A neti pot is a small pot made of ceramic, stainless steel or plastic that is used for cleaning or rinsing out the sinuses.  It is also effective at preventing and soothing inflammation of the nasal passages.  A neti pot can be purchased at any drug store or health food store.  To use, fill the neti pot with lukewarm water that has previously been sterilized by boiling and mix in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt (without iodine).  There are also saline solutions available for purchase specifically designed to use with a neti pot.  The neti pot will have a spout or nozzle on the end, which you insert into the end of your nose to form a seal.  Tilting your head to the side and breathing through your mouth, pour the solution into your nose and let it run through your sinuses and out the other nostril and into a sink.  Use half the solution, then switch to the other nostril and repeat the procedure on that side.  Gently blow your nose and clean the neti pot with soap and water to be ready for the next use.  This routine may sound a bit tricky, but it is really quite easy and a very effective way of taking care of sinus congestion and inflammation. 

1.  Drink more water.  Water keeps the body hydrated and flushes out unwanted toxins from the body.  Drinking herbal tea is also a good way to keep hydrated.  Avoid ingesting too much caffeine, as this can dehydrate the body. 

2.  Stay active.  Exercise is a good way to keep the lymph in your body flowing, which keeps your immune system moving.  If you don’t have a lot of time for exercise, even 20 or 30 minutes on your lunch hour can make a difference.  Yoga is a good exercise that also helps relieve stress, which as we all know, can zap immune function. 

3.  Get enough sleep.  Most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of good quality sleep a night.  That means not waking up in the middle of the night, or if so, being able to get back to sleep shortly afterward. 

4.  Start taking herbal tincture or tea infusions at the first sign of a cold, cough, sore throat, etc.  Herbs that are beneficial for colds, sore throats, and cough include St. John’s wort (while well known for its antidepressant effects, it is also a wonderful anti-viral), echinacea root, olive leaf, licorice root, wild cherry bark, horehound, garlic and ginger. 

These are just a few of the herbs that can be beneficial for your health.  Please feel free to contact me via phone or email if you have further questions about how herbs can help you.  Have a great week! 

Download Healthy Transition to Fall for some ideas.