Baby Shampoo
★★★★★
She said: "Add two drops of BABY SHAMPOO to your saline nasal spray twice a day." I started that three days ago and I feel a thousand times better!!!!!!!! I am sending her a thank you note next week. Spread the word, use 2 DROPS OF BABY SHAMPOO IN YOUR NASAL SPRAY!
(Edwardsburg, MI)
03/11/2009
How do I get the baby shampoo into my nasal spray bottle? Can't unscrew top and no other way to get it in?
(South Florida, Florida)
03/14/2009
The tip on all the ones I have used will pull out with a little force. Currently I have Saline Nasal spray from Publix (3 oz) and it pulled out fine. If you cant get it with your fingers try a small pair of pliers with very light pressure (so you don't clamp it shut). I hope this helps.
(Los Angeles, Ca)
10/04/2014
My allergist told me to use 1/4 tsp. baby shampoo in my squeeze bottle that holds 8 oz. with warm water to rinse my sinuses. I had forgotten that until reading these posts. Going to do that now as I feel a sinus infection coming on. Have been recovering from a cold for the last couple of weeks that just never seems to go away.
(Seattle, Wa--usa)
02/22/2017
★★★★★
I'm in shock. I'm so glad I found this thread. I've had the most stubborn flu this year. I'm a regular sinus rinser...I use NeilMed's packets and squeeze bottle. After my first round of flu taking 11 days to heal, a friend (I could kill him! ) kissed me without permission when he was just starting to get sick...and I got sick again. It was settled into my sinuses for another week, so I start looking for ideas.
Using the 1/4 tsp baby shampoo to 1 c. warm water recipe worked for me immediately! Wish I'd sought more knowledge sooner, but grateful to know this now!
Baking Soda and Salt Water
★★★★★
Betadine
★★★★★
I have been using salt/baking soda sinus rinse for years, but never with the "miraculous" success others reported. There was even a couple of times when I felt like the rinse helped push the infection further up and further in. To combat this I have at separate times added either tincture of iodine or Lugol's in it -- very, very little because it has a nuclear sting -- which seemed to work and has helped in severe infections, but still nothing spectacular.
Over the last two or three days I have been building up to a full-blown sinus infection and came here to study the recommendations again when I came across this tip and realized that even though I have tried iodine, I have never tried *povidone* iodine, which is much less irritating to tissue and widely used in wound healing preparations.
I don't actually have any Betadine on hand except for some prepackaged surgical wipes a friend gave me (like wet wipes for your hands, but with betadine instead) but since I'd only need a few drops to try I figured that was enough. I knew the very first snort would tell me all I needed to know. So today when praparing the rinse I was going to do anyway, I tipped a few drops of water into the wipe packet, and then tipped the diluted betadine from the wipe packet into my sinus rinse bottle, added the water and salt/baking soda mix as usual, and had at it.
Oh. My. Gosh. It didn't sting a bit. And what's more, the building inflammation and congestion I'd had when I started was entirely gone by the time I mixed the second rinse only minutes later. (I usually do two rinses at a time. ) When I did the second rinse, instead of meeting the usual resistance from all the inflammation, the water ran out as fast as it ran in! And now, twenty minutes later, the relief is lasting just fine.
This is definitely a keeper, and not just because of povidone iodine's ease on the tissues and nasal mucosa. I have long had troubles with yeastiness, and am convinced that a lot of my sinus troubles are due to yeast... And as it happens, povidone iodine is active against fungi as well as bacteria. (I don't know about viruses, sorry. ) And if I had to place a bet, I'd say the near miraculous relief I got today was because it hit the yeast as well as whatever bacteria was trying to get a hold up in there.
Thank you so much for posting this little tip. The only thing I would add is that whoever tries it needs to make sure that they are using POVIDONE iodine (Betadine solution or its generic equivalent) and not tincture of iodine, or even a Betadine lotion/cream/cleanser/scrub, because it's not the same thing and there are a lot of products labeled Betadine. The ingredients in Betadine Solution are Povidone-Iodine 10%, Pareth 25-9, Purified Water, and Sodium Hydroxide, and that's it. If you put some other form of iodine in your nasal rinse, I'm going to bet that you come away sincerely wishing you hadn't, because I've tried them all and never found one that didn't sting like a mother until this.
Thank you again for posting this!!!
(Kentucky)
10/21/2024
★★★★★
I'm going to teach you how to take a simple saline nasal sprayer bought at the discount store and modify it into an anti-microial, anti-biotic solution to douche your sinus for congestion/infection.
