Last night Curt and I went to pick up Jackson from the babysitter’s house. That would be my mom’s house. We had our dinner 8 group for Sunday school and Bibby was so generous to take Jackson for us. They even went to Chucky Cheese (Chunky Cheese, as we say in our family)! Jackson is so lucky! When we got to her house we were both feeling kind of crummy from a cold. I could see the gears turning in my mother’s mind. She was deciding whether to reveal a secret about herself that could either shock and horrify us or help relieve our stuffy noses. Her mothering instincts overrode her self-protection instincts and she darted into her bathroom and emerged with this thing that looked like a small watering can-slash-tea pot. She said some of the girls at work had started using these things – neti pots they’re called – and she had finally taken the plunge. (You can watch an instructional video here if you dare.) It worked wonders, she said. She may have even used the words “life changing.” Now all of the LPM crew, minus one, are regular users.
We were somewhat amazed as she explained it. Curtis, who is one day more advanced into his cold than I am, not to mention more adventurous, was intrigued. So on the way home we picked one up at Walgreen’s. Once Jackson was in bed, Curtis proceeded to irrigate his sinuses over my kitchen sink. Awesome. He also lost concentration during the process and didn’t control his breathing correctly, which resulted in him losing his dinner in my kitchen sink. Super awesome. Personally, I’ve had enough of losing my breakfasts, lunches, and dinners in the last few months and I would rather not try this neti pot phenomenon. Curtis was sniffling again within 15 minutes. Totally not worth it to me, y’all. I declined using the neti pot. Well this morning when I woke up my head felt like it weighed 40 pounds. I started coughing and wouldn’t you know that my body went into morning sickness mode. Fun times. So Curtis and I can bond over our stuffy noses and weak stomachs. We are a pitiful pair.
(I know, this is the worst post of all time. I was really hurting for something to say.)
So are you a natural remedy kind of person (not that there’s anything natural about pouring water into your nose through a tea pot) or do you reach for the medicine cabinet when you get sick? If you’re a natural remedy kind of person, what is the one thing you’re always trying to get your friends to try?
I would normally sustain myself on DayQuil and NyQuil, but since I’m with child I’m just trying to make it on as little Tylenol as possible, chicken soup, and decaf hot tea. Okay, y’all are not going to believe this, but Curtis just walked in the door unexpectedly. He’s home on his lunch break to use his neti pot again! He is so brave and wild at heart! As for me, I’m going to heat up some soup.
I love my neti pot! Once you get the hang of it, it’s wonderful and not scary or uncomfortable at all.
Helps me tons when I have lots of sinus pressure!
Amanda, you’re going through enough – you don’t have to use that neti if you don’t want to. My vote is for green tea – tastes good and goes in the direction God intended! Also zinc. Praying for you.
This is cheap and easy…drink tons of water. It works. Also Mucinex, but this takes a few days and only works if you drink a lot.
Thanks for a good laugh to break up the laundry and house cleaning!:)
My hubsand used something similar to the neti-pot at least twice a day during his allergy season. I use it when I feel just terrible, so I’m not as loyal a uses, but HIGHLY recommend it for Momma-to-be because it helps clean out your sinsuses without medicine. The more you and Curt practice the better the nose to mouth part will get. It take some practice to not have too much go down your throat…but think of it this way too…you get to wash out your nose and gargle with salt water all at the same time.
PS – I call Chucky Cheese, Chunky Cheese too.
Well, first off I am sorry Curt used the kitchen sink but what’s done is done. Anyway, I am a firm believer in natural remedies and having been clearing my nasal passages this way for a while now. My children just think I am… well, a little different but they love me anyway. I agree with your mom though, it works wonders. Try it when you feel up to it.
Hi Amanda-
Being as I am 13.5 weeks prego here and I am just getting over the cold stuff, when I went to the baby doctor two weeks ago he put me on Clairtin-D two times a day, morning and dinner. Plus Chlor-trimeton before bed if I needed it and I could take all the cough drops I wanted. Needless to say I was in bad shape. The Clairtin-D is nondrowsey, so don’t take after 8pm, you will be up all night. I have also had the lovely nausea which was 10x worse with the cold, it has been 2 weeks now and cold seems to be almost gone. But daughter has it now, so it may come back 🙁 Oh and nausea is still here, but they put me on meds for that since with my daugther I ended up with zero weight gain from being sick so much with her. Hopefully that leaves in a few more weeks too! Sorry to be so long and it really makes me sound like a druggie, but I usually don’t take much of anything, I usualy am one to let it work it course, but sometimes you have to give in.
