Thursday, December 3, 2009

Sometimes the old remedies are the best

Okay fair warning, this is about a bit of a disgusting topic. But it's what's on my mind recently and I had to share my findings. But if you're easily grossed out by some topics, this might not be the post for you.

I find it amazing that some of old remedies seem to work far better than anything else out there. In this case I'm using a sinus remedy that is many centuries old. And still works like a charm. Since I had bronchitis this past summer I've been having some issues with my sinuses. I can't smell as well and I have certain times where I have more trouble breathing. My sinuses feel full. It was starting to really annoy me when I fell back on some yoga training that I had years ago. During class I mentioned something about my sinuses and the yogi suggested a neti pot.

For those who've never heard of a neti pot it is a small either ceramic or plastic pot shaped like a teapot. You mix a solutions of salt (or saline rinse) with lukewarm water and then pour the solution into one nostril. The solution will them flood into the sinuses and out the other nostril. Since you tip your head to the side and slightly forward you can still breath comfortably although through your mouth.

When my yogi first mentioned the neti pot, I remember being completely disgusted. I hated the feeling of getting water in my nose when swimming. Why would I purposefully put some in? Plus then there was the fact that this was my nose and I knew what came out of that when I blew it. I did not want to deal with that. So I didn't try it then. But when my recent sinus problems began I figured I would bite the bullet and pick one up.

The sensation has to be one of the oddest feelings in the world as you flood your nose with water. I can see why they suggest using warmish water. But for days afterward I breath better, I smell better (well I'm not sure I smell better, but I can smell things better. :-)). And more than anything I feel better. I was completely skeptical but nowadays I love my neti pot. For anyone dealing with sinus issues, I would certainly recommend one. Once a week is all I need and I feel so much better. I know it's not the most appetizing idea but it works. Again sorry if I grossed anyone out. But it works so well I just had to mention it.

5 comments:

Salt said...

One thing about the neti-pot...

Snot for everyone. :-)

Cat B said...

But remember that the medical benefits are nothing to sneeze at. :-)

Salt said...

Well, I've never tried it, but it looks like you nose what you're talking about.

You may recall I've a terrible sense of smell; but I've never been able to smell well. I probably have some other underlying condition. I don't thing flushing my sinuses would help me much.

Eli said...

I heard recently that it's good for allergies, too, since it physically cleans out the irritants instead of just suppressing inflammation. I haven't tried it myself, but I have been tempted when it's hard to breath.

Cat B said...

Lon, you never know. My sense of smell is better than yours is, but it may help with the underlying problem.

Delbin, I'd heard a similar thing and had always wanted to ask about that. I don't have allergies (at least not that I'm aware of) so I can't tell if they help. If you have them, and try it out, let me know. It's great for cleaning irritants out though.