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Homemade Spearmint Nasal Spray

Homemade spearmint nasal spray is an anti-inflammatory mixture used to relieve sinus pressure, respiratory complications and congestion. As a mild remedy, it is particularly helpful in treating children and pets. Spearmint mixtures are versatile and can be used in nasal kits such as neti pots, sinus irrigation systems, spray bulbs and spray containers that have been thoroughly cleaned, providing homeopathic, herbal relief of any discomfort.

  1. Ingredients

    • Spearmint is a natural suppressant that can be used to clear nasal congestion and inflamed airways resulting from colds, allergies and asthma. Use fresh spearmint leaves purchased from the store or picked from a household garden. Prepare 1cup of spearmint by rinsing and soaking leaves with natural spring water in a strainer to remove soil and pesticides. While spearmint is soaking, pour 2 cups of natural spring water into a saucepan. Dependent on the desired amount of solution, the ratio of water to spearmint should remain 2 to 1.

    Preparation

    • Once the spearmint has soaked, add leaves to the sauce pan and bring the mixture to a boil for 1 to 2 minutes. After the mixture has begun boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes. This allows the spearmint oils to continue seeping into the water. Cool the mixture until it reaches a lukewarm temperature that will not burn nasal passages. Strain the spearmint leaves out of the water and pour the water into a clean nasal spray.

    Application

    • Homemade spearmint nasal sprays can be combined with a homemade saline solution for further effect. Add ½ tsp. of salt and ½ tsp. of baking soda to create a mucus-solvent called sodium bicarbonate. This can be added to the lukewarm spearmint solution for better irrigation. Shake the mixture thoroughly for best results, so that it has a cloudy appearance. Nasal irrigation systems and neti pots require tilting of the head to the opposite side of the nostril that is being irrigated, and then switching to perform irrigation through the other nostril. The homemade spearmint solution will drip from the opposite nostril that it is entering. Nasal spray containers and bulbs squeeze solution into the nostrils for quick relief. Nasal spray bottles are convenient for continued use throughout the day, requiring less solution than irrigation systems. Extra spearmint solution can be refrigerated for future use in nasal sprays and reheated for irrigation purposes.

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