I take 2 capsules of Echinnacea and 2 capsules of Vitamin C every 3hours.
Amanda is grounded. SO GROUNDED.
I tried the neti pot while pregnant and only managed to succeed in nearly drowning myself! I’ve even tried it several times since and just can’t manage to get the “tilt” right. Regular saline nose spray actually does offer some relief and is much less traumatic. Long, hot, steamy shower is good too…and any reason for a long, hot shower is a good one!
Garlic is the key. I take a whole garlic clove and cut it up into about 4 pieces. Then I swallow them whole. Do this once a day for 2-3 days. It is a miracle I tell ya!
Yep, used one of those neti pots myself. Still have it in the cupboard upstairs. It worked but it was just too….weird. So I just suffer most of the time. I would use it again if I was miserable enough.
The only time I really start to medicate is when it’s a cough that keeps me awake at night….you know…..ALL NIGHT!!!
Praying you’ll both feel better soon!
Melana in Wyoming (it’s supposed to snow here by the end of the week. That should kill some germs!)
I thought I’d run out and get one till you said puke. I have seen enough of the porcelain throne that I do not want to take a chance. LOL
Amanda:
I am laughing so hard because I just read your mom’s post.. You told on her … she is so funny because at 45 my mom still tries to ground me too! Oh mom’s we love them so!
Lichelle
My daughter (also with child) and her husband suffer TERRIBLE allergies. Hearing them cough and sneeze year round was (sorry to say) very nauseating to even be in the same room. Since they have discovered the “nose-purifier” miracle devise – and yes, using it in the shower works best – they are remarkably and amazingly healed. It has changed their lives completely. Off of medications and inhalers, and feeling like completely new people. It convinced me!! So give it another try, Amanda. Once you get the hang of it, you will love not taking meds. for instant sinus relief! God bless you, dear
Now Beth, you cannot ground Amanda. She didn’t talk about anything any more “natural” than you did when you blogged about spittle.
AND, I was in Billings. I know the maxi-thin story. Don’t make me tell on you!
Melana
Hey amanda!
I have sever sinus problems and have had them all my life. I too like your mom use the neti pot! The frist few trys were awful but once i used for awhile i fell in love with it! I think it works but i dont think its for every one 😉 Love you and im praying you and curtis fell better soon!
I don’t know about the neti-pot thing. I just got home from the doctor with a sinus infection, so I’m feeling your pain.
I also chose not to take part in the neti pot. My inlaws just knew that was what I needed. I coudn’t do it! I am also pregnant and have lost more meals then I can count. I would say cold eez are great, however I am not sure what the effects on pregnancy are. Just take it as an excuse to veg out.
Too funny!! Ok, not so funny when you are sick, but just reading about everyone’s experience has me chuckling. I would probably not use the Neti-pot. It sound disgusting. Howver..I agree with the Siesta that uses Zicam…so easy. I use the little Q-tip thingies…..just lightly touch inside the nostril. It works before the cold if you use it in time….if not, they do have one for congestion. Works like a charm. I love them!!
Good luck, hope you are feeling better soon!!
Blessings,
Bible Bunny in NO MI
Oh my goodness… you crack me up! This post tickled me to pieces.
I have always wanted to try a net-pot, but haven’t decided whether plunking down the little bit of cash it would cost to purchase a neti pot would be worth it. After all… I could always find something I “need” for the $15 or so dollars. 🙂
When I am feeling crummy… chicken broth, hot tea and crackers.
If I lived closer – I’d bring you and Curt some of my homemade chicken soup!
Feel Better!
EmergenC. Tangerine flavored.
Yay for neti pots!!! I tried it out for the first time last Fall when I began to experience allergies for the first time in my life. Wow….after using it for the first time, I felt like I was taking my first breath as an infant! In fact, my sinuses became so clear that I almost felt light-headed…kinda like when you come out from being under the covers for a few minutes. Buying some more saline packets is on my current grocery list. Try it Amanda, it is wonderful! And don’t give up so soon!
