Wash your sinuses to relieve allergies and other congestion

We’re coming into allergy season—in fact it’s in full swing here in my mountains of Western North Carolina.

Here’s a wonderful way to combat that drippy nose, cough and headache:

Neti is an ancient yogic practice for nasal health and to eliminate toxins from the nasal membranes that has special significance for us here in the Western hemisphere as we enter the spring allergy season.

You’ve probably seen neti pots — they seem to be everywhere lately.

The small Aladdin’s lamp-looking pots help flush sinuses by pouring a mild solution of unrefined sea salt and water (avoid table salt—it can irritate mucous membranes) from one nostril through the other.

There’s an easier way if you’re willing to subject yourself to a bit of a learning curve: Just put the warm saltwater solution in small glass and “drink” it through your nose and spit it out your mouth. OK—I admit, it takes a few tries to get over the idea of water in your nose, but you can do it!

You can also use a spray bottle to squirt the solution up your nose. It’s easier, but somewhat less effective. Be sure to sterilize your spray bottle after each use to avoid re-infecting yourself.

In either case, it’s probably best not to buy those pre-packaged solutions that contain who-knows-what. A half-teaspoon of unrefined sea salt in a cup of warm water works just right.

The process helps flush out unwanted mucus, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms in the nose, thins mucus and clears congestion. Used on a regular basis, neti can prevent sinus infections from recurring.

A stronger remedy may be needed if you get a sinus infection. If you have an intractable sinus problem, some experts suggest including probiotics or olive leaf extract (taken internally) in your regimen along with neti.

University of Wisconsin research shows simply rinsing your nasal passages with salt water reduces pain and inflammation an impressive 97% of sufferers.