What is a homemade substitute for ORS?

November 20, 2025 •

3 min read

Oral rehydration therapy has prevented millions of deaths, especially in children. Knowing what is a homemade substitute for ORS can be vital when commercial options are unavailable, but safety is key.

Quick Summary

A homemade solution of water, salt, and sugar can act as an emergency ORS substitute, but accurate measurements are crucial. It is for mild dehydration only while seeking medical care, not for severe cases.

Key Points

Emergency Use: Homemade ORS is for temporary use in mild dehydration.
Recipe Precision: The WHO recipe is 1 liter of safe water, 6 level teaspoons of sugar, and 1/2 level teaspoon of salt.
Salt Toxicity Risk: Improper mixing, especially too much salt, can cause hypernatremia.
Commercial is Preferred: Commercial ORS is balanced and recommended, especially for moderate or severe dehydration.
Seek Medical Care: Consult a doctor for severe dehydration, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, or for infants and young children.

Understanding the Science of Oral Rehydration

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in, often due to vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating. Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) works by using glucose (sugar) to help the body absorb sodium (salt) and water more efficiently. The right balance of salt and sugar is important; too little sugar and sodium won't absorb well, while too much sugar can worsen diarrhea. Commercial oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are scientifically formulated for optimal absorption, but a properly prepared homemade version can be a temporary substitute in an emergency.

The WHO-Recommended Homemade ORS Recipe

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF provide a simple recipe for preparing an oral rehydration solution at home using basic ingredients. This should only be used temporarily and is not a replacement for medical care, especially in severe cases of dehydration.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Gather Ingredients: Use 1 liter of safe drinking water (boiled and cooled is best), 6 level teaspoons of sugar, and 1/2 level teaspoon of salt.
Ensure Cleanliness: Wash hands, the mixing container, and the spoon with soap and clean water.
Measure Accurately: Use level teaspoons for the correct proportions. Incorrect measurements can be harmful.
Mix Thoroughly: Add salt and sugar to the water. Stir until both dissolve completely.
Administer and Store: Give the solution in frequent, small sips. If the patient vomits, wait 5-10 minutes and continue slowly. Discard any unused solution after 24 hours.

Important Safety Precautions for Homemade Solutions

Homemade ORS carries significant risks if not prepared correctly. Salt toxicity (hypernatremia) can occur from too much salt, which can cause nausea, confusion, seizures, or even death. Precision is paramount. The solution should not taste saltier than tears. Too much sugar or sugary drinks can worsen diarrhea. Homemade solutions are also less effective for severe dehydration than commercial versions, which contain additional electrolytes like potassium and citrate. The Government of Canada's guide on oral rehydration solutions recommends commercial products for dehydration.

Alternatives to Traditional Homemade ORS

If the standard salt and sugar recipe is not an option, other homemade remedies can be used for very mild dehydration, but their effectiveness is not as well-studied or consistent as a true ORS.

Clear Broth: Clear, salty broth can help replace some electrolytes and fluid, particularly sodium.
Rice Water: Lightly salted rice water, where the water is drained after cooking, can also help rehydrate.
Diluted Juice: Diluted fruit juice (not high-sugar juice) can provide fluid and some energy, but isn't a balanced electrolyte solution.
The BRAT Diet: A bland diet of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast is often recommended for easing diarrhea symptoms in conjunction with fluid intake.

Commercial ORS vs. Homemade Substitutes: A Comparison


Feature	Homemade ORS	Commercial ORS
Formulation	Uses basic ingredients (salt, sugar, water) and can be less precise due to user error.	Scientifically formulated with precise ratios of sodium, glucose, potassium, and citrate.
Availability	Can be made anywhere with basic supplies.	Requires purchasing packets or bottles from pharmacies or stores.
Safety & Risk	High risk of salt toxicity (hypernatremia) if not measured exactly. Should only be used for mild cases.	Very safe when instructions are followed. Balanced formula minimizes risks.
Effectiveness	Effective for preventing or delaying mild dehydration in emergencies.	Highly effective for treating moderate dehydration and can prevent death.
Use Case	Emergency use for mild dehydration when commercial products are unavailable.	Standard treatment for dehydration caused by diarrhea or vomiting, including moderate cases.

When Homemade Isn't Enough: Seeking Medical Advice

While a homemade ORS can be useful, there are circumstances where immediate medical attention is necessary. Severe dehydration, indicated by symptoms like dizziness, fast heart rate, low blood pressure, or dark urine, is a medical emergency. Homemade solutions are not appropriate for severe dehydration or for infants and young children, who should receive pediatric ORS under a doctor's guidance. Individuals with pre-existing conditions like kidney disease or heart failure should also consult a doctor before using ORS. If vomiting or diarrhea persists, or if any signs of salt toxicity (weakness, confusion) are noticed, seek medical help immediately.

Conclusion

A homemade ORS substitute can be created using a precise mixture of water, salt, and sugar as a temporary measure for mild dehydration. However, it is essential to follow the recipe to avoid harmful side effects like salt toxicity. For severe dehydration, infants, or those with existing conditions, commercial ORS or professional medical advice is safer and more effective. Always prioritize standardized solutions and consult a healthcare provider when in doubt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sports drinks aren't ideal ORS substitutes because of the incorrect electrolyte balance and often too much sugar, which can worsen diarrhea. They can be used for mild cases if no better options are available but shouldn't replace a proper ORS.

No, homemade ORS isn't recommended for babies. Infants and young children are at higher risk for electrolyte imbalance, so it's safest to use commercial pediatric ORS and consult a doctor.

Incorrect mixing, especially adding too much salt, can lead to salt toxicity (hypernatremia). This serious condition can cause confusion, seizures, kidney damage, and other severe side effects.

Use a homemade ORS solution within 24 hours at room temperature. If refrigerated, it can be kept slightly longer but discard it if not used within 48 hours.

You can add a small amount of diluted juice (like orange or lemon) or a mashed banana to improve taste and add potassium. Avoid high-sugar juices and caffeine, which can worsen dehydration.

The best way is to follow the WHO recipe precisely using standard, level measurements. The solution should not taste noticeably sweeter or saltier than tears. Accurate measurements are key, as taste is not a reliable indicator.

Seek immediate medical attention for severe dehydration signs, such as persistent fatigue, lack of sweat, dizziness, or dark urine. If homemade ORS causes adverse effects or symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea don't improve, consult a professional.