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 use both – meds (or “drugs” as I lovingly refer to them), as well as “Sinu-Rinse” which is a squeeze bottle that you squirt up your nose. It does the same thing as a neti-pot. The main thing I’ve learned is to make sure the water is warm (but not too warm). If it’s too warm, you burn the inside of his nose, if it’s cold, you feel like you’re drowning…
I’ve read about this neti pot thing elsewhere, and I have to say, it just sounds too disgusting to me to even try, and I am ALWAYS looking for natural remedies to avoid taking any kinds of meds if at all possible, so if I’m not willing to try the neti pot, that’s really saying something.
That said, who NEEDS a neti pot when you don’t ever get a full-blown cold? At the first hint of a cold (a sore throat, or a few sneezes) I go through the following regimen:
1) 1000 mg of Vitamin C every few hours
2) echinacea (370 mg) about 3-4 times throughout the day
3) peroxide in ears, and also a swish of it in the mouth and gargling.
And it never goes any further than a slightly runny nose for a day or so.
I work with toddlers who snot around constantly, sneeze on me, put their mouths all over everything we’re both touching, and other things too gross to mention, and seriously, this works. I don’t get full-blown colds ever since beginning this plan.
And that means — no neti pot! :o)
But you gotta catch those colds EARLY.
This is going to sound like the craziest thing but this works for me.
1 pound of bacon
1 can of stewed tomatoes
1 can of drained whole kernel corn
Cut the bacon into 2" pieces and fry "soft" in a large soup pot. Drain the bacon greese off and add the tomatoes & corn. Heat.
Serve as a soup; delicious, smells wonderful and you will feel so much better the next day.
Love,
Yolanda
I love the neti pot!!! Seriously, I live with 40 other women – when one person gets a cold it passes pretty quickly through the ranks. Neti-pots have helped me avoid colds or when i do get them – make them more bearable and seemingly shorter! I love it!
I am also a rabid fan of Airborne and take it at the first hint of a sniffle.
Other than that – Hot water with lemon juice and honey helps and so does chicken noodle soup!
I am a natural remedy person – I hold off using meds for as long as possible but I have succumbed many a time.
Blessings –
Sister Lynn
I know of the neti pot, but have no experience with it. I have to say that, if I get one, I will not be able to use it at the kitchen sink due to disturbing mental images that are now lodged in my brain.
Certainly hope everyone’s feeling better! :o)
Melinda
I thought you were going to say Mom brought out the Jack Daniels and honey. And I promise, I would not have judged any of you. (Except you of course, Ms. PG 🙂 That is one Southern home remedy that will clear you out in an instant.
Not that it’s all that exciting, but a chewable vitamin C tablet 3 times a day when I fell a cold coming on is the best solution I’ve found. It seems to take the severity and longevity out of the cold… both my hubby and I are advocates of this… Also, as per my mom, nothing works to take the scratch out of a throat like gargling with warm salt water.
I am a big believer in Vicks vapor rub. My g’father also would make me some hot tea with honey or hot lemonade sweetened with honey.
I hear a saline spray is suppose to help tremendously with clearing nasal passages, but the thought of ANYTHING up my nose, well…. Do check with your doctor if you want to try the old family remendies. I hope that you are well soon.
I am a MS Delta girl and allergies rule. Since beginning my journey on Juice Plus kids and I are RARELY sick. Peggy in MS I agree with you-fruits and veggies in capsule form for us! Have friends who swear by it also.
http://www.juiceplus.com/+sh38046
Sallie
I have never heard of that! OHHH it looks like it would hurt… I was gagging watching the video! I think I’ll stick with chicken soup myself!
Gotta go with Beth on this one – Neti Pots are great for sinus issues. Also, fish oil pills!
KP in NOLA
Amanda, Well I’ve never used a neti pot, but have been teased by many friends because my last name is Netti! 🙂
I love my neti pot. After having TWO sinus surgeries, I can attest to the fact that the neti pot does indeed work. It’s great for allergies, too. Oh come on Amanda. Try it you’ll like it!! Yes, “life changing” pretty much sums it up.
~Cheryl
ABSOLUTELY HORRIFYING!!!
Oregano is the understated natural miracle herb. I buy “Oregomax” which comes from the Mediterranean and is most pure. No one in our family has been to a doctor to get antibiotics in well over 7 years. You can get Oregomax at any health food store. We start using it at the onset of a cold or sinus infection before it has a chance to take hold. We always keep a bottle on hand, we travel with it, and send it off with our son as he heads off to college. It’s a sure cure and beats an office and prescription co-pay.
N.A.T.U.R.A.L. ALL THE WAY!!!
