Does your nose feel like a leaky faucet all through the cold season? Winter and early spring present more respiratory challenges than any other time of year. Breathe easy this winter – simply follow these tips for clear sinuses no matter how chilly it gets out there.
Neti Pot
The neti pot rinses your nasal passages, removing excess mucus, killing bacteria, and rinsing out viruses. It’s a great way to prevent allergies, colds, and respiratory disorders. If you have chronic mucus or post-nasal drip, you should have a neti pot! Watery kapha types can use it daily for clear sinuses. Dry vata should limit use to once a week or as needed when you feel a little bug coming on. Firey Pitta dosha falls somewhere in the middle of these two ends of the spectrum – experiment and find your most supportive routine.
How to Use a Neti Pot
To use a neti pot, mix 1/8 tsp of salt into 1c of water. Then tilt the head to the side and pour the saline solution into your nose. Let the fluid drain out of the other nostril. You may also mix herbs into your neti pot solution. Herbs can help stimulate the circulation (turmeric) and mucus production (triphala) in nasal passages, effectively flushing the sinuses out. They also kill bacteria and flush out viruses.
Nasya Oil
Lubricate and decongest dry, irritated, mucousy nasal passages with nasya oil. Sesame and olive oil are infused with herbs for a healthy respiratory system. In addition to clear, healthy sinuses, nasya oil also offers clarity of mind and relaxation of your neck and shoulders. This formula is healing for all constitutions, so pitta should exercise caution. Daily nasal lubrication helps to release tension in the head and relieve accumulated stress. improving the quality of the voice, strengthening vision and promoting mental clarity.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
When you feel all stuffy with a clogged head, and it seems like a neti pot or nasya oil will just run right out of your congested nose, begin your self-treatment with a eucalyptus oil inhalation. Bring a pot to a boil and remove from heat. Add 3-5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the pot of steaming water, cover your head with a towel, and breathe deep. This will loosen stuck mucus. For a full and effective sinus treatment, follow with either nasya oil or a neti pot rinse.
