About a week ago I had one of the nastiest colds I’ve had in a long while. It wasn’t the flu, it wasn’t strep throat. Instead it was this awful sinus cold, one that caused me to morph into a mouth breathing, stuffy nosed, unable to focus on anything, frustrated girl. Head colds might be just about the worst type of cold in my opinion. They don’t really knock you out completely but you can’t quite function normally either. Desperate to be rid of this cold, I popped over the counter medicine, drank tea, and ate soup morning, noon, and night to no avail.A friend suggested I try the neti-pot.
"The what?" I asked, skeptical.
"Neti-pot. It’s kind of gross, it’s kind of weird, but I’m telling you it works," she promised.
More than desperate to feel normal again, I knew I’d try anything. Off to CVS I went, where I purchased my very own neti-pot kit. My friend warned me it was best to use the neti-pot in the shower, so home I went and into the shower I climbed. The neti-pot looks like a small watering can. You fill it with a saline solution that comes in the kit and add lukewarm water. Here comes the odd part. You stand (in the shower preferably, my friend was right about that) and insert the tip of the neti-pot into one nostril. Then you tilt your head to the side, which forces the contents of the neti-pot through your nose and out the other uncovered nostril.
Yeah, kinda gross.
It’s a weird sensation, no doubt. You are breathing through your mouth while emptying the neti-pot and the entire ordeal makes you feel like a little kid who is getting ocean water up their nose. I wouldn’t describe the treatment as fun, exactly, but oh my heavens, was it worth it. The saline solution pushes all that gunk out of your nose and helps clear your sinuses faster than any over the counter pill ever has.
After stepping out of the shower I suddenly realized I was able to breathe more easily than I had in a week. I wasn’t miraculously cured and I still did the neti-pot treatment three more times but I am convinced this little gem helped me recover far faster than I would have otherwise.
In fact, I’m ready to take a stab at neti-pot evangelism. Color me converted.
Average Price: $13.00/starter kit
Rating: 5 out of 5!
Rating: 5 out of 5!
3 comments:
I thought it sounded weird too, but I have to admit I'm a fan. My husband still thinks it's "gross" and won't try it.
Where did your other blog go? Or are you not blogging anymore?
Hey Kate - It is gross but those of us "in the know" can see how worth it is in the end! Maybe your husband will come around eventually...
I am still blogging at Working Title, but due to a little bit of an internet stalking issue had to invite readers for the time being. I'd LOVE for you to keep reading though - if you could email me at kellisblog at gmail dot com, I'd be happy to send you an invite. I've missed my "internet friends!"
Thanks for your note - hope to hear from you.
I am a huge fan of the neti pot too! Never tried it in the shower though - I bet it helps better than awkwardly leaning over the sink! I have negver heard of the saline solution - I bought special salt specifically for the neti. My aunt turned me on to it, and she buys a salt solution that has zinc in it too. Amazing stuff.
Post a Comment