Nasal Irrigation Solution

Nasal irrigation is basically a practice which helps in getting rid of excess mucus and foreign matter from the nose and the sinuses. This personal hygiene practice washes the nasal cavity. Some studies vouch for the benefits and zero side effects of nasal irrigation, while some say that frequent use of this treatment method is related to increase, sinus infections, but short term use seems to have no ill effect, whatsoever. Nasal irrigation is done by snorting a handful of water from cupped hands. Alternatively, it is even more effective to introduce the nasal irrigation solution into one nostril so that it could either come out of the other, or go to the back of the throat to be spatted out later.

Recipe

To prepare this solution, all you need is salt, baking soda and water. Seems easy? Well, the recipe to be followed is a lot easier.

The property of salt to draw water and mucus out of the cells in the sinuses, makes it an important ingredient of the solution that is used for nasal irrigation. So, take a heap of salt and mix it in a pint of water. This makes an appropriate saline solution. Kosher salt or pickling salt can be used for the purpose. Take care not to add too much of salt, as it may worsen the condition, rather than helping it to subside.

Now, baking soda should be added to the above saline solution, as it would help in dissolving the mucus, thus adding to the effectiveness of the salt. Even here, you can go for a heap of baking soda to be added to the saline solution.

Coming to the water to be used while making your solution for nasal irrigation, keep the quantity of the water to a pint. Some people may find it comfortable to use warm water, however, cold water helps reduce the swelling of the mucous membranes and any nasal congestion. It is preferable to use distilled or boiled water. Stir well to mix the solution well and make it uniform, but do not shake it. Shaking the solution may produce bubbles, which in turn might create irritation in the nasal passages, while you are carrying out the irrigation.

Once you are ready with the solution, you can make use of a neti pot (small pot used for irrigating the nasal passages), or you can just sniff the solution by taking a handful of it in your hands. Alternatively, you can also avail the use of a nasal spray to put the solution into one nostril and blow your nose tilting your head so as to make the solution exit from the other nostril. Repeat this method with the other nostril. You should not use any unused solution, as it may get infected by bacteria. Prepare a fresh solution every time you want to repeat the irrigation.

So this was about the use of nasal irrigation solution and about how to go about preparing the solution at home with a few easy and simple procedures. Remember, do not use this irrigation process regularly or frequently, as it may yield negative results. Use it only when your symptoms tend to be severe and unbearable.