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.
Oh heavens, never the kitchen sink… use it the shower!! That way it is cleaned up immediately without any effort from you 🙂 I like the nedi pot, but not if someone else is watching me…
I also like the hot tea with honey, and recommend watching the Princess Bride as well…
Hope you feel better soon!
I’m sorry for your misery, but this is just too funny!
I saw the neti pot demoed on tv but just wasn’t sure if I could handle it. Then a lady at church told me about Simply Saline. It is the same concept but it comes in a little can with a nozzle-like thingy. It does help!
My main remedy for colds/congestion/sore throat is Hot Sour Soup. My family really believes it works. I think it has something to do with the chicken broth and pepper. I am including the recipe (or you can go to your local Chinese restaurant)
4 c chicken broth
1/2 c. mushrooms, sliced
1/2 c. bamboo shoots
2 Tbsp rice wine OR white vinegar
1 Tbsp soy sauce or more (low sodium works great)
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp pepper (I usually add more)
Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes
Stir in: 1 Tbsp cold water mixed with 1 Tbsp cornstarch
Pour in one beaten egg slowly while stirring soup.
That’s it. Even if it doesn’t heal you, what’s not to like about curling up with a hot steamy mug of soup?
Hope you both are better soon!!
Dana
I have heard of the neti-pots but never inquired about it. I could try one now. I finally went to the Dr. after none of the OTC meds worked. Chronic sinus infection and a ear infection. Ugh. I feel for you guys being sick! Head feeling like it weighs 100lbs alone and then feeling so drained. No grounding Amanda, the info about things can be a valuable lesson.
I LOVE MY NETI POT!!! I was scared to use it at first, but I PROMISE you, it WORKS and it FEELS SO GOOD.
It’s not like getting water up your nose or getting water up your nose when you jump off a diving board. It feels good. It works. I now swear by it.
But I also use medicines as a backup.
My husband has terrible sinus problems and he refuses to use the neti pot. Too bad for him. My sinuses are SOOOOO much better now since I starting using mine. 🙂
I think the Neti-pot is better used as a preventative measure. I think it is much harder to use when you are already clogged up. I suffer from lots of allergies and would agree that it is “life-changing”. Alot of things in life that really help are a little gross 🙂
I’m with you Amanda, I tried it once and I had to go lay down afterwards. My husband came in asked what was wrong and I told him, “I think I just drowned a little bit!”
Amanda,
I gave in to using the neti-pot when I went to two Doctors who would not give me an anbtibiotic for my sinus issues. I use one all the time now. My adult children use one also. They have asthma and it really helps keep the sinus cavity open. If we feel even the slightest of stuffy noses we run to our neti-pot. (I work for a Judge in Family Court who told me all about it.)
We laughed our butts off the first time we used them. They are obviously disgusting but they work.
We don’t like having to take any medication and I am not a baby about getting sick, however, I always want the quickest way to feel better and if it is medication then lead me to it. There is too much to do and too little time to do it in without feeling sick!!!
It is gross though when you don’t breathe right and the water/salt stuff goes down your throat. Poor Curtis!! He has to do it more than once though for it to make a difference. Keep trying, it gets easier.
I hope you both feel better!!
Luv2Praise, Lori
Holly and kathy_pinkbicycle_arkansas
I really should not have threatened to tell Beth’s maxi-thin story…..NO ONE can tell it like Beth. Although……the few people I might have mentioned it to, were crying from laughing so hard.
Love ya, Beth. Really.
Melana
Okay, I just started reading some of the other Siesta’s advice. I am sure they mean well but Colonics!! You are at the wrong end of the spectrum, so to speak, Sister!! I am sure colonics is great but we are speaking of the noses here!! lol.
Siesta’s you are just full of knowledge! How about keeping our noses clean though! lol
Luv2Praise, Lori
My absolute favorite “drug” isn’t a drug at all .. it’s the Vapor plugs that you plug into the wall. It’s awesome because it eliminates the debate about whether to use a cold air humidifier or a steam vaporizer so you can breathe. You can run your humidifier AND breathe by plugging in the vapor plug. It’s really strong and clears you right up! It’s also great for infants and children who are stuffy when they lay down. The greatest thing of the century in my opinion!
