Oral Rehydration Solution

Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is a life saving solution of sugar, salt, and water, formulated to treat dehydration caused by diarrhea, heat, or vomiting. This recipe uses the public domain guidelines developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). It has a mild, slightly sweet taste.

Ingredients

  • 1 liter clean, boiled and cooled water
  • 6 level teaspoons (≈30 g) sugar
  • ½ level teaspoon (≈3.5 g) table salt
Oral Rehydration Solution

Photo: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain

Procedure

  1. Measure water, salt, and sugar accurately.
  2. Boil water and allow it to cool to a safe drinking temperature.
  3. Dissolve the salt and sugar completely in the water, stirring until fully mixed.

Notes, tips, and variations

  • If your drinking water is already safe and treated, you can skip boiling and mix the ORS directly.
  • Do not add extra salt or sugar, as this can worsen dehydration.

References