Washing the nasal passages is an effective method of clearing the sinuses and relieving the symptoms of colds and allergies that occur in the respiratory tract. Physiological saline solution (saline) can be used in most cases. However, depending on the severity and condition of the patient, added physiological saline solution or other alternative solutions may be more effective.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Physiological Salt Solution
Step 1. Prepare the water
Pour 240 ml of distilled water into a clean container. If the distilled water has just been removed from the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature until it is slightly warm.
Only purified water may be used. Distilled water is an ideal choice. However, if only tap water is available, boil it first to remove all harmful chemicals and bacteria. Once it boils, turn off the stove and let the water come to a lukewarm temperature before using it
Step 2. Add natural salt and baking soda
Add 1/2 tsp of natural salt and 1/2 tsp of baking soda to the purified water. Shake or stir until everything is dissolved.
- Only natural salt, such as sea salt, pickling salt, or canning salt, should be used. Don't use table salt. Table salt contains too many additives that can irritate the respiratory tract.
- Baking soda doesn't really have to be used. Physiological saline solution for washing the nasal passages can be made without baking soda. However, baking soda increases the solution's ability to thin mucus, making the solution more effective if it is included.
Step 3. Spray the physiological saline solution slowly into the nose
Use a bulb syringe to spray the solution directly into the nasal passages.
- Aspirate the solution with a bulb syringe, then insert the tip of the syringe into the right nostril.
- Bend over the sink and turn your head to the left. Squeeze the bulb syringe gently to allow the solution to flow into the nose, towards the back of the head, not up.
- Breathe normally through your mouth. If done correctly, the solution will come out through the left nostril or mouth after a few seconds.
- Repeat the procedure on the left nostril. When you're done, blow your nose slowly to remove any remaining solution remaining in your nose.
Step 4. Repeat as often as needed
In most cases, this method can be used several times per day until the symptoms subside.
- Do this method twice a day at first and increase to four times a day if necessary. However, this method should not be used for more than 7 days so that the respiratory tract does not become too dry.
- Clean the bulb syringe well after each use.
- Homemade physiological saline solution can be stored in a closed container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Method 2 of 3: Physiological Salt Solution with Additives
Step 1. Make a physiological saline solution
Pour 240 ml of distilled water into a clean container, then add 1/2 tsp natural salt and 1/2 tsp baking soda. Whisk or stir until the salt and baking soda are completely dissolved.
- Distilled water is an ideal choice. However, if only tap water is available, boil it first to remove all harmful chemicals and bacteria. Once it boils, turn off the stove and let the water come to a lukewarm temperature before using it.
- Only natural salt, such as sea salt, pickling salt (pickling salt), canning salt (canning salt), or other natural non-iodized salt, should be used. Don't use table salt.
Step 2. Add an irritant
Natural anti-inflammatory ingredients can help relieve inflammation that causes symptoms of nasal congestion and pain caused by the physiological saline solution itself.
- Ghee is one of the natural anti-inflammatory ingredients that can be used. Put 1 tsp of ghee in a physiological saline solution. Stir until well blended.
- Glycerol and warm milk can also be used to reduce inflammation. Mix 1 tsp to 1 tbsp (5-15 ml) of either of the two ingredients into the physiological saline solution.
- Xylitol can also be used to reduce the burning sensation caused by physiological saline. In addition, this material can also kill Candida so it is useful for fighting sinus infections. Mix 1/4 tsp of xylitol into the physiological saline solution.
Step 3. Try different types of antiseptics
If your sinuses are infected with a virus or bacteria, washing your nasal passages with a saline solution with a natural antiseptic added can help your body fight off the infection.
- Apple cider vinegar, colloidal silver, grapefruit seed extract, and raw manuka honey are natural ingredients that are believed to have antiviral and antibiotic properties. Mix 1-2 drops of one of these natural ingredients into a physiological saline solution. Adding more than 2 drops can cause stinging and other complications.
- Alternatively, 1/4-1/2 tsp hydrogen peroxide can also be added to the physiological saline solution. This method is very helpful, especially for treating sinus infections. Please note that hydrogen peroxide should not be used with other antiseptic agents and it is a good idea to add xylitol powder with hydrogen peroxide to relieve any irritation that may occur.
Step 4. Think carefully before adding essential oils
Certain essential oils help relieve and relieve nasal congestion symptoms. However, because many are too concentrated, essential oils can also cause a burning sensation and exacerbate irritation in the respiratory tract.
- Eucalyptus, peppermint, arabic frankincense, and rosemary are essential oils that are safe and effective for relieving sinus pain and pressure. Use only one type of essential oil and add no more than 1 drop to 1 standard prescription physiological saline solution.
- Do not use oregano oil. Even very small amounts of oregano oil are too strong and may cause severe pain or irritation.
