Hello all and a happy new year to everyone and their families.  On the
subject of the oral rehydration recipes, a book that is well regarded by
those who work in impoverished circumstances is a book called "Where there
is no doctor", a village health care handbook for health workers. It has
practical and sensible advice for parents and health workers. The mixtures
suggested are

1. water with sugar and salt, in one litre of clean water, put half a level
teaspoon of salt and 8 level teaspoons of sugar.

2. with powdered cereal and salt. (powdered rice cereal is best, but finely
ground maize, wheat flour, sorghum or cooked and mashed potatoes is ok), in
one litre of clean water, put half a teaspoon of salt and add 8 heaped
teaspoons (or 2 handfuls) of powdered cereal or mashed potatoes.

the authors recommend the addition of half a cup of fruit juice, coconut
water or mashed ripe banana, if available. (adds potassium and makes it more
palatable)

the authors caution the caregivers to taste test the cereal mixture
frequently to make sure it is not spoiled, as it can spoil easily in hot
climates and where there is no refrigeration.  The authors also comment that
amounts need to be adjusted to whatever is available for holding the liquid,
and the health worker or carer needs to look for the simple way.   The
authors suggest frequent sips, five minutely, even if the person vomits,
because not all the fluid will be vomited, the important thing is to keep up
the fluid replacement and the nutritional aspect.  The authors claim that
these mixtures are more effective, cheaper and safer than the commercially
available ORS mixtures.  I can vouch for their effectiveness when working in
a place that had no pharmaceuticals and no alternatives, but pushing fluids.
This is a great book for any considering working in out of the way places (
it is also just a great resource to have anywhere!).

warm regards, Carolyn