How to make homemade serum: recipe, what it’s for (and when to take it)

Homemade serum is a very hydrating drink that is made by mixing water, salt and sugar. Homemade serum is indicated to combat dehydration caused by vomiting or diarrhea, and can be used by adults, children, babies and even pets.

Although it can be used on babies, it should not be given to babies who are still exclusively breastfed, and in these cases it is more appropriate to give only the breast to keep the baby hydrated.

In addition to making homemade serum, know exactly what you can eat when you have diarrhea.

Recipe for 1 L of homemade whey with a tablespoon

How to make homemade serum

To make homemade whey, mix 1 liter of water with 1 heaping tablespoon of sugar (20 g) and 1 teaspoon of salt (3.5 g). The water must be filtered, mineral or boiled.

Ingredients

• 1 liter of filtered, boiled or bottled mineral water;
• 1 heaped tablespoon of sugar or 2 level spoons of sugar (20 g);
• 1 teaspoon of salt (3.5 g).

Preparation mode

Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a transparent mixture. Drink 2 to 3 liters a day, in small sips, several times a day.

Homemade whey recipe using standard spoon

Homemade serum can also be prepared using a standard spoon, which can be purchased at some pharmacies. To do this, you must mix 2 level measures of sugar (on the larger side of the spoon) with 1 level measure of salt (on the smaller side of the spoon), mixing well in 200 ml of filtered, boiled or bottled mineral water:

• 2 level measures of sugar, on the larger side of the standard spoon;
• 1 level measure of salt, on the smaller side of the standard spoon;
• 1 glass (200 ml) of filtered, boiled or bottled mineral water.

What is homemade serum for?

Homemade serum is used to combat dehydration because it replaces water and mineral salts lost through vomiting and diarrhea, common in gastroenteritis and dengue fever, for example. The homemade serum is suitable for all ages and can even be used on dogs and cats, when necessary.

People with diabetes should not take homemade serum and seek medical help, as should those who are severely dehydrated. It is important to clarify that taking homemade serum will not stop vomiting and diarrhea, it is only useful for replacing lost liquids and minerals and therefore it is important to follow all the doctor’s instructions to control diarrhea and vomiting.

How to take homemade serum

You should take the homemade serum on the same day it is prepared and in small sips throughout the day. In case of vomiting or diarrhea, you should observe (approximately) the amount of fluid lost and take the homemade serum in the same proportion. Furthermore, it is not recommended to take more than half a glass of serum at one time. Babies and children can take the serum in spoons.

Although it is very simple to make the serum at home, there are also packets of “oral rehydration salts” available in pharmacies that already contain salt and glucose in the exact dose to mix in 1 liter of mineral water. This is the best alternative when the water quality is questionable or when traveling with small children.

When to go to the doctor

When diarrhea and vomiting persists for more than 24 hours, it is important to go to the doctor to identify the cause and adapt treatment, which in some cases can be done with antibiotics. It is not recommended to take medication without medical advice because it can be harmful to your health.

See more about what to do when your child has diarrhea.