Frelling allergies!!!!!

[Peaches O Malley]

Ok ladies, I have craptastic allergy attacks and have heard "neti pots" work well in alleviating them. Has anyone here used one? What do you think??

[KissMeKate]

I have not used one myself but have had it suggested to me by two very knowledgable friends for my broncitis and head colds. I think it all depends on it you can snort a liquid through your sinus cavity without choking on it. Some people can and some people can't. But the main idea is to flush out all of the pollens and stuff that's in there and rehydrate the mucus membranes so they work better. I've been told that Whole Foods and other alternative stores carry them.

[wendyzski]

I know several people who swear by them.

However, you don't need to buy a pot and expensive "solution" packets. You can do it with a dixie cup, warm water, and salt. If you crease the cup you can make a "spout" and then you mix the salt and warm water (look online for ratios). I actually use a small plastic beaker I got at a lab store - and the fact that I can pop it in the dishwasher means I KNOW I can get it clean

You don't have to actually "snort" the water up your nose - the trick is to lean waaaaaay over the sink (or the tub if you're having trouble getting the right angle. Keep your head low, and turn your head to the side. Then pour the solution in one nostril so it runs out the other. If your head is not down far enough, it'll run down your throat and make you choke a bit - if that happens, put your head down further.

It takes some practice, but it's great for awful allergy days as well as dusty faire days. No more 3 days of "faire boogers"! I don't do it every day, but if I've been exposed to a lot of allergens or germs (housecleaning, flying, etc) or if I think I'm getting a cold, it's wonderful.

[Peaches O Malley]

I know several people who swear by them.

However, you don't need to buy a pot and expensive "solution" packets. You can do it with a dixie cup, warm water, and salt. If you crease the cup you can make a "spout" and then you mix the salt and warm water (look online for ratios). I actually use a small plastic beaker I got at a lab store - and the fact that I can pop it in the dishwasher means I KNOW I can get it clean

You don't have to actually "snort" the water up your nose - the trick is to lean waaaaaay over the sink (or the tub if you're having trouble getting the right angle. Keep your head low, and turn your head to the side. Then pour the solution in one nostril so it runs out the other. If your head is not down far enough, it'll run down your throat and make you choke a bit - if that happens, put your head down further.

It takes some practice, but it's great for awful allergy days as well as dusty faire days. No more 3 days of "faire boogers"! I don't do it every day, but if I've been exposed to a lot of allergens or germs (housecleaning, flying, etc) or if I think I'm getting a cold, it's wonderful.

Thank you! I have always had allergies and now as a teacher, Im exposed to more gems. ;-)