Clearing Out Nasal Allergies with Saline Irrigations

Pharmaceutical research is producing new solultions for treating allergies every year. There are pills you can take, sprays you can use and shots you can endure, all geared to reducing the hold nasal allergies have over our lives. And those are all great solutions...

At the same time, they are invasive. They are foreign substances that we are putting into our bodies. While allergy shots are aimed at eliminating allergy symptoms for good, the pills and the sprays only work for a short while, and only if you keep taking them.

I'm not knocking the value of allergy medications. They are a wonderful thing, that has brought tremendous relief to legions of allergy sufferers. But what if there was a gentler, more natural approach that would provide the same level of relief?

A More Natural Solution to Allergies?

Would you believe me if I told you there IS? And that it has existed for decades? That's right... it's called saline nasal irrigation, with the NetiPot being the most well-known version. The idea is that you flush your nasal passages with a small amount of salt water, also known as saline. The saline washes out mucus and allergens and you have less allergy symptoms. It's a simple, down-to-earth solution and for many, it works like gangbusters.

So, although I have touched on this therapy in past shareposts, I thought it was time I provided an in-depth look at this natural alternative approach to allergy treatment.

What Are the True Benefits of Nasal Irrigation?

Studies show that people who use nasal rinsing, or irrigation, often need to use less allergy medicine, while getting greater relief from symptoms. They also tend to feel empowered and are free from the side effects of medication.

On the other hand, mastering the technique can take a bit of practice and be somewhat messy, at least at first. The saline might be irritating, if you use a brand with additives.

How Do I Do a Nasal Rinse?

Don't worry; it's not that hard. I'm going to give you all the information you need, right here!

First, gather your supplies. You can buy a nasal rinse product at your local pharmacy or big box store, such as the NetiPot, but you can also make up your own kit. If you want to make your own, follow these steps.

1. Gather your supplies: 2 clean containers, distilled or boiled water, canning/pickling salt or other non-iodized salt, baking soda (not powder), a small rubber bulb syringe or infant nasal syringe.

2. In one container, put a cup of the water and bring to lukewarm temperature, if not already there. In the other, mix 3 heaping teaspoons of the salt with 1 rounded teaspoon of the baking soda. (This mixture can be stored for future irrigations.)

3. Mix 1 teaspoon of the salt/soda mix into the cup of water in the first container. NOTE: If you feel stinging or burning during the irrigation, decrease the amount of salt/soda mix you use the next time.

4. Some people like to do the saline rinse in the shower to save on the mess, but you can also do it over a bowl or the sink.When you're ready to get started, tilt your head down and rotate it to the left. Don't tilt your head backwards. Next, insert the tip of the syringe into your right nostril, no more than an inch or so.