Nasal washings to reduce allergy symptoms

**canadian gardener** · 05-04-2004, 10:28 AM

I've been using this to help combat an unusually high pollen count this spring. Thought I'd share this, in case it could help others.

It doesn't get rid of the whole problem with nasal allergies, but it really does help a lot. I get a lot of relief. Right now I'm doing it every morning faithfully.

My dd went to the dr last spring for her allergies, sinus problems and nasal congestion. The usual.

Instead of the flonase spray (mild nasal cortisone works to stop allergic swelling) he recommended a nasal washing technique

Essentially 1/4 tsp each salt and baking soda to a cup warm water, in a bowl, sniff up (yes it requires some practice over the bathroom sink) and essentially you are sniffing up and blowing out the water.

This washes out allergens and any build up of stuff that may be plugging the natural openings to the sinus cavities. The studies showed this was very effective.

Well it worked for her, and finally I got the rest of the family doing it. It's a real help. I've done it for years. OK it DOES TAKE GETTING USED TO.

I simplified this for every other morning when I take a shower, I use the hand held shower and pinch the bridge of my nose shut and spray away. About like getting a noseful of swimming pool water when you dive in. No worse. Or blow out gently against the shower spray.

On other mornings I just use warm tap water now, sniff and blow till it washes clean.

If it's allergies, put a little vaseline or Crisco on a Qtip and apply that. Dust mite or other allergic particles get caught in it, and don't touch the membranes in the nose where they cause the reaction. Kind of a barrier.

If your nasal membranes are sore, dried and cracking, with nosebleeds etc, the washing plus vaseline will help them heal.

If you have a bit of an infection or you feel like you are coming down with a cold, follow it up with a little tea tree oil on a Qtip up the nostrils. Believe it or not this does help.

It also helps decrease that stuffy congested feel, not just the itchy runny nose and watery eyes.

The other thing I do to help allergies is plenty of vit C.

I am going to pick up some Allegra as well. The heat has just brought EVERYTHING into bloom right now, and the tree pollens which are the worst for me, are really really strong.

Hope this is a help

**SusieJD** · 05-04-2004, 10:36 AM

I've done this for years. Only I just use salt-water. Many years ago, after moving back to Michigan from Florida, I had a terrible fungus infection from the Florida dampness. I also had terrible sinus problems that required surgery (2 in fact). My Ear, Noise and Throat specialist recommended it. I works great!

It's hard at first sniffing in water and holding it, but you get the hang of it after awhile.

Susie in MN

**guest2** · 05-04-2004, 11:30 AM

I may have to try this!!!

**Sara Noel** · 05-04-2004, 11:58 AM

I'm not sure I could do this right. lol

I'm on Allegra now (60 mg twice daily), but nothing is easing this sinus pressure. I'm heading back to the dr today about it.

**FarmLady** · 05-05-2004, 08:11 AM

Thanks for the tip, I suffer from allergies at this time of year and I will give this a try.

**SusieJD** · 05-05-2004, 08:15 AM

It really, really works! Nothing, but nothing stopped the sinus pain until I did this (many years ago). I do it at least once a week now. This is a great natural way to clear your sinuses and prevent polups (?).

Susie in MN

**Hoppscotch** · 05-05-2004, 03:34 PM

Hi Margery!!

I am Laughing reading this, because my family makes fun of me when I do this!

I would have never thought to post this cause my family thinks its gross!! LOL
But I feel its the same as gargling! Except its your sinuses!

But let them make fun.
After a resistant bout of pnemonia due to a nasty post nasal drip after hayfever season several years ago, my Pulmonologist recommended that I do exactly this.

I make my own normal saline by mixing Kosher salt to cover bottom of 2 cup measuring cup and 2 cups of water and microwaving it to a boil. I then add an equal amount of cool tap water and set aside to cool. I always have 1 extra bottle set aside so I never run out.

It works and make you feel better instantly!!

Just adding my own testimonial and 2 cents worth !

Ellen

**canadian gardener** · 05-05-2004, 03:39 PM

LOL Ellen, I know it's totally grossed my family out too, but oh the relief! It was kind of funny when the dr recommended it to the kids last year, now it's like, hey mum knows something suddenly!

**canadian gardener** · 05-10-2004, 10:20 AM

bumping this up for anyone else who may not have seen it.

BTW when it's bad, do it morning and evening and any time it starts to worsen during the day. Repeat the vaseline or Crisco aftewards to provide that layer of protection to catch and hold the pollen grains away from the nasal membranes.

**keilley** · 05-10-2004, 05:54 PM

Thanks. I will try this. Now I have something for revenge. My dh always clears his throat in the morning in the grossest manner. Grrrrrrrrrr! Now, I can gross him out and get allergy relief!

Keilley

**gkp1031** · 05-10-2004, 06:55 PM

I'll have to give this a try, I have horrible allergies. I used to get injections, but had to stop because the doctor was only open from 9-11:45 and there was no way I could get there. Still searching for another doctor that's accepting new patients.