Okay, the visual I have in my head of Beth (with her big hair) using a Neti-pot has just about killed me with laughter! Nothing is sacred in the sisterhood of the siesta’s- Still got your funny on Beth? LOL
Anyway, I say, try it! Also, here’s my remedy for a cold. I got it from a Chinese friend who came over and made it for our whole family. Got rid of the cold in record time- Who knew?
Go get some ginger root at the store. A couple of big ones.
Get some unprocessed (very important) honey at Whole Foods or some other health food store.
Get some lemons at the same time you get some ginger root. A couple of big ones will do.
Remedy:
Heat up the ginger root in a pan on the stove. Don’t use oil, or anything else, just fully heat, smashing down the ginger root a little bit as you heat.
Heat water for “tea” on the stove. Make the following tea:
One full glass of water, one full lemon, and about one heaping tablespoon of the unsulfured, unprocessed honey. Drink this down slowly. As you do, take the ginger root off the stove, wrap it in a small towel, and put it on the back of your neck, at the base. Let that stay there for about 30 minutes or so. Drink the lemon/honey tea. Your shoulders and neck will warm up, but there is something in the ginger that does the job.
Maybe another blog for how to get rid of a bladder infection naturally. Honestly, one day, and they’re gone!
Love you, hope you all feel better! Beth, why don’t you just break down and tell the secrets now instead of having your children share them later! If they don’t share, don’t worry, your grandchildren will! (Paybacks are Great! Remember, the kids will tell you about their parents also!)
This is too funny!! I have used a variation of the neti pot for years and swear by it. I was scheduled for that hideous surgery on my sinus(es) and chickened out. I said to the allergy doctor – there must be an alternative. That’s when he explained to me about nasal wash. It saved me from surgery. I did it 3X a day for a couple months. Now if I get sick and clogged up I run back to it. I’ve never heard of anyone actually getting sick while doing it. Poor Curtis. It must have messed with his gag reflex.
Sorry you’re struggling with colds. Yea for chicken soup.
After reading all the comments, I say this one falls under the Titus 2 category!
When I pulled up the video – the first photo was enough to make me close it.
But, I love all the wisdom.
Anna
Egg drop soup works wonders. it seems to work better than the old stand by Chicken Noodle Soup.
Karen
Isn’t it funny how the natural remedy things always sound so kooky…but they usually work!
Two things I have tried:
Apple Cider Vinegar – at the first sign of a sore throat, or even if you’re exposed to people who have come down with sore throat/cold symptoms, gargling with the stuff really helps. You can dilute it with some water or use it “straight up.” The earlier into your symptoms you use it, the more likely it will go away. If you’re closer or in the midst of the full blown systoms, you’ll probably need to gargle several times. The best kind of Apple Cider Vinegar to use is Bragg’s – though I don’t think it’s pasteurized. I’ll warn it doesn’t taste or smell that great but it’s better than the cold.
Olbas Oil – this is a much more pleasant remedy. If you have the kind of cold that leaves you coughing through the night, put some of the Olbas Oil on the soles of your feet and put on some socks just before turning in for the night. Somehow, this seems to relieve the coughing and makes for a more restful sleep. The oil is has eucalyptus in it so it smells good and you can use this on young children. I’ve tried this on myself and my children and it seems to work really well.
You can get both of these items in health food stores.
I too used to be a skeptic about the neti-pot. My mother suggested it for me (she’s an avid neti-pot convert) and I was grossed out for several years. But last year I had a cold about once a month and was desperate for some relief.. so I tried that creepy little pot and it makes SUCH a different. I did not lose my lunch, but I did lose a little dignity. My husband still thinks it’s creepy. But I use it any time I feel a cold coming on and it’s great.
Maybe you can try it when you’re not pregnant with a sensitive tummy. 🙂
Also, Airborne or EmergenC on the hour helps get rid of a cold.
Get better soon!
Am laughing myself silly thinking of our precious Beth using this thing. Have heard they were great though. Amanda, drink lots of water. Eat apples or whatever to “clean” yourself out. Gotta move out the mucus. Zicam is also an amazing otc product. I also do hot soak baths but not recommended for “pregos”. Much love and feel better soon.