Now that I have stopped laughing, I encourage you to try the neti pot. My daughter and her new hubby both suffer from allergies, He’s brave enough to try “the genie lamp” but she is like you Amanda, she can’t get past the grossness.
Thanks for sharing, I just never know what to expect when I drop in to check the latest from you girls!
i’ve heard wonderful things about the neti pot but am not a user myself. i just tend to let things run their course and if i start to feel i have something besides just a head cold i go to the dr. – can’t do the over the counter meds – they make me feel like the room is spinning all the time so i’d rather just feel the symptoms of the cold! Praying you get better soon!!
Hi Amanda,
This is a new one for me, I think it’s worth trying…
rub vicks on the bottom of your feet before going to bed and wear socks… it is suppose to help you breath easier and not cough so much… I don’t like water in my nose so I’m not brave enough to try the neti pot. Anyway I hope your families colds are on the mend soon! Blessings! from Tammy in SD
Oh Amanda – this is so funny and reminded me of the “home remedy” that we learned about 15 years ago at a CHOIR RETREAT!!!
I am serious. My husband is the Music Minister at our church and we had a special choir retreat. Well this speaker come in and he was really good…and he shared his concoction for “clearing the sinuses and helping singers.”
We still laugh when we think about that weekend – but his remedy works and here is the recipe:
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 ounce alkalol (NOT alcohol – ask the pharmacist)
10 ozs. distilled water
Mix well and store in a sealed container.
Hang your head low 🙂 and fill each nostil with the “potion.” Hold it as long as you can…then come up holding a towel over your face and let the draining begin…
I think this is the red-neck version to the neti pot!!!
But it is supposed to clean you all the way down your goozle-pipe (throat).
There are some folks that really love it. I for one have never done this. I am claustrophobic and do not want my nose closed and not be able to breathe…
Thankfully I do not have sinus trouble and have not had a cold in years. Good old hand-washing is the best medicine I know of!
Y’all are some genuine and funny women!
Much love,
Georgia Jan
This “recipe” made me think of the Baldwin sisters on “The Walton’s” that had another special “recipe” for “celebrating purposes only.” I’m dating myself now, but it was a sweet program.
Ok Siestas, this has nothing to do with sinus flushes or Neti pots although I have had the greatest joy reading Amanda's message & her mom's response of Amanda being grounded & all the conments. Much much joy! 🙂 I'm sitting here watching the presidential debate & it just reminded me of what my young, wise pastor mentioned Sunday morning in church. He was talking about the economy, the market, all the bad news we are constantly hearing about. Not that we shouldn't be informed. But sometimes we just have to turn off the TV and open the Word & realize Who is in control! That gives me peace in
these days!!! Susan in OKC
I use saline in a spray and it really helps with my chronic allergies. I have wondered about the little neti pot or whatever you call it myself but not got around to trying it. Curtis is a brave soul if it made me barf I would never touch it again!
I also heard from a friend of mine that if you get garlic cloves at the first sign of illness and cut them into pill sized pieces and swallow with water they will kick it quick; she told me when finding out I just got over a bad bout of bronchitis and sinusitis.
Love you ladies at LPM, May God Bless you all richly for all your hard work.
I’ve been hearing alot lately that the best thing for a cold is truly to put Vicks Rub on your feet and put on a pair of socks at bedtime.
If it works, let us know.
I’ve been hearing alot lately that you it truly works if at bedtime you put Vicks Rub on your feet and put on socks over it!
Let us know if you try it and it works..
The neti pot takes a little practice but it has helped me fight off allergy attacks with no sinus medicine. It also helps with sinus migraines. I love it now.
Amanda, my sweet husband would totally agree with you! Myself, on the other hand, finally gave in the teh neti-pot just last week after a horrible sinus infection that just wouldn’t clear up! Once I got used to the breathing thing, it worked like a charm. BUT, I would NEVER, and I mean NEVER, use it over the kitchen sink. Get some good germ cleaner my friend!
