Yes, EMdrops can be used to make an excellent oral rehydration solution (ORS), when combined with purified or boiled water, salt (sodium chloride) and sugar. It is easy to make an ORS at home if you wish to avoid using store bought ORS. To 1 liter (or 1 quart) of purified or boiled water in a clean container, add 1/2 teaspoon (or 2.6 grams) of common salt (preferably sea-salt); 2 tablespoons (or 6 teaspoons) of sugar (preferably organic); and 20 drops (or 1 mL) of EMDROPS. This recipe is adapted from a WHO (World Health Organization) recommended recipe for making ORS at home.

Please note that the use of EMDROPS is optional — the main ingredients of a home-made ORS are water, sugar and salt. Adding EMDROPS provides beneficial calcium, magnesium and potassium electrolytes in addition to the salt and sugar. You may also optionally add the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon or lime for flavor. Use the ORS immediately after preparation, or store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Apart from adding accurate amounts of pure ingredients, the most important safety considerations in making an ORS at home are to use clean hands (preferably use gloves suitable for food handling), purified water (preferably distilled or boiled water), and very clean (preferably sterile) containers and mixing spoon for making and storing the ORS. The simplest way to “sterilize” a container at home is to immerse in boiling water for a few minutes, or to boil water in it (filled to near capacity).