If you have ever been unable to breathe through your nose because of a cold, you know how much relief it can bring.If you have a congested nose, you can rinse it with a nasal rinse.If you want to clear your nose and sinuses, you can make a nasal rinse at home and apply it with an irrigation device.Many nasal rinses can be purchased in drug stores and are easy to use.
Step 1: If you don't make your own rinse, purchase a product.
There are a variety of rinses that are ready to use.Look for a product that says "nasal rinse" or "sinus rinse."They can be found in grocery and big box stores.The majority of store-bought products are made up of saline.It is a mixture of water and salt.Follow the directions on the packaging.How often you can do the nasal rinse should be included in the directions.Purified or boiled and cooled water is required for some store-bought products.Don't simply add tap water if your product says to do this.If bottled water is unavailable, boil some tap water and let it cool.
Step 2: You should get an irrigation device.
There are a variety of devices that can be used.The bottles, ear bulb, and neti pots are included.You can find devices from online retailers or natural product stores.All of these products work the same way.They apply the rinse into one nostril and it travels through the rest of the body.Make sure the device you buy is made for irrigating the nasal passages.If you don't know what device to get, ask your pharmacy for advice.
Step 3: To clear out your nose, blow it.
Try to get your nose as clear as possible before rinsing it out.It will be easier to do the rinse if you give it a good blow.When you blow your nose, take a look at your discharge.It is likely to be due to allergies or a cold if it is clear and watery.A rinse in the nose is an appropriate treatment.If your mucus is brown, green, or yellow, you may have a sinusitis, which requires antibiotic treatment.
Step 4: To prevent a mess, go to the sink.
You have to be near a sink or other place that can catch the dirty water to use the nasal rinse.Make sure the water has a place to go because it will travel into one nostril and out the other.
Step 5: You need to fill your irrigation device.
You can put the rinse into your neti pot or draw it into the bulb.If you're using a bulb, draw about 4 liters of rinse into it.If you use a neti pot, fill it half full.Before filling it up with rinse, make sure that whatever you are using is clean and free of harmful substances.
Step 6: The irrigation device's tip should be placed in one nostril.
Pick which nostril you want to flush.When you insert the device, you need to create a seal to keep air out of that nostril.
Step 7: Slowly release the rinse if you tilt your head to the side.
If you tilt your head, the rinse will flow into the sinuses.Slowly press the bulb to release the rinse.The solution should be allowed to drain out the other nostril.The rinse should run out of your other nostril if it passes into 1 nostril.The tilt of your head may need to be adjusted as you apply the rinse.The goal is to find an angle that will allow the rinse to go through the sinuses and out the other nostril.The process can be repeated in the other nostril.
Step 8: As you flush, don't breathe through your nose.
While using the nasal rinse, always breathe through your mouth.This will prevent the rinse from entering your throat, which can cause you to cough and be uncomfortable.
Step 9: If you want to cleanse, use a nasal rinse once a day.
While rinsing out your nose can provide relief, it's not a good idea to do it too much.If you use it more than once a day, you can irritate the mucus lining of the sinuses, so stick to a single use.
Step 10: A simple alternative is to use an over-the-counter rinse.
Irrigation devices such as neti pots can be used instead of store-bought saline rinses and sprays.The rinses are in containers with sterile tips.Follow the directions on the package.You can find products like Arm and Hammer Simply Saline in your pharmacy.
Step 11: A clean container is a must.
Make sure you have a container that can be used for mixing and storage.The container should hold about 2 cups of liquid.Good container materials to consider are glass or plastic.Make sure to wash your hands before and after using your nasal rinse.This will prevent cross-contamination.
Step 12: Take out the dry ingredients.
Put the measuring spoon in the container with the non-iodized salt.Then add some baking soda.
Step 13: The water should be boiled or distilled.
You need the water to be free of harmful chemicals and minerals, which can be found in tap water.If you want to avoid this, either buy distilled water or boil your tap water and let it cool down.Add 1 cup of water to your dry ingredients once you have them ready.If the water is clear, stir the mixture until the salt and baking soda have dissolved.Wait until the solution cools to a comfortable temperature before using it.A homemade rinse can be kept at room temperature for a few days.