Didn’t work for me…just made me miserable…but I do have a solution for a pregnant momma with a bad head cold. Siesta Mama will like this…it is one of those hillbilly recipes (I’m sure Ellie May has heard of it!) Cut you up some onions…about 6 medium sized will do. Chunk them and put them in a good stainless pot with enough water to “cover” them. Cook them a long time, until they start to get real syruppy. You might want to add just a little bit of sugar…yes…you will ingest this! Once you have cooked up a good onion syrup, get a tablespoon. Scoop up a spoonful, and let it run really slowly down the back of your tongue (front is where you will TASTE IT!) Let the “aroma” from the juice rise up into your sinuses. I guarantee it will clear them out fast and furiously…and the syrup should not affect your “morning sickness” one bit. Don’t think about it. Maybe put on some praise music to distract your brain while you drink it. I PROMISE you will feel better within hours! It has worked for every pregnant woman I know when they get that nasty cold. Even will relieve some minor flu symptoms. And completely natural…unlike SALT WATER UP YOUR NOSE…for heaven sake!!! Ugh!
I commented on Amanda’s post already…and then read Beth’s comment! HA! I remember when my Mom used to hate us telling her secrets as well! It’s ok. We won’t tell anyone else! Besides…you seem to be in good company!!! We love you, Beth!
I LOVE my neti-pot! I refuse to do it in front of my husband though. The kids look at me like I’ve gone crazy. You feel rediculous doing it but it really does work! You really should give it a try, especially since you’re so limited with what you can take being pregnant.
I’m a middle of the road gal, I’ll try natural remedies but I also like me some NyQuil.
My ears are ringing, my head is pounding, I feel sick sick sick and dizzy, and that is only from reading your description of the Neti Pot……………
eeeeeeooooouuuuwwwwww yuck.
I’m an all natural kind of gal and have been for the last 25+ years. No meds for me, not even pain relievers.
Nobody has mentioned this, so I’m going to. Many of you say you suffer from migraine, sinus and allergy problems. Have you ever been tested for gluten intolerance or Celiac Disease? You can test negative for Celiac Disease and still be gluten intolerant. In addition, you can have silent or latent Celiac Disease. Up to 81% of Americans have at least one gene for gluten intolerance.
When a gluten intolerant person eats gluten it affects every single organ in their body so that they (organs) do not work properly.
You can be tested for gluten intolerance with blood tests or stool tests. A word of warning, gluten intolerance is only just beginning to be on a few doctor’s radars.
Almost every chronic health problem, even many mental problems, you can think of has a connection to gluten intolerance.
Just try googling “gluten
intolerance + your health issue” to find out more information.
Sign me “so blessed to have found a doctor who diagnosed me in five minutes and backed up his diagnosis with a test, after years of problems”
P.S. Hope you feel better soon.
Also, a tip for moms. Use garlic mullein oil ear drops in the ears for ear infections several times/day and save your family mucho dollars for antibiotics and trips to the doctor. Keep using at least 24 hours AFTER pain stops in order to kill all the germs. If colds always lead to ear infections with your kid, just start using the drops when they get a cold. Purchase at your local health store.
Hope you are feeling better! I would like to add very strong support to the mention of natural medicine. It is truly the best way to go. Besides fighting colds or better yet preventing them, there is so much that comes into play in raising children. My husband and I are grandparents of two little ones. Our daughter and son-in-law only use organic baby foods in order to protect their children from all the unnecessary and unhealthy additives sometimes used in baby foods. Also, for our daughter she breast fed both children but dried up each time earlier than she expected so had to switch to formula for a little while. She used only organic formula. It is expensive but the price was worth it she says. Many friends with little children have mentioned how their children have been sick too often and especially battle ear infections. My daughters boys haven’t had that problem. Her naturopath believes it is because of keeping her sons intake natural and healthy that has made the difference. Too often things like high fructose corn syrup and other unnecessary ingredients are added to baby food. Anyway, wishing you well and quick relief from the weight of colds and coughs. Blessings to you and yours.
Okay… So I just read my own comment and realized I left out a very important step:
When applying mint oil to a pot of boiling water – please do not scald your face by leaving the pot on a hot burner while you towel tent your head over the minty steam.
This actually provides relief. My son was very sick when he was a teenager. (He got the croup just after his first birthday and in turned into Pneumonia which hospitalized him for 5 days. Seems like every year from November to March that kid had a croup, a cough or just miserable sinuses his entire life since.)
