A natural, effective remedy for sinus and nasal problems

Many people suffer from sino-nasal problems such as rhinitis and sinusitis. Most often these people are reliant on anti-histamine and anti-congestant nasal sprays which can have side effects and become ineffective over time. People are often left to suffer in silence.

It is surprising to learn then that sino-nasal problems can be combatted with a natural home remedy!

Nasal irrigation the is act of cleaning out of ones nasal passages using saline (salt water). It's completely natural and can be performed at home using a device called a neti pot. The water clears away excess mucus allowing you to breathe easily again, and the salt can draw out fluid from the nasal lining to reduce inflammation, allowing the sinuses to drain and reducing the production of mucus for hours after treatment. Nasal irrigation is especially useful for those with allergies (such as hayfever) as it flushes out the mucus in the nose which can capture allergens.

Nasal irrigation isn't new. It has, in fact, been practised by hundreds if not thousands of years by yogis (yoga practitioners) and is a part of Ayurveda a traditional system of medicine from India. It's traditional name is jala-neti which is a sanscrit term, literally meaning to cleanse the nose with water.

Does it hurt?

Nasal irrigation doesn't hurt provided the saline has the right salt concentration. The most comfortable solution to use is an isotonic one, a solution with the same salt concentration as blood. If your nasal passages are inflammed though, as is the case with sinusitis it is more effective to use a hypertonic solution (greater salt concentration than isotonic) and they reduce inflammation. Hypertonic solutions can sting slightly.

It is important to use enough salt, a solution with less salt than isotonic is called hypotonic and is believed to be hamful and can sting quite a lot. If you've ever had swimming pool water go up your nose then you will know the feeling!

Does it really work?

Unlike most natural remedies the practice of nasal irrigation is supported by numerous clinical trials and is recommended by doctors after endoscopic sinus surgery and for the treatment of rhinitis and sinusitis. It has also been shown to reduce the concentrations of inflammatory mediators (histamine and leukotriene C4) in the nose for hours after treatment when performed by people suffering from allegies.

How can I start doing this?

First of all you will need to buy yourself a neti pot. Googling should bring up many online retailers. To make an informed buying decision you should read neti pot comparisons as neti pots come in  range of designs and materials, each with their own pros and cons.

Next you will need to get some salt. It's not a good idea to use table salts as they contain anti-caking agents and sometimes iodine, which you do not want up your nose. It's is possible to buy sachets of salt specifically for nasal irrigation, and often a few of these sachets are provided with the neti pot you buy.

Now you are ready to attempt your first nasal irrigation. It is important to follow correct technique though to ensure a positive experience. - You want the saline to run into one nostril and out the other without any saline running down your throat!

Best of luck with your adventures into the bizarre but very effective practice of nasal irrigation.