Neti Pot: A Natural Solution for Sinus/Allergy Relief

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Hi there, dear readers!

How are you doing on this groovy Tuesday afternoon?

We’re experiencing triple digit temps here…currently it is 102 degrees!

MUCHO CALIENTE, I tell ya!

At the beginning of Spring, then entire fam came down with a nasty sinus colds (first one I’ve experienced so far, gick!). I was blowing my nose constantly, my head felt like it was going to explode and nothing seemed to help the stuffiness it was the worst cold ever.

The same week we caught the yucky sinus bug, we were cleaning out our backroom and came across a brand new unopened ceramic neti pot, we’d purchased some time ago when my husband; Tyler was experiencing really bad allergies. I’m pretty sure we were a little bit intimidated by how to use the neti so it got tossed into a box and was forgotten about until that day.

I made the suggestion to use the darn thing, since nothing really seemed to be helping our cold or stuffy noses. I knew we needed a little help to clear out our nasal passages and if it took using the neti then so be it. So, brave little me went into the bathroom, read the directions and performed nasal irrigation with the neti pot.

You know what?

The experience wasn’t anything like I had expected it to be (what if it comes out of my eyes, thought- LOL!).  I didn’t really have a clue what to expect but the idea of having water run out my nose seemed a little strange. I’m definitely over that feeling now and totally LOVE, LOVE, LOVE using our neti. Not only because it’s easy but because it worked!!! I don’t use it regularly ( though if you’re an allergy sufferer daily use may be beneficial) but when we feel a cold coming on or have been around dust too much (which happens a lot out here in the dez) we use it. During our sinus cold fusses, we probably used it about 2x a day, if needed during the span of our colds.  NOTE:  the boys didn’t get their noses irrigated just the adults!!

What does it feel like?

To be completely honest, it feels like you’re swimming underwater. There’s not much to it. The procedure isn’t uncomfy in the least bit and only takes about 5 minutes max to do both nostrils. We did not buy the saline solution sold for neti users but instead used sea salt and water as mentioned in the directions. Make sure it’s sea salt though….TRUST ME, I learned the hard way when I reached for the Kosher salt and stunk the beejezzums out of my nose. Only lasted for a minute…but still!!

How does it work?

A neti pot when used correctly thins mucus and flushes  out your nasal passage. It’s very simple to use and takes only minutes to complete. The neti pot works best when the salt/saline mixture is warmed. Take my word for it… you’ll be completely surprised afterward; how much easier you can breathe and how clearly you sinuses feel. It’s amazing! I couldn’t believe it and was so excited — I couldn’t wait to use it again. Ha!

Go Neti Pot for allergy relief!

For an allergy sufferer the neti pot may help relieve symptoms and even take them away. Neti pots are fairly inexpensive  (no more than $20) when compared to allergy medicines. SO, it was definitely worth giving this method a try. I’m so glad we did because it truly kicked our colds to the curb and relieved our sinus pressure instantly.  You can easily find one at a local pharmacy or health food store. Besides helping to clear out your sinuses it also prevents sinus infections from occurring in the future. Using the neti pot is a safe, effective and natural alternative to allergy medicines.

Go on!  Get your neti on… we did!!

Do you have experience using the Neti pot?

Would you try this method?

Love hearing your feedback.

CSA Action!

I meant to add this in my Meatless Monday post…

It’s hard to tell how big those lettuces heads are… but they’re pretty darn big!
Ugh! and the plastic… I know!!! I need to drop a hint next time…

what would be a good line??  hmmm….

What’s in the box?

- Navel oranges

- Asparagus

- Turnips

- Radishes

- Red/Green Leaf Lettuce

- Baby Artichokes

- Potatoes

- Stir Fry Mix

- Leeks

- Parsley

Fresh organic foods… can’t beat it!

Find out how you can support your local farmer at

localharvest.org

or check out Abundant Harvest Organics!

Have you entered to WIN a 2 tier stainless steel tiffin filled with YUMMY organic & fair trade chocolates??

La Cocina Verda (The Green Kitchen)

 

The kitchen is a commonplace for Tristan and I to be…we love to eat! Feeding Tristan can be a challenge but we have a lot of fun being creative. Since I’ve become a mom I’ve learned there are challenges when it comes to finding all the necessities required to feed your beloved lil’ greenie. For one, you can’t get bamboo utensils or bowls anywhere in my town- PVC Free Bibs- what are those?, So Easy Baby Food food trays-you’re going to make your own baby food-what the…, how about ORGANIC foods in general for a baby/toddler! The reaction to my green baby saga was always gently nubbed. In any case, it took some time to aquire the items we needed for Tristan before birth…but we finally had what we felt was adequate and considered him our little Green Guy and our kitchen La Cocina Verde!!

Shopping List:

- bamboo- utensil set- bambu products

-.bamboo bowls

-Sustainable Highchair – Babylon Toddler Highchair

-Organic cotton bibs or PVC Free Bibs made by Bumkins

- Cloth napkins-(organic whenever possible or recycled fabric) to wipe up spills and messy faces! http://www.fabkins.com/ or recycled paper towels

- So Easy Baby Food Kit, non toxic- for storing your homemade baby food

- Cast iron pots/and skillet- non toxic, no teflon, and great for iron deficiency- iron leaches into food while being cooked

- Organic groceries and snacks whenever possible 

- Non toxic sippy cup/bottle and other baby feeding accessories

- All natural, non toxic, cleaning products and hand soap

- Glass storage containers- operation out with the plastic!!!

Check out The Soft Landing http://www.thesoftlanding.com/ for an array of PVC/BPA free unique items!

 While slaving over all that baby food you’ll need a handy dandy recipe book to glance over. I’ve used this one on many occassions…

* Organic Bay and Toddler Cookbook- easy recipes for natural food by Lizzie Vann

Organic Food For Thought: Just about any baby food recipe can be converted to an organic one! Also, most organic baby food books offer lots of insight about wholesome natural foods and most recipes for go refined sugar!

Tristan throughly enjoys his greens… he’s bound to have a little green in him! ; )

Our little green bean loves the following recipe and it’s packed with iron too!

*Steam- peas, carrots, spinach, broccoli, and quinoa (cook quinoa seperately) puree in food processor!  Freeze and serve as needed.

What’s your favorite baby food recipe or accessory? Any suggestions…???