Sinus problem: saline rinse.

Newsgroups: alt.folklore.herbs
Subject: Re: sinus problems
From: suzan.epix.net (Suzan)
Date: Tue, 05 Mar 1996 08:45:46 -0500

> Does anyone know of something that will clear your sinus passages. I have tried all kinds of chemicals and even prescription drugs, everything includeing herb scented steam and although some work for a short period the blockage comes right back. I'm starting to think there may be something else at work here and the nose (sinus) is really not the problem but the result of something else.

The best solution for clearing the sinuses that I have found is a a saline rinse.

Mix together:
1 quart lukewarm distilled or boiled tap water
3 Tablespoons of seal salt
1 Tablespoon of baking soda

Using a baby's ear syringe or similar device squirt the salt solution into the nasal and sinus cavity aiming for the back of your head not the top. Allow this to drain out. You should get a bit of the salted water in your mouth to tell if you are getting enough water in there.

You can do this as often as you like really. And once to twice a day is a good start. Adjust the salt content if you find it too strong at first but you should eventually be using at least this much salt.

This works in a couple of ways... The rinse actually helps get rid of allergens in your sinuses thereby reducing any allergy based response in your sinuses. It also simply rinses out the mucous that may be in there. And the high saline content actually works to help reduce any swelling of the sinus tissues.

It is kind of an odd thing to do... but it works for a lot of people.

From: elizper.aol.com (ElizPer)

Sometimes, a saline solution helps. To this, I sometimes add a pinch of goldenseal powder (if there is a sinus infection), or calendula blossoms, or witch hazel bark (if there is swelling) or a very small amount of eucalyptus leaf. Strain really well, through a paper or cloth coffee filter. Use slightly warmed. Tip head way back, like laying on the edge of a bed or sofa. Let drops stay in nose/sinuses for as long as you can stand it, then sit up and gently blow your nose. Don't apply too much pressure when blowing, or could effect your eustachian tubes. This has helped me in times of need. Also, the eucalyptus steam, mentioned before, has been very helpful. Either Eucalyptus Leaves or Essential Oil can be used.

Elizabeth

From: Adunaway.qni.com (Art & Jan Dunaway)

>The best solution for clearing the sinuses that I have found is a a saline rinse.

Yipes! I tried this after reading it in a Health Prevention Book Ouch! I usually use the salt & water and highly reccomend it, but the baking soda irrated my nose so incredibly bad that I sneezed continuosly for 2 days! My sinuses were incredibly irritated by it!!

From: suzan.epix.net (Suzan)

> Yipes! I tried this after reading it in a Health Prevention Book Ouch!

In theory, the baking soda is supposed to act as a buffer. It doesn't do much from a curative standpoint... so if it bothers someone they should leave it out. Other people find the pure salt water intolerable without it.

Just like everything else... one set solution doesn't work for everyone... no matter what it is.

From: rmsutton.globalvision.net (Sue Milham)

>Yipes! I tried this after reading it in a Health Prevention Book Ouch! I

I use the saline irrigation with great results, but the mixture I was given by several sources is one teaspoon non-iodized salt (sea salt without additives) and one teaspoon baking soda to one pint sterile water. That much baking soda bothered me so I cut it back to a pinch. My doc told me this amount of salt is equal to your natural body salinity, and the soda is a buffer.