Amanda;
I do not like to take meds, at all. We had the cold an sinus thing going at our house a couple of weeks ago. Two of us ended up with sinus infections. Well when I went to the doctor ( who happens to use both natural and traditional meds) handed me a neti pot. Have I tried it yet? No, I am trying to get my nerve up to do so. I have allergy problems and I think it might help. I am just having a problem getting past the weirdness of it all. Now the funny thing a bout all this is that my mom(who has not had the never to try one), has been trying to get me and my middle daughter to use one for about a year. So I guess you could say I am right there with you on this one.
Sorry your are not feeling well,
Kim B. in Az
That last line- “He’s so brave and wild at heart.” Cracks me up completely! That is hilarious! I am so, so sorry that you are feeling so lousy. I also agree that nasal irrigation is disgusting. I think I would throw up just at the thought of using that thing, no matter HOW I was breathing. My husband has used it before…I think maybe it helped a little? But I was too grossed out to talk to him about it much. And I did NOT let him use it in the kitchen, because I want to be able to eat in there again without, as you say, losing my lunch.
I’ve known many a natural remedy gal, and I think that’s fine, it’s dandy for them, but I don’t like it when they become all militant about it. I think it was Dr. Dean Adell who once said “What do you think tylenol is made out of?” Um, it’s naturally occuring things, folks.
I am not a fan of the netipot, perse, but I am a fan of the sinus rinse. Neil-Med (in this part of the world) sells a nice little plastic squirter accompanied with 50 pre-made saline packets. Just add some warm, distilled water and voila.
My daughter, a chronic asthma/allergy sufferer was facing steroids to do away with chronic acute sinusitis (at age 6). The ENT sent us home with the Neilmed system ($12 at the pharmacy). After 30 days, her CT scans were clear.
If a 6 year old can do it… 🙂
I use it as well. It’s very easy. The bottle is made to squeeze – none of the head tipping, uncomfortable gig of the netipot.
Someone bought me the netipot last Christmas. I swear by my neilmed. I use it ALL the time. That and 10,000 MG of vitamin C when I feel a cold coming on, green tea and some black elderberry capsules.
Seriously..Neilmed. It works. But it won’t cure a cold. It (or the netipot) has to be used all of the time to keep things clear and healthy.
Enough already, eh? 🙂
elderberry, supermom vitamins (www.beeyoutiful.com), garlic (google ‘goot’…stuff is great!), and lots of fresh chicken broth!
I think the neti-pot is an Indian thing isn’t it? Maybe on his latest trip a little of India rubbed off, or came home or something.
Your mother will never trust you with a (new) family secret again.
I am laughing out loud, Little Momma! I have never in all my days have heard of a neti pots:)Since we are discussing interesting health remedies, I have heard of ear candles, have you heard of those? Never tried em, myself:)
What I have found to be a fabulous cold cure and preventative is two things: daily vitamins, and/or Cold Care teas by Traditional Medicinals. My husband and I started taking Garden of Life vitamins, the men’s and women’s formulas, about 2 years ago. I have not had hardly any colds since then, and the stuff Luke and I do get, goes away a whole lot faster, and the symptoms aren’t as bad. Also, we’ve maintained and lost weight since we started taking them-interesting, but welcome side effect. Then, Gypsy Cold Care Tea and Cold Care P.M. by Traditional Medicinals does a good job of shortening colds (I think both the vitamins and teas are ok for pregnant women too:) Now, my mentor has got me started on Juice Plus, the choc and van that you add to milkshakes. Since I’m doing the whole fertility thing, I have been taking pre-natal type vitamins also, but I didn’t like the prepackaged stuff, so I cont. to take the Garden of Life vitamins, folic acid, DHA supplement and cod liver oil for the vitamin D. (you just have to make sure ya don’t overdose) I hope this helps. I guess I’m a wannabe health freak nerd. More info than you will ever need, but I love helping people be healthy!:)
Love in CHRIST,
katiegfromtennessee
I had such trouble with the neti pot at first, but I’ve been using it everyday for over a year now. I even bring it with me when I travel. Sometimes, I use it multiple times a day if it’s allergy season, or if I feel myself getting sick. I’ve cut down on allergy medicine, which is nice.
Presently, I’ve been under the weather, but my big problem is coughing. Too bad the neti pot doesn’t help so much with that!
I’m a big believer in using both natural and medicinal remedies. I go to an acupuncturist regularly, too.
Hope you all feel better! Hope Curtis is successful with the neti pot.