Sheffield Saline Nasal Spray, 1.5 fl. oz. (Improved with Povidone Iodine)
Sheffield Saline Nasal Spray, 1.5 fl. oz. contains Sodium Chloride 0.65%. Remove nasal dryness due to allergies, cold, flu, rhinitis, and sinusitis.
Improved Saline Spray (Robs Formula)
1. Open removed nasal cap. Wrap a paper towel around the nasal tip and using a pair of pliers to gently wiggle the nasal tip out.
2. Add 10 (low) to 20 (high) drops (1ml) Povidone Iodine (PVP-I) 10% to the saline solution.
3. Recap the nasal tip to the spray bottle and screw on the cap.
4. Shake bottle to mix ingredients.
5. Use Saline Nasal Spray as normal.
By simply adding PVP-I to the nasal spray provides the following benefits;
It is effective against a variety of bacteria, viruses, yeast, and protozoa. PVP-I is also rapidly virucidal and inactivates coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) is a broad-spectrum antiseptic with activity against bacteria, fungi, yeast, protozoa and viruses. It has been previously used in both intranasal preparations against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) as well as oral preparations in in-vitro studies of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), influenza H1N1, and rotavirus (also called adult diarrhoea vomit bug) with good efficacy. Studies evaluate the efficacy of PVP-I as prophylaxis in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19)-negative front-line health care workers and hospital patients. Due to the known breadth of its antiviral activity and similarities in molecular structure, it can be extrapolated that PVP-I should have robust activity against SARS-CoV-2. Eggers et al found that at a concentration of 1% there was a reduction of viral activity of 99.99% in in-vitro assays. At 2 minutes, a concentration of 0.23% was enough to reduce viral loads appreciably.
Povidone-iodine can safely be used in the nose at concentrations up to 1.25% and in the mouth at concentrations up to 2.5% for up to 5 months. Povidone-iodine rapidly inactivates Coronaviruses, including SARS and MERS, when applied for as little as 15 seconds. There is optimism that PVP-I can inactivate SARS-CoV-2, but in vitro efficacy has not yet been demonstrated.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0145561320932318
Povidone-iodine can be safely used in the nasal passages at concentrations up to 1.25% for up to 5 months. PVP-I is generally well tolerated, with RARE cases of allergy and contact sensitivity.
Gershenfeld, 1968 states;
Iodine kills single celled organisms by combining with the amino acids tyrosine or histidine when they are exposed to the extra-cellular environment. All single cells showing tyrosine on their outer cell membranes are killed instantly by a simple chemical reaction with iodine that denatures proteins. Nature and evolution have given us an important mechanism to control pathogenic life forms and we should use it and trust it to protect us in ways that antibiotics can't.
Iodine kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and even spores of bacteria and fungi, including anthrax spores. Iodine was used successfully against influenza, herpes, small pox, and chicken pox viruses. Kills parasites, bacteria, mold, yeast, protozoa, viruses--essentially all pathogens including malaria, E. coli, and Staphylococcus. When iodine was suspended in a solution, viral inactivation occurred at dilutions of 1/1,000,000. (Gershenfeld, L.: Iodine. In Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation. Edited by S. S. Block. Philadelphia, Les & Febiger, 1977, pp. 196-218.)
Iodine is able to penetrate quickly through the cell walls of microorganisms.
Table 4: Microbiological Efficacy Activity of PVP-Iodine versus Bacteria, Yeasts and Molds, Actinomycetes and Rickettsia
| Organisms (No. of Strains) | Range of PVP-I in ppm Available Iodine | Contact Kill Time in Seconds |
|---|---|---|
| Proteus (41) | 100 - 2500 | 15 - 180 |
| Staphylococcus (36) | 66 - 2500 | 15 - 80 |
| Pseudomonas (36) | 25 - 2500 | 15 - 900 |
| Streptococcus (25) | 200 - 2500 | 15 - 30 |
| Escherichia (23) | 200 - 2500 | 30 - 120 |
| Salmonella (9) | 1000 - 2500 | 15 - 60 |
| Candida (8) | 3.75 - 2500 | 10 - 120 |
Source: http://hbnshow.com/moreinfo/swine_flu_treatments.pdf, page 14.
(Kentucky)
11/02/2024
I forgot to add... you can substitute the Povidone Iodine (PVP-I) with H2O2 Hydrogen Peroxide 3% Brown bottle if you don't have or no access to PVP-I. 20 drops H2O2 3% into 1.5oz. = 1:12 dilution ratio (if my math is correct). This is very well tolerated by everyone.
