My Amazing Neti Pot
I am home recovering from a cold that came upon me quite quickly. I want to share some of how I dealt with it so that you can be prepared and apply this method yourself.
I want to start by saying that a cold and the flu are caused by viruses, not bacteria, therefore antibiotics are ineffective. In fact, taking antibiotics often can help develop “smart germs”, but especially when the antibiotics are given for a virus. This means that the germs mutate so that antibiotics have no effect on them. This has been a problem in the general population simply because our food supply (animal sources) is routinely treated with antibiotics to overcome the deplorable conditions in which the animals are raised. As a result, antibiotic-resistant infections are developing faster than we can find new drugs to fight them. The use of antibiotics for the cold and flu only add to the problem.
Here’s what I did: a bio-energetic scan indicated that a virus was trying to invade me. This was identified before I experienced any symptoms. My weak spot, as indicated by this scan, was my sinuses. Since I was symptom free, I disregarded the warning. Seven days later I came down with a severe sinus infection that turned into a cold.
I immediately used my Neti pot. A Neti pot looks like a ceramic watering can. It is designed to irrigate the sinus passages with water. I must admit that it takes some getting used to (detailed instructions are included in each pot). I filled the pot with pure, luke-warm water and a small amount of Celtic sea salt. As I lean over the sink, I turn my head in one direction and place the tip of the Neti pot in the higher nostril. I then pour the water into the nostril. You could feel it filling the sinus cavities and may even drip a bit down the back of the throat, but with minimal adjustment of the angle and turn of the head, the water quickly drains out the opposite nostril taking any dust, pollen, dirt, etc. out with the water. As I finish pouring in one side, a short, abrupt blow of air through the nose expels any remaining mucus and water. I then proceed to repeat this on the other nostril.
I routinely ask clients with allergies and sinus issues to rinse their sinuses daily to clear out any allergens like animal dander, dust and pollen from sticking to the mucous membranes and causing constant irritation. It works really well. But in my case, when I had a cold, I repeated this nasal lavage many times throughout the day. This dislodged much of the mucus and kept my sinuses open. As the cold progressed toward healing, this method eliminated much of the constant blowing of the nose and actually helped me sleep comfortably each night.
I strongly encourage you to buy a Neti pot. They are available for $13-$20 at health food stores, drug stores and on-line. It is a must if you suffer from sinus problems or allergies; use it once daily. It takes about three minutes for me to do this each morning. You will feel the difference immediately.
If you have a cold, consider using the Neti pot more often to clear the sinuses and nasal passages.
Be sure to use a good water, not tap water. Celtic Sea Salt should be in each home for seasoning; use a little in the Neti pot as well. It really does get easier with practice. This is better than vaporizers, ocean spray, humidifiers or inhales steam. It incorporates the naturopathic beliefs of using water to help heal. While you are at it, drink copious amounts of water to thin out the mucus and replace the water lost from sweating.
Stay well,
Donna