I love my neti pots. I have one for each of my kids – ages 8 and 6 – and they have been using them for about 2.5 years! We have bad allergies at our house with both the kids and myself and this has been a life saver for us. We also started taking Oil of Oregano and have been enjoying the best (if that term can be used) allergy season as of yet.
Enjoy and remember to breath with your mouth open otherwise you’ll feel like you are drowning!!
Blessings
Kelli in Colorado
I have seen those things on Oprah before. It always scared me to try one. Knowing me, I’d be the first person to drown from pouring water into my nose, breathing wrong, and before you know it I”m at the pearly gates!
Hope you feel better!
I LOVE the neti pot!!! Although I have heard, some people aren’t built right for it–it the nasal area, that is!! What about some good old Mexican? Spicy food always makes my nose run like a faucet!!
Kim S.–So sorry about Sassy. Prayed for you today!
Okay, I have a couple GREAT tried-and-true natural remedies.
First, for hiccups–if you’re not allergic to peanuts, a heaping spoonful of peanut butter coats your throat and, in our experience, hiccups almost always go immediately away (Besides, what a great excuse for a scoop of peanut butter right out of the jar!) I have another one for peanut-allergic friends, but it’s a little more complicated.
Second, for colds–this one needs to be taken on the FIRST day of a cold, so it may be too late for this round. But for next time. . . when you first get symptoms, combine 1/2 mug of straight lemon juice fresh-squeezed, 1/2 mug hot water, 1 clove of garlic, some honey, and a sprinkling of chili powder. Tastes a little nasty, but totally works. There are reasons for each ingredient, but I’ll spare you all that.
Also–my doctor told me I should NOT take raspberry tea or chamomile tea during my pregnancy, as it could induce labor early and cause a miscarriage. Has anyone else heard that?
J.C.
I haven’t read all the replies to your post Amanda, but having a 3yr old and 2yr old boys who seem to ALWAYS have germs….I was introduced to 2 products… “Buried Treasure ACF” -can be for adults and one for children…you mix it with grape juice( probably the only time my lil ones get full on juice!) and then there’s Soveriegn Silver Hydrosol..which takes several droppers full right under the tongue –BUT We were OVER our colds in 3 days! My hubby still battling the sniffles a week later! They are kinda pricey but worth it to us..we aren’t ANTI-meds but definitely prefer an all natural product if possible!!
Girlfriend, this is the most disgusting thing I’ve seen in a long time! I’m going to have to email my mother and tell her to look at it too. I prefer ingesting hazardous over the counter pharmaceuticals to what is the equivalent of trying to drown oneself. If you don’t feel better soon tell your OB. He/She’ll write you up a RX so fast it will make your head spin. They know how badly you need to rest these days. Feel better soon!
My husband uses his neti pot too. He’s not allowed to use it if I’m within 50 feet though ( we have not been to court to make this official, but he knows to follow through, or else there are severe consequences) Our three children have watched this procedure in our downstairs bathroom that only they use, and have tried to explain it to me. I cut them off before they give me details though. I’m glad we can “come out” with this now. I’d been feeling somewhat alone and now feel freedom with you siestas. It’s nice to not be alone.
If you’re not into the neti-pot (which has worked wonders for my allergies), for a cold I would def. recommend Cold Calm! You can get it at Whole Foods…
My “natural medicines” of choice are my box of homeopathic remedies…THEY ARE AMAZING!
My remedy? Uncle Wayne’s White Winter Chili! Or really any kind of Mexican fare that’ll get your sinuses to pouring. Keep a kleenex handy and do not irrigate your nose after eating–’cause that would really burn!
When we were in language training in DC, our Ukrainian teacher gave my husband an entire procedure she promised would clear up his cold which involved the steaming of the sinuses (his got worse- she said it was because he didn’t follow the directions). One thing that was in the “rules” was to wear a neck warmer at night (like the kind you use for skiing). He did, he does. I am personally skeptical (I mean, the old Soviet textbook taught that two portions of ice cream meant a guaranteed cold!), but he swears by it.
Uh Ho. we want the story form Moose Mama……
I have a friend who swears by eating a clove of garlic, but I’m not sure it would be good for those with a queazy stomach. If you have a cough, I suggest a teaspoon of honey. It works wonders….I give it to my kids instead of cough syrup at night when they start those coughing fits from cold/flu. It works better than cough syrup in my opinion.