I rediscovered this very handy item to help battle sinus issues. I have a stainless steal neti pot. I thought I'd enclose a video so that you could see how it's used.
If you're squeamish I don't recommend this video. I feel so much better by doing this.
I have a friend who swears by her neti pot. She had chronic sinus infection which antibiotics never seemed to quite got rid of. Almost a year without sinus infection for her.
My mother swears by Olive Leaf nasal spray. She too suffered from one sinus infection after the other. I think she said it has been eight months since she started using the spray and no infections to this point.
I've loved saunas for many years, or a steam room when a sauna isn't available. They help me fight stiff muscles after exercise, ease my arthritis, handle the cold better in northern climates, and quite frankly, give me a chance to sit around with other naked men.
But then I noticed that my chronic sinus infections and head colds seemed to lessen when I sat in the heat on a regular basis. Later I read studies that suggested breathing the heated air killed some of the common viruses that reside in the nasal passages.
I suppose the Neti Pot is also killing the rhinovirus directly, as well as flushing the nasal passage. And if that works for people, great. But frankly, unless we all sit around using our pots naked, I think I'll still choose the men's sauna. LOL!
I discovered the neti pot 2 years ago and have managed to avoid severe sinus infections ever since! Learning to use them can be tricky if you're not good at holding your breath and/or concentrating. The use of a neti pot does require some focus/control so as to not let the was go into your throat/lungs.
MunchingZombie said And Red. I always use mine naked.
Ditto. One part I've not mastered is having the flushed contents trickle neatly into the sink. Being so tall, I have to bend over in order to tilt properly over my bathroom sink - elsewise there's gooey water everwhere and all over. Naked neti means less mess.
Funny this just came up. I used mine for the first time this season. I also get sinus infections, and it's especially when it gets dry when the heat comes on in the apartment. I have also found that saunas help me not get sick, and the neti pot really works. I put 1/4 tsp. of salt in it, and sometimes a product called Alcolol, which is a peppermint solution, and that really helps too.
I don't use an actually neti pot, but I found a modern version of the same thing that I use. It's called Nasopure. I love it too! I have chronic congestion, especially during winter, but I use this thing twice a day in the shower and it clears up my nasal passages. I was also able to stop taking my allergy medication after I started using it as well. I use it twice a day now, and I could not live without it!
I've just recently started using a neti pot. I really like the benefits I get from it. Just don't like the application much. I guess I'll get used to it ?
Matt, I also use Alkalol (I think the K is there in reference to "alkaline") - it's a great product for healing, moisturizing sinus passages, etc. For thos who don't know the name, it's a "mouthwash" solution that includes menthols and oils; for nasal use it's mixed 50/50 with water. The way I use it is with a "bulb" - hold head way back, insert the bulb tip in a nostril, squeeze in the solution and hold it (breathing through your mouth) for 10 seconds or so before tipping your head to release it into the sink. I find it really useful before bed if I get a head cold or during allergy season - rinse 20 minutes before bedtime, and fall asleep while your head is clear ...
I don't have a neti pot, but besides the above (which for me I generally use after the sinus is congested or I have a cold) I make regular use of both NeilMed Sinus Rinse (available at any drug store) and the Grossan HydroPulse.
NeilMed uses a plastic squeeze bottle and saline packets. Works well for flushing out allergens - I'm quite allergic to airborne allergens like dust, pollen, cat allergens, etc - rinsing them away is a huge benefit and reduces the need for antihistamines. Also, keeping your passes hydrated . The Grossan HydroPulse is a machine that sells for about $100. Also uses any kind of basic saline solution (not table salt). It's a great system for occasional use, maybe a couple of times a week for me. The gentle pulsing of the warm solution into your sinus is different then the simple flushing you get from some of the other systems. Worth looking into for those with chronic problems.
Sinus rinsing is so logical, so effective, so inexpensive and, actually, so easy once you're used to it. It can prevent and shorten colds, make allergy season a non-event, and be salvation for chronic sinusitis.
I had no idea that so many people were using Neti Pots. That's great. And thanks for all of your feedback. I will check into the Alkohol (if that's how it's spelled). I did read that trying to maintain an alkaline balance inside the body was a way to maintain optimum health and that an acid ph balance on the skin was ideal for good skin.
muchmore, it's Alkalol = "Since 1896" it says on the bottle. Made by ... The Alkalol Company. Occasionally you might find it in the mouthwash section, but most stores you have to ask at the pharmacy. It's OTC, but generally they keep it there, probably because of low demand. It was recommended to me by an ENT
contents: purified water, menthol, eucalyptol, thymol, camphor, benzoin, oils of wintergreen, spearmint, pine and cinnamon, potassium alum, potassium chlorate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, alcohol (2/100 of 1%), caramel color
$4-5 a pint, depending on the store. Mix it 50/50 with water.
I have a big problem with being clogged up. When I was a kid I would only be able to breath out of one nostril at a time. Is that the sort of thing that a Neti Pot helps with?
Cowboyo: Is that the ingredient list of the "salt" stuff from the video? .. I always try to make stuff like this at home, when I can, instead of buying the brand stuff. I'm curious as what kind of 'salt' they use.
There are various packaged saline powders for adding to water to use in sinus irrigation or rinsing. I mentioned above the NeilMed packets available at almost any drug store. And the Grossan HydroPulse machine people sell their own, too - it's slightly different and slightly more expensive, so I stick with the NeilMed.
Grossan mentioned in the instructions making a solution with baking soda. they didn't say not to. However you will find various "recipes" searching around online.
I don't use table salt, as I mentioned in an earlier post. It's thought a bit harsh for sinuses, maybe has added ingredients, etc. I use table salt in hot water to gargle if I have a sore throat or something, but have steered away from it for sinuses.
