It’s cold time. Everyone seems to be complaining about sinus infections, sore throats, and head colds. Who doesn’t want sinus and cold relief? Here are my two weapons for relief: hydrogen peroxide and a Waterpik®. In my opinion, my Waterpik® is the best nasal irrigation system.
Isn’t a Waterpik® for teeth, Anna?
Hear me out. Sinus and cold relief on the way!
My Sinus and Cold History
Years ago, I had pneumonia twice due to out of control sinus infections. I heard once you get pneumonia, you are quite susceptible. So, I am petrified of colds and will do anything to stop a potential cold in its tracks.
I have tried facial steams, Neti Pot-like contraptions, Vicks® VapoRub in the tip of the nostrils, etc.
I even used the simple cup of warm water that has salt in it. (You are supposed to suck up the water through your nose and then spit out the “gunk” from your throat.)
None of those alternatives ever worked for me.
But I narrowed it down to a couple of my go to’s that work.
The minute I start getting a cold, I reach for my hydrogen peroxide. I put five drops in each ear until the ” throat scratchiness” goes away. Read about HERE.
The Best Nasal Irrigation System
If the scratch in my throat doesn’t go away, I resort to Plan B–the Waterpik®!
As the story goes…
One day I was walking (in desperation) down the aisle of a drug store, and saw the nostril attachment for the Waterpik®.
The light bulb went off!
See, so many people have Waterpik appliances to clean their teeth. But did you know they have an attachment for your nose? It is called the Gentle Sinus Rinse Attachment.
I know. It sounds gross.
But it works and that is all that matters.
My Sinus and Cold Relief Recipe:
I add 2 tablespoons of sea salt per cup of warm water to the Waterpik® container. Note, my Waterpik® is ancient. Its container can hold 25 ounces. So if you have a lot of gunk, just adjust the formula and add more warm water.
Now, here is the gross part. Then I insert the attachment into each nostril.
WebMD uses distilled water and adds baking soda. I don’t bother but it isn’t a bad ideas to use distilled water.
Back to the gunk…
It isn’t going to be pretty.
Water will come out your other nostril. I have a deviated septum so the water comes out that same nostril.
I guess the salt water helps to dry up your nose.
If you have allergies, that dreaded drip, or constant sinus infections, you should try this system.
Who hates colds?
Me!!!
Join the Conversation:
How do you get rid of colds?
Marci says
December 17, 2016 at 11:23 pmOh wow, please use distilled water or boiled water, as you run the risk of getting a deadly parasite by using tap water with a neti pot or any nasal irrigation!
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/n.....nsing.html
Anna says
December 17, 2016 at 11:33 pmMarci, that makes sense.
Marla says
December 20, 2016 at 10:02 amI use this type of irrigation system for quite a while now. I add a little bit of baking soda with the sea salt and it will do wonders. I used to have chronic sinus infection but this stopped them. When I feel some sinus pressure or drainage I start using it. It is also great for allergies to clean out and allergies in the nose.
Anna says
December 20, 2016 at 9:23 pmMarla, what does the baking soda do? Anna
linda spiker says
December 20, 2016 at 11:36 amLooks like a big step up form the neti pot!
Anna says
December 20, 2016 at 11:51 amIt does the trick, Linda. Anna
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
December 20, 2016 at 8:37 pmWow! I never would have thought of this! What a cool idea! My daughter is using a nasal spray thing today for her cold, but not this.
Anna says
December 20, 2016 at 9:22 pmEmily, this is one of those things everyone has at their home…Anna
Sylvie says
December 20, 2016 at 9:27 pmWow I had no idea they offered that attachment!
Anna says
December 20, 2016 at 11:18 pmCrazy, huh. Anna
Joy Butler says
September 14, 2017 at 5:29 pmMy little boy has really suffered from sinus infections. I think I’ve finally been able to convince him to try irrigation because the last one was so miserable. I wasn’t sure if we should go for more than just salt water, but it sounds like you’ve found that to be sufficient without resorting to baking soda. I am hoping the less there is in the water, the less uncomfortable it will be for my son. We’ll have to go find an irrigation system before the next infection hits.
Greg Bing says
August 1, 2018 at 9:56 amI have problems with food getting stuck in my tonsils causing infection. Will the water pik unit help to flush out my tonsils?
Anna says
August 8, 2018 at 9:20 pmGreg, I honestly don’t know. Anna