Just remember, H2O2 has a weak bonded oxygen atom to the H2O. Sunlight will break this bond down easily "that's why is comes in a sunlight protected brown bottle". Protect the saline bottle from direct sunlight to get the most use out of it.
Betadine
★★★★★
(Surrey, England)
02/26/2016
★★★★★
So pleased I noticed your post here. I have suffered from sinusitis and post nasal drip leading to chest infections for many years. This followed a nasal operation which I was told would eradicate the problem. It made the situation much worse! I had been washing out my sinuses with premeasured NeilMed salt which was very helpful. However, I have been adding 3 drops of Betadine in the salt solution for about 3 months and the difference is amazing. Far less nasal congestion, post nasal drip almost gone and no chest infections! I find the salt solution a little drying inside my nasal passages so I apply a small amount of coconut oil inside my nose on a cotton bud a little time after the morning sinus rinse. I have benefited greatly from your own findings. Thank you so much.
(Marin County, Ca)
03/19/2018
★★★★★
Yes!!!! The capful and a half of peroxide and salt saline rinse changed my life. I have not had a sinus infection or ear infection for years. Caution!!!!!!! There is a reason drs tell people to stay away from this treatment. If not used very carefully conservatively you could break down your silia. Without your silia your mucus membrane can't protect itself. The reason I tried it was unbelievable high pain level. Within 10 mi of my first treatment I knew it was going to help. Stop using as soon as the sinus swelling pain is down. Never use this as a daily rinse. As always just my experience. I am not a Dr.
Betadine
★★★★★
Boiled Onion, Salt, Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
Borax Solution in Neti Pot
★★★★★
Buteyku Breathing Exercises
★★★★★
The Buteyku method is based on the Bohr Effect, discovered by Dr. Christian Bohr - way back when. Christian was Neils Bohr's father which is neither here nor there, but interesting.
What Bohr discovered was the role of carbon dioxide in the body which is to break the bond between oxygen and hemoglobin so that the oxygen can be distributed to the cells.
Apparently, many people walk around in a chronic state of hyperventilation which makes sense because many people eat carbs and sugar which triggers adrenaline which causes hyperventilation which interrupts the carbon dioxide mechanism so that the muscles are flooded with hyper-oxygenated blood which the muscles are able to use because muscle cells are "different" than other cells.
The point is, after recently embarking on a zero-carb diet, I realized that I didn't actually feel as good as I thought I did. And Buteyku was of the opinion that his "pause test" could inform regarding the state of one's health and I scored quite low, despite feeling good - or so I thought. With zero carb, I've felt REALLY good so what I thought was good was, apparently, not all that good. LOL!
Anyway, I've been playing with the Buteyku method - which is based on restoring the pause in one's breathing in those who exhibit chronic hyperventilation. Breathing is supposed to go - a light breath in, a light breath out and then a pause. So, with the method, you pause consciously by holding your nose after you exhale.
It turns out, I don't like holding my nose so I've been practicing simply consciously delaying my inhaling for a couple of days, forgetting all about my sinus infection, except I no longer have a sinus infection which makes sense because correct breathing is done through the nose which plays some part in the carbon dioxide cycle so, voila, no more sinus infection BECAUSE
When you hyperventilate - I.e. breathe without pausing - the blood can't let go of the oxygen so the cells don't get oxygen which is what prevents disease and pathogens from taking up residence in them because pathogens and oxygen can't coexist.
So, basically, if you're sick, then you'r chronically hyperventilating. Otherwise, the "germs" can't stick due to the oxygen content in your cells.
So, my sinus infection is gone. The breathing practice was designed for asthma sufferers who are all chronic hyperventilators but a cell is a cell and if it isn't getting oxygen, the pathogens are going to move in which basically covers nearly all disease and symptoms.
One further note - Buteyku correlated the "epidemic" of chronic hyperventilation with man's modern, chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, obesity etc., which also corresponds with the timeline of ever-increasing sugar consumption which makes sense because sugar/carbs trigger adrenaline production which is fine, if you're out in the wild, weak and starving to death - you eat some vegetation, get some adrenaline flowing, hyperventilate and get a dose of oxygen-loaded blood for the muscles so you can hop up, hunt and run down prey but for everyday living, it is not a good thing.
SO - for infection of any kind, assuming you don't want to quit carbs, appears to be consciously inserting a pause between exhaling and inhaling. If you hold your breath while you walk around the room, you can also deplete the adrenaline that's making you hyperventilate in the first place.
