Nasal Douche or Nostril Purging: Does it help against allergies?

I am no expert but I am confident that some allergy drugs work, but they all seem to come with horrid side effects; ranging from nasal irritation, dry mouth to pre-traumatic drowsiness.

They are not cheap either. That's why many folks are attracted to a special home remedy known as the nasal douche; rinsing, washing or irrigation.

The Concept: The Douche Device

First you have to find a suitable ' douche' or rinsing device. Perhaps an old spray bottle, bulb syringe, pulsing device or "neti pot," all sold in stores or online. Here's a big tip; don't use anything from the garage, garden shed or even from under the kitchen sink. Why not? you ask. Just let me say, caustic solutions, facial burns and emergency treatment. OK? Not good!

The Salty Solution

Having found a suitable and safe douche device, fill it with water and a 'mild' solution of salt and baking soda. These have an antiseptic effect on the body, but only if they are used in weak solutions. Otherwise there is a loud fizzing noise and your nose starts to froth and sting.

Implementation

This is the messy bit, so best to lean over the sink or sit in the shower, and flush one nostril, then the other. Mucus is cleared, and irritants, including pollen, are washed away. If you do sit in the shower do not be tempted to use the full force of the showerhead to douche your nostrils, as this may result in water coming out of your ears and eye sockets.

Does it help?

Can we try this at home? Yes, we say it's cheap and it's safe, but the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (or AAAAI), say it's less effective than the most effective drugs. Well they would, wouldn't they?

The AAAAI group warned that some nasal irritation is possible, if this procedure is not carried out by a sane person, or if you use pot scrubbers up your nose. If there is a risk of this, then please, consult with your doctor, life coach or a trained certifiable psychiatrist.

Shamen you?

Shaman (singular) or Shamen (plural) are also good people to talk to about this because they have great experience with inserting things in bodily orifices, of all kind. Admiitedly there is a limited number of those, normally. If you don't believe me and have nothing better to do with you're life, then sit down and count them. On second thought, perhaps it's better if you stand and do it, in case you miss one or two.

Full instructions and a recipe are at aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/sinusitis/rinse.stm.