If you can't breathe due to a cold, a sinus infection, or an allergy, you know the relief that a free nose can bring. A stuffy and congested nose can be treated with a nasal wash. In addition to being able to buy ready-made pharmaceutical products, you can opt to prepare and perform your nasal wash yourself.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Prepare for Nasal Wash
Step 1. Place a clean, airtight container on a flat surface
To get started, make sure you have a suitable container for preparation and storage.
- The container selected should not contain toxic plastics or be disposable.
- Materials such as glass and BPA-free plastics are ideal.
- Remember to wash your hands before and after preparing the nasal wash. You will avoid possible cross-contamination and the introduction of viruses or microorganisms.
Step 2. Measure out the dry ingredients
Take a measuring spoon. The required dose will be ½ tsp.
- Insert your measuring spoon into the container of table salt (sodium chloride).
- Use a knife to level the salt in the spoon, allowing it to be measured as accurately as possible.
- Repeat the process and measure ½ teaspoon of baking soda.
- Set the two dry ingredients aside.
Step 3. Pour 240ml of hot, boiled or distilled water into the clean, airtight container
Start making your own nasal wash.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the water.
- Stir until dissolved completely, or until the water becomes clear.
- Before use, wait for the solution to cool and become lukewarm.
- A homemade nasal wash can be stored at room temperature and used within the next 3 days.
Method 2 of 2: Perform the Nasal Wash
Step 1. Approach the sink so as not to create a mess
To perform the nasal wash, you will need to be near a sink, or a container that can collect the dirty water.
The water will flow through one nostril and then pass into the other and out
Step 2. Prepare a blower or syringe with the saline solution
Initially fill your instrument with about 4ml of liquid solution.
It is important that the chosen instrument is perfectly clean and disinfected
Step 3. Start washing
Tilt your head to the left to allow for the right angle for drainage
- Insert the blower or syringe into your right nostril, blocking it.
- Slowly, press the tool to release the solution into the nostril.
- Always breathe through your mouth while doing the nasal wash. This will prevent the liquid from reaching your throat.
- The saline solution will pass through the right nostril and then exit from the left one, taking with it mucus, dust and pollen.
- After following these instructions, blow your nose, unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
- This procedure loosens the mucus inside the nose.
- Repeat at least 2 or 3 times a day for 2 days.
Step 4. Make sure the chosen tool is perfectly sanitized
To avoid any contamination, discard the saline solution at the end of the day, and prepare a new one the next day.
Sanitize the tool used after each wash
Step 5. If you are involved in any of the following categories, be very cautious
You should avoid undergoing a nasal wash if:
- You suffer from an ear infection
- Washing is aimed at a child under the age of 6 or a newborn
- You suffer from nasal polyps