ALSO: some places advise using purified or boiled water - obviously you let it cool down. I sometimes use hot water from the tap, when traveling, but I don't doubt that bottled or boiled water is preferable in some instances. Also, your local water might affect your choice there ...
i used to endure the sinus issues when my allergies would act up or when i'm stuffed up; now it helps rinse out the offending substances (whatever the hell they are) up in there.
There used to be a product called a Birmingham Nasal Douche but I have not seen it in years, however it may still exist. I am a pharmacist and I have seen a tremendous increase in demand for the sinus rinse products and people tell me they are very happy with them.
Salt isn't really that harsh on your nasal passage. The fluid swimming in your sinus is already saline. Adding a little salt merely maintains that balance.
Of course, you could salt your Neti like the dead sea and dry it out like a mummy.
JohnG16775 saidThere used to be a product called a Birmingham Nasal Douche but I have not seen it in years, however it may still exist. I am a pharmacist and I have seen a tremendous increase in demand for the sinus rinse products and people tell me they are very happy with them.
I haven't heard that term in a long time... Birmingham Nasal Douche. My grandmother used one until the day she died. Now I realize it was just a smaller, plastic version of the Neti Pot. Essentially.
Apparently, you can still get one an Amazon. Who knew?
you can use an isotonic solution (same salinity as your body) to flush out the sinuses or a hypertonic solution (more salinity than your body) to help to dry out and reduce swelling your sinuses by helping to draw water out of the lining.
for the hypertonic, you just use a double portion of the salt.
i've been using mine for a few months now, and it's kept me from getting the sinus infections that i tend to get a few times a year.
I have a small plastic container that i hold up to my nose to catch the "run off". This allows me to stand up while I'm using the neti. I'm 6'1 and my nose is a long way from the sink, so this helps to prevent splashing and making a mess.
someone also mentioned holding your breath. I've never had too, just breathe through your mouth. being careful not to swallow, as this closes off the sinuses and the water will go down your throat.
You also have to be very careful to not tilt your head too far to the side or forward. as you can get the water where you don't want it.
The Neti Pot really works. I use mine in the morning prior to taking a shower and in the evening before going to bed. It is amazing the difference it makes. If you use it prior to working out you will be surprised at how much deeper you can breath. Being an indivdual that always gets a winter cold it is a simple cure. It isn't that hard to use and once it becomes part of your daily routine you will miss it when you don't do it.
NNJfitandbi saidHelps irrigate dry sinuses. But if you have an infection, it can make it worse, and can give you an earache. More part of a wellness regime than a cure.
Read up on it on a natural medicine site.
It's important after using that you blow out your sinuses properly and you won't have any issues with the earaches. Just like our good old health teacher taught us in elementary school - never squeeze your nose when blowing!
But the neti rocks man - it's amazing what comes out of your nose when your're performing the irrigation!
You can find Neti Pots at some of the better Natural Food Stores. I have many friends who are into holistic (meant in the nicest context) treatments. 2 other things that I have done is ear candleing and ofcours the colonhydro therapy. a clean inside means a clean outside.
Sean_85 saidCan you just buy these at a drug store? I need to get me one of these..
I got mine at Duane Reade, it's a chain of drug stores in new york city, that's pretty much on every other corner. Came with the pot and 100 packets of the salt.
I also just purchased a tub of salt at whole foods, think they had the pots there too.
For clearing a chronic sinus infection, by mom's ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor recommends a WaterPik. They are inexpensive, and WORK. If a person irrigates their sinuses with a WaterPik, it'll expedite the healing process and keep the infection cleared. It was life-savings in my mom's case, as she was allergic to almost all anti-biotics, and dealt with sinus infections most of her adult life, even after surgery removing the front part of her head and disinfection. Finally, a doctor with a head on his shoulders stated the obvious. Wash your sinuses out with the WaterPik and you'll be fine. She's never had a sinus infection since. Saline works nearly as well. It took years, and thousands of dollars, to find a medical professional with common sense, but, thankfully, it happened.
If the WaterPik is a bit much, simple saline solution works almost as well, and is even less expensive.
You'll want to stay away from decongestants as they work via vaso-constriction and can run your blood pressure sky high
So many times, the obvious solution is the right one.
chuckystud saidFor clearing a chronic sinus infection, by mom's ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor recommends a WaterPik. They are inexpensive, and WORK. If a person irrigates their sinuses with a WaterPik, it'll expedite the healing process and keep the infection cleared. It was life-savings in my mom's case, as she was allergic to almost all anti-biotics, and dealt with sinus infections most of her adult life, even after surgery removing the front part of her head and disinfection. Finally, a doctor with a head on his shoulders stated the obvious. Wash your sinuses out with the WaterPik and you'll be fine. She's never had a sinus infection since. Saline works nearly as well. It took years, and thousands of dollars, to find a medical professional with common sense, but, thankfully, it happened.
If the WaterPik is a bit much, simple saline solution works almost as well, and is even less expensive.
You'll want to stay away from decongestants as they work via vaso-constriction and can run your blood pressure sky high
So many times, the obvious solution is the right one.
A 2 by 3 inch piece of bone was removed, using a bone saw (kind of a stupid question) from my mom's forehead. After it was removed, they irrigated her sinuses with saline solution and an antibiotic that she wasn't allergic to. The bone was then replaced and the skin sown back into place. It was a very invasive procedure, and was dangerous, because the brain was exposed. The surgeon was gravely concerned that he may have nicked the sack surrounding the brain. It turned out he didn't. About a year later, a new ENT recommended the WaterPik and mom has never had a sinus infection since.