- Choose essential oils that are familiar to you. Use pure essential oils and seek information to ensure the essential oil you choose is safe for use in the body.
Step 5. Use an added physiological saline solution to clear the nasal passages
Once the solution is ready for use, aspirate it with a clean bulb syringe. Insert the tip of the bulb syringe into the nostril and squeeze gently to allow the solution to flow into the nasal passages.
- Bend over the sink and turn your head to the left.
- Insert the tip of the bulb syringe into the right nostril and aim it toward the back of the head, not up.
- Squeeze the bulb syringe gently to allow the solution to flow into the nose. If done correctly, the solution will come out through the left nostril or mouth after a few seconds.
- Repeat the procedure on the left nostril.
Step 6. Repeat as often as needed
Do this method 2-4 times per day for up to 7 days or stop early if symptoms subside.
- Clean the bulb syringe well after each use.
- Physiological saline solutions can usually be stored in a closed container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Discard the solution if before 3 days it has become cloudy or has a strange smell.
Method 3 of 3: Other Alternatives
Step 1. Use warm milk
Warm milk can be added to a physiological saline solution or used as a standalone solution to wash the nasal passages if the nose is dry or irritated.
- Use whole milk that has been pasteurized. Raw milk is likely to contain bacteria and other substances that can cause or worsen sinus infections. Diluted milk is usually safe. However, lower levels of milk fat reduce the ability of milk to relieve irritation, so it is no longer effective for washing the nasal passages.
- Pour 250 ml of milk into a saucepan, then heat it slowly on the stove while continuing to stir. Do not boil as this can cause the milk to break down and become less effective. Heat the milk to the same temperature as the human body temperature, which is about 37 degrees Celsius.
Step 2. Make a triphala solution
Triphala is a natural ingredient that is believed to have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. This ingredient is commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine practices.
- As an astringent, triphala helps relieve bleeding in the respiratory tract. As an anti-inflammatory, triphala helps relieve symptoms of nasal congestion and swelling in the respiratory tract.
- Mix 1 tsp triphala powder in 240 ml warm distilled (or purified tap water) water. Steep for 5 minutes, then strain and discard any solids as only the liquid is used to wash the nasal passages.
Step 3. Make a solution of Hydrastis canadensis
Hydrastis canadensis is one of the herbs commonly used as a natural treatment. This herb is believed to have astringent and antimicrobial properties.
- As an astringent, Hydrastis canadensis helps relieve bleeding in the respiratory tract. As an antimicrobial, this herb helps prevent or fight certain respiratory infections.
- Mix 1 tsp of Hydrastis canadensis powder in 240 ml of warm distilled (or purified tap water). Steep for 5 minutes, strain, and use the liquid to wash the nasal passages.
Step 4. Wash the nasal passages as usual
Choose and make a type of natural nasal cleansing solution. Aspirate the solution with a clean bulb syringe. Insert the tip of the syringe into the nostril and squeeze gently to allow the solution to flow into the nasal passages.
- Bend over the sink or in the bathroom while washing your nasal passages.
- Insert the tip of the bulb syringe into one nostril and tilt the head in the opposite direction. After being sprayed into the nasal passages, the solution will come out of the mouth or the other nostril.
- Perform the procedure on both nostrils alternately.
Step 5. Repeat as often as needed
If necessary, do this method 2 times per day for up to 7 days or stop early if symptoms subside.
- Clean the bulb syringe well after each use.
- Throw away any unused warm milk. Triphala or Hydrastis canadensis liquid can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 24 hours.
Tips
- Wash your nasal passages before using any other sinus medication. Clear sinuses help the nasal passages to absorb medication more effectively.
- If the lukewarm saline solution is uncomfortable, warm the solution slowly before using it to wash the sinuses. However, do not use hot water/solution as it can cause burns and other complications.
- The bulb syringe is easy to use. However, as an alternative, a standard syringe, squeeze bottle, or jug of nasal passage can also be used. Just choose the one that is easiest to use.
Warning
- A slight burning sensation is normal, especially at first. However, stop the procedure if moderate to severe pain, nose bleeds, or other problems occur.
- Consult your doctor first before using any type of nasal wash solution. Although, in the majority of cases, nasal rinsing solutions can be used safely, it is a good idea to consult with a doctor who is familiar with your medical history.
- Do not wash the nasal passages if the nasal congestion is very severe as this can lead to complications.
- People who have frequent nosebleeds, have a strong gag reflex, or have recently had surgery should not use nasal rinsing solutions.
- Nasal wash solutions should usually only be used a maximum of 4 times per day for no more than 7 consecutive days. Most types of nasal rinses cause nasal passages to dry out and can worsen pain, bleeding, and other symptoms if used more often.