Ok, this is an awesome opportunity (Thanks Amanda ;0) ) to tell you all about Chiropractic care. I know I know…you are thinking what is a “back” doctor going to do with my headcold, or my asthma, or my indigestion??? Well, actually chiropractic has EVERYTHING to do with your body. Chiropractic is not a head or neck pain reliever, chiropractic takes care of your nervous system. Every organ, tissue, bone, whatever, your body is controlled by the health or lack of health of your nervous system. If your nervous system has ANY sort of hindrance – the nerve flow…power from the brain carried all throughout the body – your body is not going to function properly. Chiropractic care removes those hindrances to your nervous system, allowing your body to naturally fight off any dis-ease that attacks the body…thus the NATURAL remedy.
May the Healer touch your bodies quickly and mightily!
kate in Charlottesville
[email protected]
I frequenlty thank God for making other people smart enough to invent medicines, and then I take the medicine. But in my old age of 40, I am turning more nature-based. What’s up with that?
Feel better!
Peace,
Kim in Apex, NC
Hi Amanda,
Yes, we have one of those netti-pots, and after my first time using it, I decided I wouldn’t use it again, if I could help it! Bleah!
I’m not sure about colds, but for a sore throat, my Mom always tells me to warm up some water, then add lots of honey and lemon juice. Then, drink it while it is still warm to “hottish”. Also, gargling with salt water helps somewhat, too. And, the ultimate stuff that my Mom says to use for sore throats is vinegar and water, warmed up and to gargle with it… It gags me, but it does help some.
Praying you all feel better soon.
In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer
Southern Wisconsin
So sorry to hear you are feeling so poorly! Well, I am not sure how much help this will be to you or not… but I have a 16 month old and have been told to boost his immune system to rub garlic oil on the heals of his feet … I bought some garlic capsules and just pop them open & rub them on… apparently the heels of your feet are suppose to absorb the garlic into your system better… also I have heard that peppermint is great for tummy problems! You can also try saline nose drops (salt water up your nose, basically warm water & salt that you shoot up your nose…try it in the shower so you don't have a big mess). I hope this helps!
Oh, I almost forgot something … There is also a saline nasal spray that works similarly to the Netti-pot. You should be able to find it at Walg*e*ns…
In Christ,
Jennifer
Southern Wisconsin
P.s. I just bet that your dear mother loves babysitting for your darling Jackson !
When I feel something coming on if I take ecchinacea (not sure if that is how you spell it)the first day and I get some rest I feel back to 100% the next day. However, I didn’t do it when I was pregnant. I just suffered through whatever I had. Normally I TRY to be a natural remedy person but if I hurt or my kiddos hurt bad enough I have a medicine cabinet full!
this blog has been one of the best things that has happened for me and I am sure for others. I get to know a little more of Amanda, Beth and Melissa and their lives. I love the connection! Even if it is just cyber space. I wish I had that much love coming my way!:) But, there is no shortage with God? Right?! God is not limited. It is a testimony of the love of God to every person that blogs on here and that comment here too. It does meet a need in me to feel connected. And to see the care that those have to each one. I know other connections have been made because of the blog. Thank you for the blog!
Vicks vapor rub on everything that hurts, does the trick for me. However a few years ago I was swimming in the ocean and accidently got a nose-full of salt water. Did not have another sinus infection for another year. So a doctors prescribtion to the Caribeann is my suggestion. Plus, since I work in a jail I am around pepper spray. That seems to do the trick also!
You guys! I love you all. You siestas just totally brighten my day and I thank the Lord that he has brought you all into my life. Some of these are the most INTERESTING answers, but some are just plain hilarious! If I get the fat head that seems to be going around with this cold, I just may try some of these! Blessings to you all….the netipot seems to be the same as just plain ol rinsing out your sinuses? Chris in PA
In your condition I would say soup and plenty of sleep, I do like the cold-eaze zinc cough drops.
I have the whole head cold thing right now too. I drink LOTS of water and pretty much do nothing else unless I have a big headache and then I break out the Advil Liquigels (only liquigels work great!). So I guess that makes me a medicine girl more than a natural remedy girl.
Midol Complete is also a winner for me (betcha didn’t want to know that one!) 🙂
Siesta in Fl.
Ooooh, Melana! What is the scoop on the maxi-thin story??
YUCK-O! I would NOT try that thing….that’s just wrong! Hope you both feel better and that Jackson is spared!
I take Juice Plus religiously, but I still get sick once or twice a year. It has helped me to drink Echinacea tea several times a day when I am sick, and if I take AirBorne right as I start to get sick, it usually does the job.
My mom is a big honey and vinegar concoction person, but I don’t use it. My kids are all big, but I remember those colds when I was pregnant. I’m so sorry!!!!!
