Sinus Irrigation Recipes

Many people who suffer from recurring nasal problems such as allergies, sinus infections, congestion and irritations have found that nasal irrigation is an effective way to treat and even prevent symptoms. In fact, some physicians recommend that people flush out their sinuses daily. Over-the-counter solutions are available, or you can create your own solution, using a sinus irrigation recipe.

What is Sinus Irrigation?

• Sinus irrigation can be likened to cleaning out your home's filters. It is basically using a saline rinse to flush out the sinus cavity and rid your nasal passages of the dirt, pollen and bacteria that you have breathed in. Sinus irrigation can be done using a bulb syringe to squirt a saline solution into the nasal cavity. You can also use a neti pot, available at drugstores and health food stores, to pour the solution into your nose. You can try to hold the liquid in the nasal cavity (by holding your breath) or let it quickly drain out. Some people prefer to blow their noses once they are finished. You may repeat the process as needed.

How Sinus Irrigation Helps

• The nasal cavity often gets filled with stagnant mucous. Sinus irrigation is helpful because it cleans out the nasal cavity. It also moisturizes the nasal cavity and can reduce the dry, cracked feeling inside your nose that you may experience after a cold. This is especially helpful for people who have irritated their nasal passages by repeatedly blowing their noses. Many people report feeling less congested after a nasal irrigation.

Nasal Irrigation Recipes

• Most physicians prefer patients to use an isotonic solution for nasal irrigation. This type of solution is a better match to the salt concentration found in your body fluids. You should never use table salt, because it contains too many additives. Instead, use canning or kosher salt. You can add or reduce ingredients to suit your personal taste. Here are two saline mixture variations.

  • Simple Saline Solution: Combine ¼ tsp. of salt and 1 cup of warm, distilled water. Shake mixture in a bottle before using it in irrigation.
  • Buffered Saline Solution: Combine 1 to 2 cups warm tap water, 1 or 1 ½ heaping tsp. of canning or kosher salt, and 1 tsp. baking soda. Shake the mixture until everything is dissolved.