He called me at work and said, “[Gasp] Mom, I think I need to go to the doctor. I am having trouble breathing.[Gasp]”
Nothing struck panic in my heart like hearing him in that condition. Well, of course, except the phone call from the Sherriff’s office a couple of years later when he broke curfew and then ultimately that call that day after his accident in August ’05. Nothing like, “We can’t tell you how your son is – just get here as soon as you can.” Thank the Lord, He is perfect, whole and complete with our Lord in heaven, today… But, I’m rambling on.
So back to his gasping phone call. I asked him to check the medicine cabinet for some cough syrup – which usually would help him relax. He didn’t have asthma, but when he got sick – it was always a doozy.
He said – “We don’t have any.”
“Okay. Justin, I know this is going to sound weird, but go to the spice cabinet in the kitchne and get out the little bottle of mint extract.”
He got it out and said, “Now what? [Gasp].”
“Fill the bathtub with ONLY hot water and pour the whole bottle in there – [I was panicked and in a hurry to get him some relief so we didn’t have time to boil water… don’t know why I didn’t think a teaspoon in the sink would do the trick… but… anyway] Get you a towel and put it over your head and just stick your head over that tub and breathe in those minty vapors till I get home.”
He obliged. I was not sure it would work, but when I got home – he was at least breathing better. He had an acute case of bronchitus and got himself a Z-pack to avoid Pneumonia and an inhaler to open up his airways and he was better in no-time.
Okay… So I just felt I had to explain. The pot or sink of hot water is much better than the tub – takes less mint oil.
And, Beth… My teenage girls have no qualms about revealing my weirdest moments or most awkward experiences in public places. Nothing like your own offspring to tell on your strangest quirks… eh? If AJ is grounded… We will all cry cause that means NO INTERNET! Blessings – ya’ll are just real and precious and we love that about you both.
I just wanted you to know that I was thining of you (each of you!) and I am missing Mama Siesta!! I pray all is well with y’all.
Agape~Cathy
OH MY MY….this was the funniest post that I’ve read on this blog! I actually have heard of these little pots but just cannot bring myself to use one…and I suffer from allergy problems so it would probably help. Just can’t do it though!
I personally use meds but only if really needed. I try to just ride colds out but you got to be careful with the sinuses because they can quickly develop into infection…and that is no fun!
Amanda, I’m with you on not using the netipot! You go girl!
I like using the just my face cold and flu shower/bath soap. It really works to clear congestion.. I hope you feel better soon!!!
Christal
I am just finding out about this thing myself…I did it!!!
My son 7 years old rubbing my back saying, “Are you ok momma”? “What ARE you doing”?
I’m just cleaning out the snot in my nose! You want to try? I thought the worst thing that would happen is that you could choke to death…never mine!!
Well, I must say my life has been changed:)
Our family has never used the neti pot, but we have used the plastic bottle saline flush by Ayr. Actually, I personally have not used it. My sweet 6 & 9 year olds have terrible allergies here in Northern VA and sometimes it's the only thing that gives some relief. They feel SO MUCH BETTER after. We discovered it when my 6 year old, unable to take antibiotics, had a sinus infection and we had to suffer through. It worked! Praise the Lord!!!
I’m trying i out today!! I had some friends of mine suggest it also. I have major sinus and allergy problems here in the Dallas area.
I’ll try anything ONCE!! You should gie it a try…how bad could it be??? Really…..
Royana
I hope you feel better soon, but love this post. I can see it all happening! I guess if others have tried and liked, may you should give it a shot. I think I’d be too chicken and go for the soup myself.
Beckie
I don’t know if you have Cold FX in the States but it works amazingly well. You need to take it at the first sign of a cold. It was developed in Calgary, AB. I buy it at Costco, it is expensive but it works!
Lynn in AB
Forgot to say in my earlier post that Cold FX is a natural product.
Lynn in AB
Wow..not sure about those neti pots. I try not to blow my nose because my ENT said it just blows the stuff back in the sinuses. Otherwise its Dayquil or Nyquil. =)
Hope you all feel better soon!
