How to make a sinus lavage?!

How to make a sinus lavage?

I was told I should do sinus lavage, how could I make one at home? I know salt is used, can I use kosher salt? Thats all I have on hand right now.

Sinus irrigation, also known as a sinus wash or lavage, is a simple procedure that can help to increase drainage of the sinuses. For people with seasonal allergies, sinus irrigation can help to remove pollens from the nose. Sinus irrigation has been recommended by physicians for decades, and its use dates further back in traditional Eastern practices.

There is some debate over the type of fluid that should be used for the irrigation:

* Isotonic saline solution - has a similar salt concentration as body fluids.
* Hypertonic saline solution - because of the higher salt concentration, a hypertonic solution is thought to be better at reducing swelling of the mucous membranes. Although some research shows that hypertonic solutions are more effective than isotonic solutions, other studies show that hypertonic solutions decrease sinus drainage and movement of the cilia, which are cells that "sweep" the sinuses and push particles out.
* Locke-Ringer, Gleichenberger, and Ems salt solutions - from the few research studies conducted, these solutions do not appear to decrease ciliary movement, making them preferable to hypertonic saline solutions.

Ingredients for an Isotonic Saline Solution

* 1 teaspoon of salt (kosher, canning, pickling, or sea salt is preferable to table salt.
* 16 oz. of room temperature water (0.47 liter or 1 US pint)
* 1 teaspoon of baking soda

Instructions

1. Mix the ingredients together in a clean container with a tight cover. This recipe can be halved and used for seven days. Do not store for longer than seven days.

2. A clean rubber-topped dropper can be used. If unavailable, an ear syringe or any dropper from a pharmacy, neti pot (a "tea pot" for the nose), or a clean hand can be used. I used a clean dropper top from an empty herbal tincture bottle.

3. Place some solution in the upper nostril. Plug that nostril and tilt the head slightly back and to the opposite side so the fluid runs out the other nostril. Place some more fluid in the upper nostril, then tilt the head slightly backward and to the same side to reach the sinuses. Repeat this procedure with the other nostril. Wash the dropper with hot water before dipping it back into the solution container to prevent contamination.

4. Gargle with some solution, letting it wash the back of your throat.

5. Blow your nose gently.

This procedure can be done once a day for mild symptoms of chronic sinusitis or for prevention during allergy season.

Precautions and Risks

Over-irrigation can compromise the ability of the sinuses to fight bacteria.

People with acute sinusitis should avoid this procedure, since it can facilitate the spread of bacteria and cause more serious infection. People with deficient immune systems should always consult a health practitioner before trying this procedure.