If you have sinus problems, a chronic stuffy nose, or allergies, you’re not alone. About 36 million people in America suffer from these symptoms.
You may already have the ingredients for safe, effective and side-effect free relief sitting in your kitchen.
One of the most effective ways to treat problems such as these is using a saltwater nose rinse. [Nasal irrigation]
What’s more, homemade saline solutions are better at relieving your symptoms than commercial saline products.
Researchers studied patients who experienced chronic sinus and nasal symptoms including sinus pain and congestion. Patients used either a saline nose spray, or used a saline rinse twice a day.
All patients reported fewer symptoms after 8 weeks of treatment. Twenty percent fewer of the patients in the saline rinse group reported experiencing symptoms “often or always.â€
To prepare a saline solution at home, combine 8 ounces of water with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, and mix thoroughly. It is important to use kosher salt as it is free of iodine; baking soda changes the pH of the solution and makes its use more comfortable. Distilled water is best; if you do not have distilled water, boil the water first and allow cooling before using to kill any bacteria.
The solution can then be placed in a squeeze bottle and gently squirted into each nostril. You can purchase empty squeeze bottles at your local pharmacy. Be sure to clean and replace your bottle on a regular basis.
A number of pots or nasal rinsing devices can also be purchased online or at your local pharmacy.
Follow the instructions carefully, and give yourself several tries to get the process correct and to adapt to the unusual sensation.
