The cold weather along with the bacteria and germs that come along with being cooped up indoors can be harsh on our immune systems. Thankfully, there are many natural remedies that you can use to help prevent and fight infections. This month we’re focusing on the sinuses. Sinus cavities can easily become infected when they are irritated by allergens floating in the air. Instead of using over-the-counter sinus medications, which can cause headaches, drowsiness, dependency on medication, insomnia, and nervousness, why not try an ancient remedy instead?
Neti pots have been around for thousands of years but did not start gaining mass popularity until fairly recently when they were demonstrated on a daytime talk show and given the “seal of approval” by a well-known doctor. From that moment on, they have grown in popularity and are now easily available in almost any drugstore. The use of the neti pot is safe and effective in irrigating your sinuses. Irrigation cleanses the sinuses by removing pollen, dust, and excess mucus while soothing dry nasal passages. Whether you choose to make your own saline rinse or purchase an over-the-counter version, irrigating your sinuses is a great way to keep infections at bay or help clear up an existing infection more quickly. There really is no need to purchase a ready-made rinse, because making your own is very simple.
Homemade Saline Rinse Ingredients:
- 8 ounces warm water
- ¼ teaspoon non-iodized salt
Using a neti pot for the first time can be a bit tricky. Most pots come with simple, easy-to-follow instructions. It’s more a matter of the sensation feeling odd or uncomfortable at first, rather than any actual difficulty, that tends to cause people trouble. Once you’ve used one a time or two, you’ll find it’s no big deal. If you’d rather give it a try before purchasing a neti pot, you can try an infant nasal aspirator instead. You can also boost your immune system by eating nutritious foods. Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are full of antioxidants, which fight off infections. Yogurt (with live cultures) is used to cleanse the digestive system, which houses 80% of our immune system. Coconut oil is another food useful in fighting infections. This winter, try some homeopathic remedies before running to the drug store. Your body (and your wallet) just might thank you!
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
This is so true, I am using a neti pot and am having success at being more comfortable and with less stuffiness. However, it is extremely important that everyone who uses one either use distilled water or water boiled for at least five minutes and cooled to kill all bacteria. Water amoebas, bacteria even in chlorinated water can cause life threatening bacterial infections. Taking those precautions into account, sinus irrigation is a great alternative to medications and suffering 🙂
Good point! Thanks so much for reminding everyone of that!