That's it! My discovery of the week! YEAH!
I won't go into detail but suffice it to say that the Buteyku breathing exercises are a pretty intense detox. Which stands to reason, considering the oxygen going to cells that haven't had much of any for quite a while due to my former high-carb diet and state of chronic hyperventilation. So, be warned. I should have put 2 and 2 together and expected some detox but it caught me by surprise.
Bonus! Carbonated/seltzer water (I used Perrier which was the only one they had that didn't have a bunch of other stuff in it) will provide an instant boost of oxygen to the face if you're a chronic hyperventilator and splash and massage and generally stick your face in it. Plus it just feels SO good after! And I read where they are experimenting with topical application of carbonated water with regard to leg ulcers in diabetics overseas somewhere...I don't remember. I've read so much over the past couple of weeks about adrenaline, carbon dioxide, hyperventilation and tracking down the nature of their relationship to one another that my head is swimming.
(Wisconsin)
06/07/2017
I am glad you are feeling better but the notion of hyperventilation and oxygen starvation etc is non-sense and not physiologically sound. If you chronically "hyperventilated" you would pass out from low carbon dioxide levels. Think panic attack and breathing in a paper bag.
(Florida)
08/27/2020
Several years ago I was researching the anaerobic nature of cancer and breathing which led me to the concept that modern breathing is too frequent (too many breaths per minute) and I came across this valuable resource. https://www.normalbreathing.com/respiratory-rate-volume-chart/
I had forgotten how much of Dr. Buteyku's work was referenced here and was grateful to be directed back to it by this conversation; so, thank you!
Camphor Block
★★★★★
He said, they use this method to clear Sinus Pain and Headaches from the head. It is also good for Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds, Cough, Breathing problems, Lung Congestion, Congestion of the Nasal tract.
Buy some camphor. It comes in small tiny blocks and can be purchased from drug stores, online or at an Asian grocery store.
Anchor Jai Santoshi Maa Camphor Tablets 100 Small Tablets is the brand I am using.
Source image: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Jai-Santoshi-Maa-camphor-Tablets-100-Small-Tablets-1-1oz/245121055
Take one paper wrapped cube (about 5 tiny blocks about 1.5 grams) crush them and put into a pot/basin of boiling water, put a towel over your head, and inhale the steam or which ever method you use. Inhale deeply.
Note: I was not prepared for how STRONG the camphor steam was. I was hacking the whole 10 minute session and about another 15 minutes afterwards. But after about an hour I noticed I was breathing much better, less phelgmy and all around felt better… HUM….?
Caution: Camphor water is very hot and strong, so make sure your first few breaths are shallow and not too close to the steam you burn yourself.
Why it works?
Steaming camphor is not a new idea. I'm assuming this therapy came to American with the Chinese in the early 1800's when they came here to work on the railroads if not earlier.
Back in the 1960's and 70's (I'm not that old), Mom would use a “Devilbiss Hot Steam Vaporizer-Humidifier” for those of you that can remember those (wish they were still made today, cuz THEY WORKED). They were a big glass jar basin with lite-blue lettering and a heating device that sat on top and sprayed hot steam into a room. Mom would put Vicks Vapo Steam Liquid Medication into the Hot Steam Vaporizers and it would help you breathe better.
Guess what “Vicks Vapo Steam Liquid Medication” ingredients are? Camphor (Synthetic) 6.2% w-v per 200ml, Alcohol 78%; Cedarleaf Oil; Eucalyptus Oil; Laureth-7; Menthol; Nutmeg Oil; Poloxamer 124; Silicone.
Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) is widely used in all the ceremonies and rituals of Hindus. Apart from its prominent role in religious aspects, it is considered with high regards for its natural therapeutic properties for thousands of years. Camphor plays a vital role in every Indian household, as it is an excellent home remedy for several ailments right from cough, insect bites to cardiac issues. This white cubed wonder never fails you when you need a magic healer to get better relief from several issues.
Camphor is known to strengthen the immune system and to protect the body against bacteria, even that which is airborne. Camphor has the ability to eliminate the congestion in the lungs, bronchial tracts and nasal region to promote normal breathing. The reason that camphor essential oil and gum is included as an ingredient in so many commercial decongestant remedies is that it can help provide immediate respiratory relief. It helps to relieve any blockages in the respiratory system including the nasal tracts, lungs, pharynx, larynx and bronchial tubes. Camphor oil, or some other products that contain it, can be applied externally on the neck and chest as a remedy for acute or chronic pneumonia and bronchitis.
