The safest way to clear the nasal passages is by utilizing a Neti Pot. Jala Neti (water cleansing) is a procedure to clear the nasal passages through which you mix lukewarm water with isotonic salt and then pour the solution into one nostril and then the other. This ancient Indian yoga technique is the perfect substitute for all those steroid based nasal sprays and antibiotics. If you give your child over the counter nasal spray or utilize them yourself, haven’t you noticed that the symptoms never go away? Those over the counter sprays are designed for temporary relief only. They constrict the blood vessels and decrease the congestion temporarily. After a few uses you or your child will need a higher dose of that over the counter spray or prescription. Why not try the natural remedy that has been utilized for centuries? I know it might be weird and gross at first when you try it out, but think of all the benefits, and after all it is the safest way to clear the nasal passages. Plus you and your whole family can use it all your life and never have to worry about any side effects.

If you or your child suffer from seasonal allergies, congestion, runny nose, or chronic sinusitis, definitely try the neti pot. The saline solution will clear the passages by washing out the mucus and anything accumulated along the way. Do not try it on your kids first! Be the first one to do it and make it a daily, or at least a weekly routine. Make sure you kids see you do it, that way they will get mentally accustomed to the new procedure. You can purchase a neti pot online. I like the traditional ceramic ones better since they don’t get stained like the metal ones. After purchasing one make sure u rinse it off first and then fill it up with luke warm water (about 8 oz for an adult). Add 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt and mix it with the water. Make sure the water is not too hot or too cold. The temperature should be very close to your body temperature, that way when you pour the water you would hardly feel it. Then tilt your head to one side and pour the saline solution into the nostril. Relax and let the water flow out of the other nostril. Remember to breathe through your mouth only. Then tilt your head to the other side and do pour the remaining of the saline solution into the other nostril. The last step is to dry out your nose by blowing out the water a few times. Also if you bend over and touch your toes (if you can ) the remaining water will drip out on it’s own. After you do this a few times, let your kids watch you do it. Get them used to the idea of the neti pot and offer them a try. I started Dylan a while back when he was 2 and half years old. For that age only half the saline solution is recommended. It took a week to get him to try it out, and then two more weeks to master the technique. Do not ever force your children to do this, be patient and let this be a positive experience. 

Below are additional benefits of Jala Neti I found in an article written by Steven Aitchison (http://www.stevenaitchison.co.uk/blog/2006/08/15/the-benefits-of-jala-neti/)

• Neti removes all the dirt and bacteria filled mucus from within the nose.
• It also helps to drain the sinus cavities. This in turn, will help to reprogramme the body’s natural mechanisms against nasal infections such as hayfever, allergies, sinusitis and other upper respiratory complaints like sore throats and coughs, post nasal drip, inflammation of tonsils and adenoids.
• It is beneficial for illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis as it reduces the tendency for mouth breathing by freeing the nostrils of mucus.
• It has a cooling and soothing effect on the brain by drawing out excessive heat, and is therefore beneficial for headaches, migraine, epilepsy, temper tantrums, hysteria, depression and general mental tension.
• Neti is of great benefit for problems associated with the eyes. It helps flush the tear ducts, encouraging clearer vision and gives a sparkle to the eyes.
• It can be beneficial for certain types of ear disorders such as middle ear infections, glue ear, tinitis.
• Neti improves sensitivity of the olfactory nerves, helping to restore lost sense of smell, and thereby benefits the relationship with taste and the digestive processes.
• It has subtle effects on the pineal and pituitary glands which control the hormonal system. This has a harmonising effect on emotional behaviour.
• Neti affects the psychic centre known as Ajna Chakra which helps in awakening higher states of meditation.
• It helps to stimulate better powers of visualisation and concentration and gives a feeling of lightness and clarity to the mind.
• Neti is excellent for those trying to give up smoking. Since it reduces the tendency for mouth breathing, Neti re-sensitises the nose to the actual pollution of ingesting smoke, thereby de-programming the brain of the physical and psychological addiction.

Tags: clear the nasal passages, clearing out sinuses, hay fever natural remedy, how to use neti pot, jala neti, nasal congestion, natural remedies for sinuses, neti pot, runny nose natural remedy, saline solution to clear nasal passages, sinusitis

This entry was posted on Monday, July 13th, 2009 at 9:48 pm and is filed under environmental allergies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.