How to Make an ORS at Home with 3 Simple Ingredients

Download Article

Simple ORS recipes to help with food poisoning or diarrhea

Co-authored by Claudia Carberry, RD, MS and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: October 9, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

How to Make and Use an ORS

|

ORS Alternatives

|

When to Drink an ORS

|

Video

|

Tips

|

Warnings

ARTICLE

VIDEO

Oral Rehydration Salts or an Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is a special drink made with clean water, sugar, and salt that can help replace fluid loss from severe diarrhea and/or vomiting. While medical professionals officially recommend using premade ORS packets and drinks, it is possible to make a homemade version with just 3 simple ingredients. We’ll walk you through the recipe for an ORS (including some homemade alternatives), and even provide some guidance on how much adults, kids, and toddlers should drink.

Things You Should Know

Prepare a homemade ORS drink with 4 ¹ ⁄ ₄ c (1.0 L) water, ½ tsp (3 g) of table salt, and 2 tbsp (25 g) of sugar.
Alternatively, stir ¾ tsp (4.5 g) of table salt into 4 c (0.95 L) of a sports drink.
Sip 100 mL (3.4 fl oz) of an ORS every 5 minutes. The total amount of an ORS you need (in mL) is your weight (in kg) multiplied by 75.

Section 1 of 3:

How to Make and Use an ORS

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-1-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-1-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-1-Version-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-1-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

1
Mix clean water, salt, and sugar together to make a homemade ORS. Stir ½ tsp (3 g) of table salt and 2 tbsp (25 g) of sugar into 4 ¹ ⁄ ₄ c (1.0 L) of water. To improve the flavor, mix in some water flavoring .
- If you have a premade ORS packet: Stir a packet of premade ORS into 1 L (34 fl oz) of water. ^{[1]
 X
 Trustworthy Source
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
 Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
 Go to source}
- Warning: Medical experts advise against using a homemade ORS solution unless there are no other options available. Premade solutions are your best bet at fighting dehydration. ^{[2]
 X
 Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-2-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-2-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-2-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-2-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

2
Drink 100 mL (3.4 fl oz) of your ORS about every 5 minutes. Multiply your weight (in kg) by 75—this is the amount of an ORS you need to drink over 4 hours (in mL). Continue to sip your ORS every few minutes, or until you no longer show signs of dehydration (for example, being able to pass urine, no longer feeling thirsty, and having a strong pulse). ^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
- Examine your symptoms after drinking your ORS for 1 hour, then continue checking once every 1-2 hours as you rehydrate. ^{[4]
 X
 Trustworthy Source
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
 Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
 Go to source}
- Alternative dosage: Babies under 2 years old can drink ¹ ⁄ ₂ L (17 fl oz) of ORS per day; children under 10 years old can drink 1 L (34 fl oz) of ORS per day; and children over 10 years old and adults can drink 3 L (100 fl oz) of ORS per day. ^{[5]
 X
 Trustworthy Source
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
 Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
 Go to source}

Section 2 of 3:

Homemade ORS Alternatives

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-3-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-3-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-3-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-3-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Mix 1 ¹ ⁄ ₂ c (350 mL) of a sports drink with 2 ¹ ⁄ ₂ c (590 mL) of water and ½ tsp (3 g) of salt. If you’re using a low-calorie sports drink, use 1 US qt (0.95 L) of the beverage mixed with ¼ to ½ tsp (1.5 to 3 g) of salt. ^{[6]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-4-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-4-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-4-Version-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-4-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

2
Broth-based ORS Pour 4 c (0.95 L) of water into a container, along with 1 broth cube , ¼ tsp (1.5 g) of salt, and 2 tbsp (25 g) of sugar. Stir everything together, wait for the ingredients to dissolve, and then start sipping from the mixture. ^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Liquid broth alternative: Combine 2 c (0.47 L) of beef broth , chicken broth , or vegetable broth with 2 c (0.47 L) of water and 2 tbsp (25 g) of sugar.
- Miso paste alternative: Mix 4 c (0.95 L) of water with 7 tsp (39 g) of miso paste and 1 tbsp (12.5 g) of sugar.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-5-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-5-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-5-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-5-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

3
Juice-based ORS Mix 4 ¹ ⁄ ₄ c (1.0 L) of water, 1 c (240 mL) of orange juice, 8 tsp (33.5 g) of sugar, ¾ tsp (3.7 g) of baking soda, and ½ tsp (3 g) of salt together. ^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Apple juice alternative: Mix ³ ⁄ ₄ c (180 mL) of apple juice, 3 ¹ ⁄ ₄ c (0.77 L) of water, and ½ to ¾ tsp (3 to 4.5 g) of salt together.
- Tomato juice alternative: Mix 2 ¹ ⁄ ₂ c (590 mL) of tomato juice and 1 ¹ ⁄ ₂ c (350 mL) of water together.
- Cranberry or grape juice alternative: Mix ³ ⁄ ₄ c (180 mL) of juice, 3 ¹ ⁄ ₄ c (0.77 L) of water, and ½ to ¾ tsp (3 to 4.5 g) of salt together.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-6-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-6-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-6-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-6-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Mix ½ cup (17.5 g) of dry (pre-cooked) baby rice cereal with 2 c (470 mL) of water, and ¼ tsp (1.5g) of salt. Once the ingredients are combined, stick the mixture in the refrigerator until it has a thick but pourable consistency.

Section 3 of 3:

When should someone drink an ORS?

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-7-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-7-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-7-Version-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-%28ORS%29-Step-7-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}
Drink an ORS when you’re experiencing diarrhea and/or vomiting. The purpose of an ORS drink is to help your body recover the fluids it loses through vomiting and diarrhea. ^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source} With this in mind, an oral rehydration solution can be a helpful way to recover from food poisoning. ^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- See a doctor if you have persistent diarrhea (for 3+ days), you vomit so much that you aren’t able to keep any liquids in your system, and/or you have symptoms of dehydration (like not passing urine, having a dry mouth, or experiencing dizziness).

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Read Video Transcript

Tips

Medical professionals officially recommend using ORS packets (like Trioral or DripDrop ). ^{[11]
X
Research source} You can also purchase premade ORS drinks (like Pedialyte ).

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) can help individuals rebound from bouts of diarrhea and vomiting since these foods are nutritious and easy on your stomach. ^{[12]
X
Trustworthy Source
FamilyDoctor.org
Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors
Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Be sure to use clean water when preparing an ORS drink. ^{[13]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Don’t give a child with diarrhea medication unless your doctor recommends or prescribes it. ^{[14]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Call your doctor right away if your child experiences any serious symptoms like bloody stool, abdominal pain, a lack of tears, infrequent urination, high fever, intense thirst, weight loss, and/or frequent vomiting. ^{[15]
X
Trustworthy Source
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital
Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
A typical case of diarrhea goes away within a week. Call your doctor if you experience diarrhea for longer than this. ^{[16]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

[1]

Trustworthy Source

Go to source

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

Log in

How to Make an ORS at Home with 3 Simple Ingredients

Things You Should Know

Steps

How to Make and Use an ORS

Homemade ORS Alternatives

When should someone drink an ORS?

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories