Yesterday in my article about cold prevention I mentioned that I had another great ally in the fight to keep the common cold and flu at bay and here it is…..the nettie pot! Before you think to yourself there is ” NO WAY I can pour water into my head” hear me out on this one. This wonderful tool has been instrumental in healing many sinus infections, helping with horrible allergies and I believe preventing colds for me.
Lets look at the science….
We only have so many ways for those viruses to enter our body and two of the main ways are through the nose and the mouth. Viruses can be picked up from us touching a keyboard, doorknob or anything that someone has touched that is infected with a virus. Also, if someone sneezes into the air and we are nearby WHAM we may have taken that virus right into our nose where it attaches to the mucus membranes and is then attacked by our white blood cells. We’ve looked at some herbs that increase that white blood cell action but what if you could just simply rinse those nasties away before they get a good foot hold on you? It takes a little bit of time for that virus to get a good hold on you and you may not even know it’s happening. In a matter of 12 hours it can spread throughout your sinus cavity. Using a nettie pot may help to rinse the initial germs from your nose.
How to use it…..
These are wonderful to use in the spring time when the pollen is so heavy. It rinses the pollen out of your nasal passages and I really notice a big difference with my allergies when I use it regularly at that time. Because I tend to have sinus issues I use it throughout the winter and especially when I’ve been out among the public a lot or I know I’ve been around someone that is sick. It’s really easy to use!
Step#1 Only use distilled water. It’s not a safe practice to simply use tap water. It has microscopic critters in the water that shouldn’t enter your sinus cavity. If you don’t have sterilized water don’t use it.
Step #2 Make sure you have air flow through both sides of your nose. If you have one side totally blocked don’t use it until it’s not blocked.
Step#3 Use a solution made for nettie pots. It is usually a combination of baking soda and salt to properly balance the PH. If you don’t it will burn….BAD. This can usually be found where nettie pots are sold. Often times a new nettie pot will come with some so check before you get any extra. It lasts for quite a while.
Step #4 warm the water slightly warmer then room temperature.
Step #5 After solution is added to slightly warmed water place end in one nostril and slowly pour into your nose while tilting head to one side. It will feel a little unnerving at first because you keep pouring and nothing comes out! But it will eventually make its way through your sinuses and out the other side. I like to pour one whole pot in one side and then repeat to the other side. Let the water drain into the sink.
Step #6 The temptation here is to blow your nose afterwards. Don’t do this because it can push water back into your ears from your sinuses. Just wipe and you can VERY gently give your nose a little blow after a few minutes and it is done draining. That’s it!
If you can try to find a ceramic pot it would be better because the handles on them are solid and not hollow so you don’t have as much a chance of having a mold issue. Regularly inspect for mold and clean spout with a qtip.
Practice makes perfect…
The more you do it the easier it gets and now it’s no big deal whatsoever for me anymore. If you ever do get a cold it brings a ton of relief to clear all of the mucus away and allows you to breathe easy for awhile too, without the use of medication. I always clean well after use and let it air dry with the lid off. If you are sick wipe the end with alcohol when your cold is over and of course never share yours with anyone else.
If you are a person who gets a lot of colds and has allergies It could offer you some real relief and more well days in the future!
Not intended to be medical advice. Please see full disclaimer.
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