How to do a nasal wash: Fight the cold and flu viruses before they take hold.

We know it's critical to keep our hands clean. In today's world, hand washing is at the top of the 'to do' list for protecting oneself from the dreaded pandemic virus. Although it's possible to spread viruses on our hands, where they really set up camp, take hold, and wage war is not on your hands, it's in your nose. Once they get a foundation, they go forth, multiply, and decide if they want to expand their community down to your throat and toward your lungs or just send down roots and settle into sinusitis.

This is why learning to do a nasal wash (neti pot) is critical in defending your health and stopping illness in its tracks. Neti is also great during hay fever season for washing away that pesky, irritating pollen.

Cold and flu season means that the viruses are going to be all around us. One of the best ways to protect yourself from getting sick is to do a nasal wash. It may seem scary and odd at first, but once you get the hang of it, it can literally save your life! When done correctly a simple saltwater solution can help you avoid a cold or flu altogether or lessen symptoms and shorten duration of a the illness if you do end up getting it.

When we are exposed to a contagion after someone coughs or sneezes, an infection starts in our nose, mouth or eyes. The virus then begins replicating itself - when there are enough viruses present we start experiencing symptoms like coughing or sneezing. That's the virus's way of reaching the masses!

The solution is to kill it off before it has a chance to replicate too much! That's done with a saline nasal wash. Adding a small amount of iodine can increase the effectiveness because iodine is anti-viral.

People have been doing nasal washes for thousands of years.

The neti pot is well known in Ayurvedic medicine from India. It's a small ceramic pot that holds about 1 cup if water. About 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt is mixed in so it replicates tears or the saline that your body is familiar with.

- How do I know if it's time for a saline nasal wash?

A nasal wash can be very effective in preventing illness after exposure to someone who is sick.

Or if you are starting to experience symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, or a runny nose it might be time for a nasal wash.

Any time you feel a bit stuffy or you've been around smoke

During hay fever season when pollen counts are high.

- What supplies do I need?

You'll need a neti pot and either some non-iodized salt and distilled water or some pre-made saline solution. (see my blog for directions to make saline at home).

These are products I recommend that are available on Amazon:

Adding a little (1-7 drops) iodine is optional but very effective and highly recommended.

The basic solution is 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt (1/2 tsp if the salt is course) to 1 cup warmed, filtered or distilled water. The water can be warmed in a kettle and then diluted to a comfortable temperature. Put the water solution in the neti pot, tile your head over a sink and place the spout in the higher nostril, tilt your head and let the water flow into the sink from the lower nostril while you breathe through your mouth. Don't worry if some flows to the back of your throat, it's kind of a bonus because you've cleaned that area as well.

If you'd like to watch a demo, check out my video (link here).

Once you've washed a full cup through one side, repeat on the other side. Since water flows downward, the sinus that was on top needs to be on the bottom for the second round.

If you've been exposed or if you are feeling some symptoms, you can repeat this several times a day with no side effects. You can also use it as a preventive measure if you feel a cold or flu coming on - do it twice a day for a week.

The saline rinse flushes out the virus, bacteria, and other debris while leaving the good flora untouched. It's gentle but effective and best of all, it doesn't require any harsh chemicals!

Gargling is super effective to address your throat.

Gargling is another safe, effective way to protect yourself and potentially stop a cold or flu from taking hold.

It's important to gargle for 30 seconds and even to hold and rinse for 30 followed by gargling for another 30 seconds.

There are several anti-bacterial and anti-viral options.

~ HOCL or Hypochlorous Acid (I like the Briotech SOS Brand) is a natural substance produced by your immune system that has been brought to market recently. Check our my blog on HOCL here.

~ Simple salt water (as warm and salty as you can take it)

~ A solution of 1 teaspoon iodine mixed with 1 cup water has been shown to be very effective as an antiviral.

~ Food Grade Hydrogen peroxide is great when you feel a sore throat coming on.

So the next time you feel like you may be coming down with something, or you've been with a crowd and someone was coughing or sneezing, or if you just want to breathe more clearly and deeply, grab that neti pot and give your nose a good cleaning. And why not gargle while your at it?

You will be amazed at how good you feel.

Stay Healthy and Live Inspired!

Cyndi

Article on the effectiveness of iodine mouthwash/gargle:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1882761621000065