Ah Spring……………….

Posted May 5 2011, 3:00 am

The time flowers bloom – along with your allergies.  Whether you’re allergic to pollen, pet dander, dust mites, gluten, mold or just plain LIFE, the sneezing fits and stuffy nose that come with allergies are just not that much darn fun.

You can take over the counter antihistamines or decongestants to relieve your suffering.  You might even consider going to the doctor to get a prescription for Claritin, Allegra or Omnaris.  All of which costs money and will only mask your allergy symptoms and not actually do much to get rid of the problem.  So what will?  A nettie pot.

A what?  A nettie pot.  Also known as a netie pot or a nose bidet (I’ve even heard it called a nose bong).  This ancient East Indian practice is a natural way of rinsing out the nasty allergens that cause our noses to plug and for us to sneeze and sneeze and sneeze. 

I got turned on to the wonders of a nettie pot by my massage therapist, Laura.  (Laura is an awesomely cool lady y’all will meet next month.  Hey, Laura!  I’m waving to you.  Got your Google account set up yet?)  Anyway, after spending a good portion of my adult life unable to breathe through my nose, I couldn’t believe the solution was as simply as saline (salt) water and an I-Dream-of-Genie-looking pot.  But it was.  Since I’ve been a regular nettie pot user, I can’t remember the last time I had an allergy-induced stuffy nose. 

Now, a couple of things you need to know about nettie pots.  First, this is NOT a saline wash.  When my husband had sinus surgery a few years back, his doctor gave him a wash kit.  Pat forced the saline water up into one nostril and it then exited through the other one.  A nettie pot is kinder and gentler, using gravity rather than force.  Second, you can use every day, non-iodized salt you find at the grocery store for your saline solution.  No need to spend the extra money to get pre-packaged saline packets.  The amount of salt you use should match the saltiness of your tears and the temperature of the water should match your body temp.  Some people are grossed out by the whole stick the pot in your nose deal, but it’s a natural way of eliminating allergens from your sinuses.  I’ve also used my pot to wash out the icky mucus of a head cold.  (Now that’s gross.)  But if you have an actual sinus infection, the pot probably won’t do you much good.  Then you do need to get your boo-tah to the doctor and get on antibiotics. 

Something else to remember is salt is a drying agent.  After using your pot, you need to moisten the tender lining of your nose.  Stick you pinky finger in a bit of olive oil and ring each nostril.  The other thing to keep in mind is not to blow your nose right after using your pot.  You might force lingering moisture into your ear canal and set yourself up for an ear infection.

If you’re interested in checking out more about nettie pots, just Google the name.  There are tons of YouTube videos out there showing the different styles of pots as well as how to use them.  You can purchase a pot online or simply go to your local natural food store. 

I’d be curious to know how many of you use nettie pots.  Is there a trick or tip you can add?  Please share.   As always, you can email me lynda@lyndabailey.net.  Have a great weekend.

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