Allergy season. Just the thought of it makes many people’s eyes water. I am often asked what I recommend for seasonal allergies in casual conversation. As with most medicine, the solution is based on helping realign a individual’s immune system, so my recommendations can vary. But there is one thing I always recommend.
One of my primary recommendations during allergy season is to give a neti-pot a try. It came from Ayurvedic medicine in India. Traditionally, a neti-pot was a small, genie-lamp shaped ceramic pot. In modernity, they now come in many different shapes including squeeze bottles and teapots. The container is filled with a warm saline solution that is then used to rinse out the nasal passages. This helps to clear out pollen along the nasal cavity. As we know, pollen is sticky, and once stuck to the mucus membranes that line our sinuses, it causing swelling, inflammation, and an immune response. The saline solution helps to wash away the pollen, allowing less irritation of the mucus membranes, and decreases allergy symptoms.
Another benefit to the saline is that it is anti-bacterial, so it can help prevent allergies and congestion from turning into sinus infections. During allergy season, I recommend doing the sinus rinse twice a day, in the morning and evening. If you are prone to allergies, it is important to maintain the practice once a day even during non-allergy season. I also recommend using the neti-pot during cold and flu season for it’s anti-bacterial benefits.
The many different shapes of neti-pots are available in many locales, such as health food stores and drug stores. Patients all seem to prefer different shapes, though a few have reported that the squeeze bottle version is easy to use. The sensation of the water in the nasal passages takes a little getting used to, and it should not cause discomfort if you are doing it right. It does take some practice. Remember to bend forward. I often recommend trying it while in the shower the first time, in case you do make a mess. The ratio of non-iodized salt is 1/4-1/8 teaspoon (depending on
how finally it is ground) to 8ozs of filtered, room temperature water. You want the solution to taste similar to tears. If there is any stinging, you need to adjust your salt amount. Prepackaged salt is also available, and just has to be added to water. Whichever version you buy, read the instructions for pointers on how to best use that shape neti-pot. Once you are done rinsing, make sure and blow your nose really well to get all of the saline solution out.
Don’t worry, it gets easier the more times you do it! Patients have found it very helpful during allergy season. Give it a try!