Valerie Eades
I have found that eating by your blood chart not only helps you lose weight naturally, keep it off with no trouble, but also you will never have another food allergy again. If you know your blood type, mine being O+, you can go to most health food stores and ask them for a blood chart for your type. On that chart it will tell you by your blood typing the foods that your body likes, will endure, and does not like at all. The foods that your body type agrees with are actually healing foods and when you eat them, lets just say broccoli for instance, the more you eat the more you are naturally healing your body and making it better. If your body rejects let’s say corn or wheat, then the more you eat, the sicker you stay or become. Your body will renew itself in a short amount of time so why not feed it food that will make it stronger and stronger instead of sicker or staying the same.
And also as a sidenote, I have a prayer request for my Pastor and his wife, which is one of my closest friends. There five year old son Isaac or “Ike” is very sick right now in the hospital with nephritis and a couple of other things. His kidney is swollen to the size of an adults and his urine is purple. He is so tired of getting stuck and probed and his momma and dad are being troopers but they are really tired and really need your prayers. Thank you so much…
I have to second the recommendation for the Neil-Med sinus wash as opposed to the neti-pot. I can’t quite wrap my mind around the pot (and don’t want to), but the sinus wash can be helpful. If you can’t stand the thought of that, there’s always the saline sprays (brands are Ocean, Little Noses, or your friendly generic). You just spray the saline up your nose – much easier than the neti pot, my very sensitive 5-year-old doesn’t even mind it. I have year-round allergies and I’m 7 months pregnant, and I very much rely on the saline in addition to Claritin, Sudafed and occasional Benadryl. As you can tell, I have nothing against the medicine side of the house, just want to use whatever works!
(shiver) this brings back bad childhood memories. My mom used this on me growing up. It did work, but it was NOT worth the trauma and anguish. I would much rather take the drugs.
I am a natural remedies person. I jumped on the bandwagon about a year ago and I ma not getting off without a major shove!! I love it!! The one thing I try to get everyone I know to do is the neti pot. It really does work, you just might be so clogged up it is having a hard time getting through all the gunk in there. I got all three of my brothers to give it a try on our family camping trip this summer. I even held a bowl to collect the stuff so they could see how gross it was. Good family bonding!!
Hope you all feel better. I don’t think I’d be brave enough to try one of those pots. I’ll stick to my over-the-counter cold meds.
I so reach for whatever is in the medicine cabinet. All those things must have a base of something natural, right? Prayers for healing for you and Curtis are being sent.
Becky
Push beyond the weirdness of the Neti pot and use it. The end result is wonderful! Really opens you up so you can breathe! I mean it, it works!
I am also pregnant and due in February. I just got over a really bad cold and both my OB and the pharmacist say regular Sudafed (NOT Sudafed PE) is okay to take and it saved me. I was able to breath and sleep at night. You have to ask for it behind the pharmacy counter. Good luck.
That is so funny. I can’t believe you posted about the neti pot. Some folks my hubby works for have been trying to convince him to use it. He has frequent sinus infections so he’s thinking it couldn’t hurt. It does sound good in theory but he’s not quite convinced.
As for me, give me the meds. Afrin for my stuffy nose, mylanta for my upset stomach and prescription cough syrup with a touch of codeine for good measure for my chest congestion. All of that in addition to my mama’s recipe for homemade chicken soup which is totally good for what ails ya (and for what doesn’t ail ya, it’s just good!).
Hope you’re both feeling better soon.
Melanie
This is hilarious!! I can just picture cute little Bethie doing this! 🙂 I always opt for the over the counter stuff myself…if I can be knocked out enough to sleep – I’m good!
Hope you guys are feeling better.
I have allergies and bad sinuses. The combination had me getting at least six sinus infections a year. Five years ago an ENT told me to try the irrigation thing. I do it every morning while my coffee brews. I now have a max of two sinus infections each year. Totally worth it.
Oh honey,
If you think that neti pot is strange, you DO NOT want to hear about this granola chick’s favorite natural product!!! I LOVE it (and I am not even kidding!!) and am always trying to convince my friends to get one too. Trust me – it will change your life too! (And make your mom’s neti pot seem oh so pale and normal in comparison!)
Check it out:
http://www.divacup.com/
(And I do own a neti pot – just got it and haven’t had to use it yet).
Don’t worry – my feelings won’t be hurt if you choose not to approve this message. You probably don’t want to advertise feminine hygiene products on this site. But just remember – you asked!!! 🙂 🙂
All I can say is you’ve got to be pretty miserable to intentionally put water up your nose! Isn’t that what we normally try to avoid? It makes my eyes water and gives me the urge to sneeze just thinking about it… Ouch!!
