NASAL & SINUS CONGESTION

Orange peel tea

Boil half the peel of one orange in water to make a cup of tea.

Steam inhalation

Simply fill a small basin with four to six cups warm water. Add two to three drops eucalyptus, rosemary, tea tree, thyme or marjoram essential oil (or the fresh herb). Hold the face over the basin about an arm’s length away with a towel over the head to prevent the escape of the aromatic vapours. Close your eyes and inhale deeply for five to 10 minutes. This can be done daily.

Caution, eucalyptus steam inhalations should be avoided by persons with heart conditions, central nervous system disorders and pregnant women. Children and elderly people should exercise caution.

Saltwater nasal/sinus cleansing

Preparation 1/2-1 tsp salt (sea or kosher salt, not commercial salt), work up to two tsp. salt per cup of water.

One cup lukewarm spring water that is not chlorinated (or boil tap water to destroy the chlorine. Let water sit in a glass bottle in sunshine with a loosely fitted lid for a day to break down and clear chlorine).

1/4tsp baking soda (bacteria cannot thrive in highly alkaline environments).

Administration

Fill a small spray or dropper bottle with your solution. Tilt head back and sniff several squirts/drops in each nostril while holding the opposite nostril closed. Let the solution run down the throat and spit it out the mouth. Repeat three to five times on each side. You may experience a sharp sensation initially, but that will subside as the therapy continues.

This regime can be done daily.