Ihave terrible sinus problems. I had dental surgery gone bad and had a hole put in my sinus which has caused more problems than this old gal would rather think about. I used the netipot but it seemed a bit antiquated. So, I use somethink like a large suringe. My ENT has requested that I continue to use it and I’m here to tell you, gross or not, this is almost miraculous. The salt solution that I use 1 cup of warm water and 2 tsp of Kosher salt. It’s very strong but I haven’t had a sinus infection since I started. I have a cold today and I’ve done the treatment two times. This was the last thing I had to try or I was going back in for more surgery. Praise the Lord. I’m also now using ginger each day, honey and cinnamon, a tsp of each together and warm water with lemon juice. Everything, I mean everything is CLEAN…..
Smelling Rubbing Alcohol will help with nausea. I just had surgery 3 weeks ago and normally I am throwing up big time after surgery. Not this time with my cotton ball of Rubbing Alcohol. Gave the tip to a pregnant friend with morning sickness and it worked wonders. No idea how or why but Praise the Lord it works.
The neti-pot is not that big of a deal and it does make you feel better. You can also try using a bulb that will get all the junk out of your nose.
Amanda, I laughed so hard at this post I almost spewed a mouthful of tea all over my computer monitor! Thanks for sharing. I hope the Jones family is feeling better by now.
Never used one but know several people that swear by them. Right now I am sick and if I get any worse I will be going by Walgreens to get me a nose washing thing-a-ma-bob. Give it another try, just not in the kitchen sink. Good luck!
amanda i have never heard of anyone “losing it” while using it?! you won’t, i assure you. that was just a freak of nature when that happened to curt. just keep your mouth open to breath and your head tipped forward to let the salt water run out and you will be given the LPM 100% PARTICIPATION AWARD (right beth?). i prefer regular table salt over the packets they give you. keep us updated when you try it.
hope you all feel better soon.
Amanda, You and Curtis should really try the neti pot again. I have serious allergies and I use it. It is a different process to get used to, but it should only take a few times to get the hang of it.
it would really help you since you are expecting, and you can’t take much of any meds.
Melissa in NC
Amanda, even though I have never heard you speak, I have a feeling we would be pals if we actually met. You seem to talk just like me! Well, you seem to “write” rather! Anyway. If I had a buck for everytime I said “super awesome” in such sarcasm, I would be a rich woman.
Oh praise God! After months and months of not being able to post, I can finally see the letters for word verification. All I could see was an “x” before. I tried everything I could think of. I updated, deleted programs, added programs, changed settings, etc. all to no avail. I finally accepted that I wasn’t supposed to be posting my comments. But I recently purchased a virus protection program and Voila! I can comment again!!
And this was the perfect post for me to comment on because I woke up today with a head cold and I feel icky. 🙁 (Don’t think its bad enough to try a neti-pot, though.)
I’ve had so much to say, but now that I can, I’ll just say I love this blog and I love all you siestas. Thanks for your inspiration! I started a new study (the one with Priscilla and Kay Arthur) on Tues night in NE Houston and our lg group leader mentioned that she was kind of a Beth Moore nerd b/c she reads the blog. I secretly smiled and said to myself, “So am I!” You never know where you’ll run into another siesta! And…sorry so long, but sheesh…it’s been a long time!
While the nose-washing thingy does not sound at all appealing, right now I would consider it seeing that I took some Nyquil last night at midnight and it is still in my system, which means I feel lousy and wish I did not have to go to work today!! But it has not helped at all! I STILL can’t breathe out of my nose!!
What was I thinking!?
I’ve used the Sinu-Rinse which does the same thing and it works wonderfully!!! I got it while I was pregnant since I couldn’t really take any of the over the counter medicines while pregnant and although I was scared to use it at first – once i did it worked great and really does clean out the sinuses and open up your head!! Think we got ours at CVS pharmacy – it comes with little saline packets to add to the water so that it doesn’t burn.
good luck and hope you feel better!!
Beth, My niece and my b-i-l and sister swear by the netipot. They say it works wonders. I haven’t gotten up the nerve to try it. I figure if it’s going to come out it will do it on it’s own. Hope you all feel better soon.
I’m with you Amanda, I don’t know if I could use one of these “nose-pots” or not. I think I’d have to really be suffering, ha!