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Robin (Westhampton, Ny, Usa) on 01/28/2011
5 out of 5 stars

I've had a sinus headache for over 2 months with no nasal congestion and no mucus (It actually took me 2 months to figure out it was even a sinus problem at all). Wanting to avoid antibiotics, I tried the Neti pot for the first time ever, using a mixture of salt and colloidal silver. After 5 days of this at 2-3 rinses per day, I had few/no results and not even a runny nose. I still had severe headaches and facial pain in my cheeks and upper jaw.

After reading this site, I tried Grapefruit Seed Extract. Dose 1 opened up the flood gates! I feel THAT strongly about it that I didn't want to wait until tomorrow for Dose 2 to write about it here. I used 7 drops in the saline solution but diluted it half way through because it was too strong to handle.

Replied By Emersmask (Media, Pa, Usa) on 12/20/2011

I have had a very strong and rather unfortunate reaction to the GSE. I have used it before with some success, and after a chronic season of sinusitis, I attempted another go today. While it is not the most comfortable, soothing remedy in the world, I was not prepared for the extent of the irritation and pain I experienced this time around. Pain--awful--burning that persists four hours later, and the chronic inflammation has gotten much worse.

6 hours later--the problems persist.

The worst part is that I have absolutely NO sense of smell. I'm praying that this in particular resolves very soon.

Either I used too much, or developed a sensitivity. I followed the instructions very closely, diluting a few drops in 8 oz of water, but it is possible I mis-counted.

In any event, this can be effective but I highly suggest you start with a very small dose--2 drops or less--and work your way up to where it does not burn.

And if anyone has this same experience or any insight as to if/when my smell sense will return, please share!

Replied By Francisca (Zug, Zug, Switzerland) on 12/21/2011

Hi, you must have a different kind of GSE than we have here in Europe! I have tried two brands so far but none of them burns or anything of the kind. Usually I take 15 drops in a glass of water 3 times a day and I have never noticed any side effects. Both times I have taken it I take a bottle and then stop for a few months. I have to say that I don't notice any major changes other than once, when I had a bad cold and my nose was running the whole time the cold was gone within a couple of hours.

Replied By P (Middle Of, Fl) on 12/21/2011

I use the grapefruit seed extract tablets with great success, I've taken up to 3 at a time no problem, but then later on noticed heart burn so I needed to reduce again and no heartburn!

However I've tried sea salt for a cold one day because I waited too long to attend myself and needed a quick fix, and the minute it hit my belly I felt the difference...my nose stop running, stop coughing & fever went away thus aches & pain!

The reason why I mentioned this is because I felt my sinuses declogging, I even heard it making noise, so perhaps it may work for you!

This is what I did:

1 teaspoon of sea salt

1 glass of water

and really try to drink it down! Yuk, but worth it!

Thanks to the good people of EC I read the water cure websites and they claim 1/8 of a teaspoon of salt dissolved on your tongue and drink a glass of water and dont babysit the glass of water may do the trick; but keep in mind its less salt therfor you ought to do it more times!

Also half your weight of water in ounces divided into six times a day will do the trick among other tricks!

example; if you weigh 200 pounds drink 100 ounces of water daily! But not all at once! Its like drinking 8-9 bottles of 24oz of water a day will keep you disease free!

Replied By Nathan (San Rafael, California) on 12/29/2011

I found that GSE as a nasal spray has little effect. A nasal rinse works best Then drink a 10 oz glass of orange juice with at least 15 drops of GSE 3 times a day. The orange juice takes away the bitterness of the GSE. I am presently taking 30 drops in my OJ 4 times a day. I'm finding this to have better results than the antibiotics prescribed by my doctor. I take GSE where ever I travel. It kills parasites, viruses, bacteria and fungus. If I feel a cold or flu coming on. 30 drops immediatly usually does the trick.

Replied By Elizabeth (Oceanside, Ca) on 01/31/2012

I agree with Emersmask from Media, Pa, Usa. I had the same reaction when I used the GSE in the neti pot as well as ACV in the neti pot (different occasions). Severe symptoms: pain, sneezing, increased inflammation. This went on for hours.

Replied By Kristin (Albuquerque, New Mexico/USA) on 12/02/2012

After fighting a sinus infection for a full year with 5 rounds of antibiotics I finally sought out a natural cure. Resigned to being constantly stuffy and 'nasal' sounding, I was skeptical about these treatments.

After reading this and other sites I put myself on a strict regime of the following:

Apple cider vinegar (2 Tbls. Mixed in water or juice)- NOT tasty; 3 times a day
1000 mg Vit C a day
Oregano oil (tablets) as directed
Saline nasal rinse (I use Neil Med bottle/mix) with warm water and 10 drops Grapefruit seed extract; 2 times a day (I started at 5 drops and worked up to 10 to avoid potential burning others described)

My results were not as immediate, however I'm now on day three and for the first time in months my sinus pressure is down, I have drainage (it's finally breaking up in there!), and that stuffy feeling is going away!

After a year of infection built up, I'm not suprised it's taking more time but I believe it's working.

Replied By Paul (CA) on 05/17/2022

Wow, thank you for sharing this. I just tried Grapefruit extract GSE in a neti pot with pink salt (finely ground) and it's definitely helping my sinuses!

I did 10 drops.

Replied By Mark (FL) on 08/02/2024

It not a good idea to use pink salt because of possible contaminants. Refined white salt is as safest choice for neti pots.

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