instructions:

Prepare the water: Use the cleanest water available. If tap water quality is questionable, boil it for a few minutes and allow it to cool before proceeding.
Combine the ingredients: In a clean container, measure out one liter of the prepared water.
Add salt and sugar: Use a standard measuring teaspoon to add a half-teaspoon of salt and six level teaspoons of sugar to the water. Do not use silverware for measurement as it can be imprecise.
Mix thoroughly: Stir the solution until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.

Administering the Homemade ORS

The homemade ORS should be administered slowly, especially if the individual is vomiting. For young children, offer sips every one to two minutes. Adults should drink as much as they can tolerate. If vomiting occurs, pause for 5-10 minutes and then resume at a slower pace. It is crucial to continue giving the solution as long as fluid loss persists.

Homemade ORS vs. Commercial ORS Packets

While a homemade solution can be life-saving in an emergency, it's important to understand the differences between it and commercially available oral rehydration salts.


Feature	Homemade ORS	Commercial ORS Packets
Preparation	Made with readily available household ingredients (water, salt, sugar).	Pre-measured ingredients in individual packets.
Precision	Requires careful measurement to ensure correct electrolyte balance. Errors can be dangerous.	Ingredients are precisely measured and packaged, ensuring consistent composition.
Electrolyte Profile	Provides essential sodium and glucose, but lacks potassium and citrate.	Includes a more complete profile of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, citrate).
Effectiveness	Effective for preventing or delaying dehydration in non-severe cases.	Higher efficacy for treating all types of acute diarrhea, including cholera.
Availability	Can be made anywhere with clean water, salt, and sugar.	Must be purchased from pharmacies, health clinics, or aid organizations.

Important Considerations for Safe ORS

Use Safe Water: The water used must be safe for drinking. If uncertain, boiling is the best way to ensure it is free of harmful bacteria that could worsen illness.

Measure Accurately: Avoid using heaping or rounded teaspoons. The precise, level measurements are critical for the correct osmolarity of the solution. An imbalance can be harmful.

Storage and Shelf-Life: Homemade ORS should be stored in a covered container and discarded after 24 hours, even if refrigerated. Bacteria can grow in the solution over time.

When to Seek Medical Attention: While homemade ORS is a good first-aid measure, it is not a substitute for professional medical care. Seek immediate medical help if dehydration symptoms worsen, or if you or a loved one exhibit signs of severe dehydration, such as lethargy, decreased urination, or a weak pulse.

Conclusion: Your Role in Providing Emergency Hydration

Knowing how to make ORS at home, as guided by CDC principles, is a valuable skill for any caregiver or individual preparing for unforeseen circumstances. It offers a practical and immediate response to fluid loss caused by common ailments like diarrhea. By adhering to the simple yet strict measurements of water, sugar, and salt, you can effectively prevent the progression of dehydration. Remember, this solution serves as a crucial bridge to professional care, not a replacement for it. For severe dehydration, commercially prepared ORS or medical intervention is the safer and more effective choice. Being prepared with this knowledge can provide peace of mind and, in a critical moment, make a significant difference in health outcomes.

[World Health Organization. Oral rehydration salts. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/327263/9789241550711-eng.pdf]

Frequently Asked Questions

The CDC-based recipe for homemade ORS requires 1 liter of clean water, a half level teaspoon of salt, and six level teaspoons of sugar.

You must use clean, safe drinking water. If there is any doubt about the quality of your tap water, boil it for several minutes and let it cool completely before mixing the solution.

No, it is critical to use the exact measurements recommended. The ratio of sugar to salt is specifically balanced for effective absorption, and altering it can reduce the solution's effectiveness or even be harmful.

Homemade ORS must be used within 24 hours of preparation. After 24 hours, it should be discarded, as bacteria can begin to grow.

No, sports drinks are not optimal oral rehydration solutions. They often contain too much sugar and lack the precise balance of electrolytes needed to properly treat dehydration caused by diarrhea.

You should seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, or if you observe signs of severe dehydration, such as lethargy, dizziness, sunken eyes, or no urination for several hours.

Some health resources suggest adding a mashed banana or a bit of orange juice for potassium and taste. However, for the basic, emergency formula, it is best to stick to the core ingredients to maintain the correct balance.