Friday, March 27, 2009

R-E-L-I-E-F: Neti Pot

Friday, March 27, 2009



This is not my average post but I feel compelled to share the relief. I've recently suffered from my first sinus infection. I consider myself lucky to have gone this long without ever knowing about true sinus pressure but did not at all enjoy this rite of passage. My sinuses throbbed and my head pounded--and Mamas don't get sick days.

I'm not a big medicine person. Mostly because if there is a side effect listed I usually feel it and most times that is worse than the culprit I was trying to get relief from. So, I just ride it out and get through it. Fortunately I'm not sick very often so this hasn't been a big problem for me.

But, with this sinus pressure, I mean throbbing, I had to try something. Enter the ancient remedy; the neti pot. I have to admit irrigating my nasal passage actually scared me a little. I don't put things in my nasal area. No nasonex or zycam or any of that nonsense for me, thank you very much. But the neti pot is different. Because the saline (salt water) is warm it actually feels good (gasp). It just flows through.

There is a reason it has been practiced for centuries (usually combined with yoga). Some times popping a pill is not the answer. I can say that this will be my go-to method for dealing with allergies, Santa Ana winds, and sinus issues. If you need relief, give this a try. You can get a good set up for under $20.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

just don't make tea with your Neti on accident after.

Anonymous said...

I ALWAYS have sinus pain and/or infections so my Neti pot and I are good friends. ;-) Glad you found some relief!

Sarah's Fab Day said...

I have been an allergy sufferer for years. Every spring I would get a horrible sinus infection and life would be miserable. I have a girlfriend who is so in the know with homeopathic treatments and she suggested nasal irrigation. Me being completely desperate tried it right away and haven't turned back since. Since then I have gone to the doctor [incidentally the one who has treated me for years] and asked why he never suggested a neti to get rid of sinus pressure. His answer was, "Most people are really reluctant to put anything in their nose." Seriously?! Aren't I using Flonase, etc. all the time? So annoying. So now I sing the Neti's praises to anyone who will listen.

Amy said...

I like the squeeze bottle. My mom got more fluid in her ears when she uses the pot. But whatever works...