Rinsing your sinuses can be a safe and simple remedy for your nasal congestion.
Did you know that you can use salt water to rinse your nasal passages? A saline (salt water) rinse clears your nose and can wash away allergens, mucus, and other irritants. It also helps to moisten and clean your mucous membranes.
This home remedy can be performed using a squeeze bottle or bulb syringe and a mixture of water and salt. The process is usually safe and easy, but you should be aware of a few items before you begin.
First, you will want to mix the saline solution. Prepare a cup of warm, sterile water. Add about a half teaspoon of salt. Mix thoroughly.
If you don’t want to create your own saline solution, you can also buy it over-the-counter at your local pharmacy. Just ask the pharmacist for the premixed saline packets.
It’s extremely important to use sterile water. This means you should boil it first. Boil it for at least one minute. Once the water has cooled, you can use it in your saline solution.
Next, stand with your head over the sink or bathtub. Tilt your head to one side, and, using your bulb syringe or squeeze bottle, squeeze the solution slowly into your upper nostril. Allow the solution to drip down and out your other nostril. The solution should drain down the sink or tub.
Repeat this same process on the other side. Make sure you breathe through your mouth.
Avoid letting the water drip down your throat. Experiment with different head angles if you have to, in order to find the best position.
Once you’ve finished, blow your nose into a tissue. This is the final step to help you clear out any mucus that is still trapped in your nasal passages.
Use a saline solution to clear out your nasal passages as a safe and effective way to combat your allergies.
