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What they are and why to make them
Nasal washes are therefore practiced with a saline solution with water and salt, and serve to cleanse the nostrils by removing excess mucus. Colds and sinusitis cause inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes and a consequent excess of mucus that builds up making breathing difficult and causing a sense of discomfort or pain at the level of the forehead and eyes, caused by the pressure exerted by the phlegm.
Nasal irrigations are useful in children but also in adults to clear the nose and to reduce inflammation cold, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis and viral and in general in case of inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Sinus irrigations are also a remedy to treat affections of the upper airways which cause cough, sore throat and to relieve symptoms of asthma and bronchitis.
It is a well-known and widespread practice in Ayurvedic medicine, which associates cleansing of the tongue, showers, enemas and massages with nasal washes. eliminate toxins and cleanse the body. In the Ayurvedic tradition, nasal washes are called Jala neti and involve the use of a special reusable ampoule called Lota neti, an instrument that can be made of plastic, terracotta, ceramic or metal, generally copper. La Lota neti can be purchased in herbalist’s shops, pharmacies and stores specializing in natural products for well-being, even online. As an alternative to the Lota neti, for nasal irrigations you can also use disposable syringes without needle which offer a slightly more effective and hygienic cleaning but, on the other hand, more aggressive.
How to make them
Nasal washes are very simple to do at home and are done with one saline solution easily available in pharmacies or with water and salt. To prepare the saline solution at home, simply bring a glass of water to a boil in a saucepan, turn off the heat and add half a teaspoon of sea salt not iodized and not integral. After allowing the solution to cool, it can be transferred into the appropriate Lota neti or withdrawn with the syringe without a needle.
Nasal irrigations are carried out tilting the head to one side, placing himself on the sink or on a basin to collect the water. To wash the nostrils, the saline solution is run through inside one nostril making it come out of the other. The operation is then repeated for the other nostril as well, until the solution is finished.
In case of colds, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, nasal washes can be done once or twice a day in order to reduce inflammation, clear the nose of excess mucus and breathe better. If, on the other hand, nasal washes are used to cleanse the nostrils, it is sufficient to irrigate the nostrils once a week. Nasal washes are preferably carried out in the morning on an empty stomach or in any case away from main meals.
Other remedies for colds and sinusitis
In addition to nasal washes, if you have a cold or suffer from sinusitis, you can also get relief thanks to other natural remedies. For example, to free the nose and return to breathe i fumigations prepared with herbs and essential oils with a balsamic action, a remedy that also helps in case of sore throat, cough, laryngitis and pharyngitis.
THE fumigations can be associated with nasal washes once or twice a day and are a safe and effective alternative to grandma’s remedy.aerosol. They are made by bringing a pot of water to a boil; when the water boils, remove it from the heat, add two or three tablespoons of dried balsamic herbs or five drops of essential oil and place your head over the pot, placing a cloth or towel on your head and breathing in the balsamic steam. The herbs and essential oils most indicated in case of colds and sinusitis are thyme, rosemary, mint, eucalyptus and sage, remedies that can also be taken in the form of hot herbal tea, to be sipped two or three times a day to relieve airway disorders. In case of cough, it can be added to the herbal tea a teaspoon of honey which, in addition to sweetening the infusion, has an emollient action on the mucous membranes.
The balsamic essential oils they are also effective when diffused in the environment using a burner with candle or an electric diffuser. To clear the airways during the night, it may be useful to pour two drops of lemon balm essence on the pillow before going to bed or mix a drop of eucalyptus essential oil with a teaspoon of shea butter to obtain a ointment to massage on the chest and back.
Combining nasal washes, fumigations, hot herbal teas and essential oils you can get a quick relief for colds, sinusitis, coughs, sore throats and other airway problems. However, if the symptoms do not disappear within a week or two, it is good to consult your doctor.
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