-mint tea (specifically ‘refresh’ from starbucks). it probably doesn’t really do anything, but it is comforting.
-EmergenC vitamin packets. a few packets of these usually knock out yuckiness whenever i’m starting to feel sick.
The neti pot does work!! Be brave, be adventuresome. Stand over that sink and pour it in! You will be thankin’ later, I am tellin’ ya 🙂
Anyways, I am a natural remedy kind of gal and I got a remedy from a friend that is good for ears, nose or throat stuff. It is equal parts white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol. Mix together and put about 2 drops in each ear a couple of times a day. Now you have to make sure it gets in the ear canal. I do it for my kiddos also, anytime there is a slight sniffle, the ear drops go in. It is usually best to do it when you first get symptoms to kind of nip in in the bud, but you can still do it this late in the game as well. One tip though the mixture is only good 24 hours because the alcohol evaporates out of it so that is why I usually only mix a 1/4 teaspoon each. Neti-pot paired with ear drops and you got a winning team!!
I was leery of the neti pot as well. Made me gag the first time, but the next time I was a pro. 🙂
Nasal spray (not just saline solution) is my VERY BEST FRIEND when I have a cold. Used it with all four pregnancies and my kids all turned out fine. 🙂 (For the most part.)
I work with some ladies who think the netti pot is wonderful. I just feel that while at the pool I work very hard to keep water out of my nose, and don’t feel that I need to shoot any up there. Although that had I heard of the thing when I was pregnant, i might have tried it. I got the worst allergy/cold right at the beginning. I hated taking meds too, but my doc said that tylenol cold/allergy was ok.
Enjoyed the story thoroughly. So sorry about the sink. I have a doozie about my dh, tick fever and my vehicle, but I’ll spare you.
Hope you all start to feel better, and that Jackson is spared.
Oh, I’m sure none of these are ok when preggo, but echinacea and zicam work well. Also, they make these things that you plug into the wall and it disperses vicks into the air – works well for my son.
Thanks for the story.
Netiless in OK – aka Cynthia in OK
Ew! I have horrible allergies but I’m not doing anything that my make me upchuck. I avoid that like the plague. Of all the issues I’ve encountered in the recovery ministry I’m involved in I really don’t get bulimia. Why would anybody do that on purpose? I do anything and everything to avoid it, even when I know I’d probably feel better if I did. I hate it! I really, really hate it!! I do like some natural remedies if they work and don’t make me hurl. Otherwise I’m heading to the medicine cabinet. I’m a big believer in drugs. My mother in law is a big believer in everything natural including natural childbirth. After doing that “natural” once I wasn’t even in hard labor when I went to the hospital with the next 2 I told them to call the anesthesiologist (or whatever they call him. I call him the candyman.) as soon as I walked through the door. Cause I may not have been in a lot of pain right then but I KNEW what was coming!! In fact, halfway through my first labor I grabbed my husband and said, “I know I said I was going to try to do this natural, but I can’t do this. I’m dying. I need drugs.” Unfortunately he was in surgery and by the time he got out it was too late. Even while they were setting up for delivery I was saying, “I can’t do this without drugs. I can’t do this without drugs.” They assured me I could and of course I did, but I’m still in shock. Anyway, I’ve gone off on this natural vs. drugs thing. I’ll shut up now.
If you are still reading comments, I want to add to the “keep trying the neti pot” camp. It does it easier and it DOES work! Also, putting Vicks on your chest and neck before bed is the best way I know to keep everything “loose”. The secret is to put layers on top–a dry wash cloth, a tight fitting tee shirt, then a nighty. In the morning get into a steamy shower–you will cough up nastiness, but you will feel much better and heal faster. Praying you both have a speedy recovery.
I’m sorry to hear ya’ll have been sick. I like the chicken soup route when I have a cold and hot tea with honey. Hope you both feel better real soon.
I can picture Curtis and the neti pot. Too funny!
OMG….I just used a netti pot a few minutes ago and I can’t believe it….I CAN BREATHE!!!! It was a a pretty humbling experience I’ll have to say…but it worked and now I can almost hear the praise chorus in heaven singing “hallllllll…e……lujah hallelujah hallll…elujah!”
Wow…Amanda, you have to try it! It really works when you do it right. BUT WHATEVER YOU DO…DON’T LOOK IN THEM MIRROR…BECAUSE YOU’LL LAUGH AT YOURSELF AND IT ALL GOES DOWN FROM THERE. I nearly drowned myself when I saw what I looked like with that pot up my nose. But it’s worth the try 🙂
May the force be with you…go for it!