Saline Rinse Method for Sinus Infections

I've had chronic sinus infections to the point where alot of antibiotics won't work any more for me. I remembered being a kid and any time I got a sore throat my dad would have me gargle w/salt and it always helped. So one day I was desperate the antibiotics weren't working (mind you I was being put on antibiotics at least 4 times a yr for sinus infections) so I broke down and got a large bowl (big enough i could fit my face into it) put in warm water and salt i then pulled the water/salt into my nose held it then blew it out into the sink I would do this until the water was gone or I was tired of doing it. I have had sinus infections in the last year and every time I did the salt mixture sometimes I'd have to do it once or twice a day for two or three days. It cleared up the infection and I didn't have to be put on antibiotics. Hope this might be of help to others as well!

I started using saline nasal spray multiple times throughout the day when my sinuses start acting up. I have severe problems with dryness and vertigo and the saline really helps!

I learned this from an Aunt who had been dealing with sinus infections for years. It works for me too. I put a little salt in the palm of my hand, mix with warm water, plug one nostril and sniff the water & salt solution up. Repeat for the other nostril. It works.

Please, please, please add this recommendation: gargling with salt water and flushing your nose/sinuses out with salt water helps with sinus/allergy and headaches. Take 1/2 tsp salt and 8oz warm water. Gargle first then you can use a waterpic device from the drugstore, or get a little device like you use to suction out a babies nose. Fill with saltwater and shoot it up the nose. Don't inhale, just relax and let it go though the nasal cavity. This really relieved all my sinus/allergy problems (in addition to using acv.)

I saw the remedy for a sinus infection which included a coffe cup of warm water and a pinch od salt. Then to breathe it up each nostril and blow. I also saw someone who included baking soda. So, I took a small cup of warm water, about 1/2 tsp of salt and baking soda, and took it up each nostril out of the palm of my hand. My left nostril was completely clogged and though a barely got some up it, it loosened what was there and I then repeated it until I could breathe from both nostrils. The pressure on my cheek bones is lessening already. Thank you so much for this website.

Over 6 years ago I stopped consuming all dairy products after I had struggled with chronic sinusitis On occasion there is dairy in my food without my knowing and to cure the sinus infection (even a full blown infection) I mix up a warm salt water and rinse out sinuses. It's gross, but by doing this three times a day I will have rid myself of the fever and infection all together in just a couple of days. It's brilliant and easy and cheap!

Do not use table salt!! Many salts contain added ingridients. Like iodine and anticaking ingredients, check label!! Can use pure sea salt, make sure it disolves! Can disolve in hot water, use drinking water! As sink water contains fluride and chlorine!! PTE free plastics!!

Please use boiled or distilled water: http://www.prevention.com/mind-body/natural-remedies/neti-pot-deaths-infections-are-neti-pots-safe. There have been two deaths from using contaminated water in neti pots.

Laura, can you tell me what ratio of salt to water you used? Also, did you boil the water first? When I was growing up, my mother always used a saline solution as "nose drops" on us to clear out congestion. I just can't remember the proportions. Thanks.

I am not familiar with the nasal irrigation but after irrigating my ears several times, my ear Dr. (who must be 80 and has been my ear Dr. Since I was 5) recommended the over the counter oral irrigation but in lieu of that said I could use the bulb syringe. It works well but you have to use good force and have the water as warm as possible without burning yourself.

If you have never had your ears irrigated it feels amazing when it is finished however, it will make you dizzy so if you are doing it yourself, have someone nearby.

Since I have sinus trouble also I am thinking I should invest in the oral system so I can irrigate both.

Sinus Infection Remedy

I have been dealing with a sinus infection for over a week now and found the saline rinse suggestion this evening on earthclinic and could not wait to give it a try. After mixing the solution I realized that I was having a very difficult time getting the rinse into my sinuses, during the process however I had an epiphany of how it reminded me of scuba diving. In scuba diving when water gets into your mask you tilt your head back and blow out out your nose to fill the mask with air and push water out the bottom, inevitably rookie divers often pour water up their nose at the beginning of the process, myself being no exception. I got out my scuba mask, poured some saline rinse into it, pressed it to my face and simply tilted my head back and sure enough it worked like a charm. As long as the mask seals well there is little mess and it is a very controlled way to pour the rinse into your sinuses. I felt relief within minutes, the rinse really does work. I plan to buy a spray bottle, but have doubts about its ability to really flood the sinuses, when at home I think I'll keep using my scuba mask.

I have had chronic sinus infections caused from allergies for many years. I was taking Singulair and Veramyst and sometimes Advair. I do not like to take medication and looked at many natural supplements and herbs to take. I discovered the Sinus Rinse last spring and tried it. I have not taken any medications since. At first I used it twice per day for a few days and it cleared my sinuses and my allergies. I will not do without this again.

I'm commenting on the salt/ baking soda// peroxide/ warm water mix; I was wondering if it was safe for small children and babies? Thank you for any replies.

I still use a nasal rinse "recipe" given to me by an Ear Nose and Throat specialist which is: 1/4 tsp. salt, pinch of baking soda and 2 capfuls of Alkolol with about 1 cup of water. The Alkolol is especially great if you have irritation in your nose. I use a baby bulb syringe and use 1/2 of the mix in each side 1-2 times per day. Super easy if you do it in the shower too!