Have you tried this for a sinus infection?

[Starfish]

Haven't read this whole thread, so apologies if someone already wrote this.

My mom taught me this over 35 years ago. No special pot or system needed. I just cup some salt water in my palm and snuffle it up through my sinuses.

It flushes stuff out...sometimes gross stuff that makes me glad it is out of my head.

Sometimes it just drains out the other side. Sometimes back into the throat where I swallow and let my digestive tract expel it.

Anyhow, I swear by this for head colds and sinus infections.

[OakLeaf]

I've had conventional MDs recommend irrigation to me, as well.

I have one of each, actually - a NeilMed SinusRinse squeeze bottle, and the SinuCleanse plastic neti pot. I find the traditional pot is much more effective and reaches a lot more of my sinuses. The squeeze bottle, on the other hand, is a lot quicker and easier to use, not least because you can mix the solution by shaking it right in the bottle.

Starfish, if I tried your method, I think I'd drown. Probably one of those things, like peeing standing up, that if your mom didn't teach you when you were 2, you're just never going to have the determination to teach yourself (and yes I know some adult women do have the determination and enough free time in the shower to teach themselves how to pee standing up - I'm just not one of them)

[sundial]

Oakleaf, did you see the NeilMed neti pot? It comes with a lid and when you want to regulate the flow, you place your finger over the hole on the lid.

[OakLeaf]

Oakleaf, did you see the NeilMed neti pot? It comes with a lid and when you want to regulate the flow, you place your finger over the hole on the lid.

Huh, no, I haven't seen those. That might be useful when I'm really stuffed up. OTOH it might just mean it would take an hour for the solution to trickle through my sinuses drop by drop I'm having visions of those old Taco Neck commercials.

[sundial]

I just wanted to share that since I started using the rinse, it has helped my allergies tremendously. I don't have those allergy attacks and I've cut back using allergy Rx's. Just wanted to encourage those who have alleriges to consider this option. I feel so much better.

[Geonz]

I used to go to the beach and make a point of doing somersaults in the waves if I was feeling allergic or sinusy (but my sinuses are also low-maintenance). I swear by gargling ('cause my throat *is* the Favorite Entry Point for Bad Things - almost always I get a sore throat before I get sick when I get sick every few years).

So perhaps when the fervor goes down Ill get one of them things... or, perhaps the fad will die and they'll be at garage sales

[mupedalpusher]

My ENT surgeon had me do this after my sinus surgery. I didn't have to buy anything special, just use one of the little squishy-bulb things you use for baby's. My surgeon gave me the recipe to make my own solution with canning salt and baking soda. It's been a life saver, at the sign of any problems I start using it again. I don't do it everyday anymore because I do fine without it.