Hi Trish,

Some people have been having good results from an old remedy your dad may be familiar with... a saline (salt water) nasal rinse. This natural treatment has recently regained popularity. The idea is that you use saline to gently flush out the nasal passages of dust, pollen, mucus and other irritants.

You can buy nasal rinse kits (such as the NetiPot and other  brands) or you can even make your own:

1. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt (e.g. kosher, canning, pickling, or sea salt) with 8 ounces filtered, room temperature water and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.

2. Using a bulb syringe (like you baste the turkey with), squirt some of the salt water mixture into one nostril while standing over the sink. Repeat until the water comes out clear.

3. Do it again in the other nostril.

4. Gargle with water afterward.

If there is any gagging or ear pain, then you're flushing with too much force.

Good luck & good health,

Kathi