For people with allergies, colds or sinus problems the use of a homemade sinus rinse may bring relief. Delivered to the sinuses by using a neti pot, a small ceramic pot similar to a teapot; a bulb syringe; or irrigation bottle, a homemade sinus rinse can help clear nasal passages and make breathing easier. The combination of ingredients forms a simple saline solution that approximates the salt content of tears. Other ingredients can be added to the rinse to provide a more soothing effect or to help fight sinus infections.
Heat the water until it is lukewarm. Use only distilled water. Do not use tap, spring or bottled water, as the chemicals and minerals in them may prove to be irritating to the sinuses.
Place the water in a clean container and add the baking soda and salt. Use only regular, non-iodized table salt as the chemicals and minerals in iodized or other salts, such as sea salt, may be irritating.
Add 1/4 tsp. of glycerin to the rinse as a soothing agent. Add four or five drops of grapefruit seed extract to help with sinus infections.
Stir the ingredients until they are completely dissolved. Pour the sinus rinse into the neti pot, irrigation bottle or syringe and use immediately. Make one rinse batch for each nostril and discard any left over rinse.
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In Jacksonville, Fla., Frank Whittemore is a content strategist with over a decade of experience as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy and a licensed paramedic. He has over 15 years experience writing for several Fortune 500 companies. Whittemore writes on topics in medicine, nature, science, technology, the arts, cuisine, travel and sports.