Camphora officinarum.
From the Book: The Inhalation Treatment of Diseases of the Organs of Respiration Including Consumption page 194-195 by Arthur Hill Hassall · 1885
Administration. – In powder, in vapour, or as an atomized spray.
For the inhalation of the vapour of camphor, an oro-nasal inhaler may be employed charged with the spirit, or the camphor may be inhaled in the vapour of hot water. For vapour inhalation the compound tincture should not be used, as the opium in this is non-volatile, and it is best suited for use as a spray. the powder of camphor, 1 to 4 grains insufflated.
Indications. - The inhalation by the nostrils of the powder of camphor, or of a strong camphorated spray, will sometimes stop colds in the head, if employed at the outset; or if it does not arrest them, it will frequently give much relief. In aphonia, in hoarseness, in spasmodic affections of the organs of respiration, in whooping- cough, and in the coughs of bronchitis and phthisis. Camphor inhalations are sometimes useful in that trouble-some chronic complaint characterized by seizures of incessant sneezing and profuse watery running at the eyes and nose, the patient remaining well in the intervals. The attacks may occur daily, beginning early in the morning, and may last for a few minutes only or may persist for several hours ; and they may occur at any hour of the day, recurring several times daily. Sometimes several days intervene between the attacks, which may last 24 hours or even longer. They are generally accompanied by severe frontal headache, and in some instances an itching of a point inside the nose, denotes the imminence of the attack. This affection lasts for years (Ringer). It evidently closely resembles hay fever.
The powder of camphor is sometimes inhaled as a snuff, mixed with tannin, in nasal catarrh or coryza. Monobromate of camphor has been found useful as an antispasmodic in whooping-cough and in asthma, in doses of 3 to 6 grains. If employed as a spray, it may be dissolved in a little spirit made up with water to ½ or 1 ounce
(Princeton)
10/18/2024
Hi Rob,
You are right, Indian households use a lot of camphor on a daily basis. My mother would light a camphor block every evening at the altar and then would carry the smoky block on a small brass plate to every room in the house, waving the fumes with her palm to spread it around the four corners. It was to purify the air. Maybe that could be why we rarely caught colds?
Carrots
★★★★★
(Texas)
01/04/2022
Antioxidants help sinus infections.
Bright colored vegetables and fruits such as berries, kiwi, pumpkin, papaya, sweet potatoes, and pineapple are all rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Pineapple also contains enzymes that break down the buildup on the sinuses and reduce inflammation.
Check for Infected Teeth
★★★★★
Chronic Sinus Infection Remedies
★★★★★
Buy a garlic press. Press 6 cloves of garlic, multiple times (taking the pulp and putting it back in again).
- Add garlic paste to 4 ounces of 100% olive oil.
- Add 4 drops Eucalyptus oil.
- Add 3 drops Oregano oil.
- Add 1 drop white thyme oil.
Sip this throughout the day.
This is a very powerful Candida killer, as well. So, if you have a problem with intestinal yeast... you might experience extreme problems with headaches, gas, bloating, severe mood swings, crying jags, anger attacks, panic attacks, etc. about the third day of doing this.
I would not recommend doing this unless you have already been doing things which kill candida and know you don't have a yeast problem.
You should also take about 1 cup of plain yogurt and add Multidophilus powder to it, then eat it after you've used the powerful garlic oil as I suggested.
If at all leery about what I just said, try using the garlic oil one time in the morning and one time at night for three days. If you have no strange symptoms, try increasing the number of times-per-day.
Because of the powerful essential oils in this, you will feel a slight burning sensation as you swallow. This is caused by the white thyme oil, which is a very powerful antibiotic, antifungal, anti-yeast and anti-viral.
I also mix up an expectorant drink. It, also, is anti-candida, anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial.
To one liter water add: 1 teas. turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon galangal or ginger powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon clove oil, 8 drops peppermint essential oil, 4 drops eucalyptus oil, 1 drop thyme oil.
This will loosten up the phlegm and get it to come out. It will also help raise any phlegm that might be in your lungs.
Realize that you might have a GERD condition. Sometimes GERD causes phlegm because as you sleep the stomach acids raise in the esophagus and irritate the skin. The body tries protecting the mucous membranes and thus forms.
Try raising your bed's head higher than your feet or buying a GERD pillow if you know you also have this problem.
Cinnamon, Clove and Oregano Oils
★★★★★
I did a search on Earth Clinic and found your letter. I only had the oregano essential oil, but I had powdered cinnamon and a bottle of cloves. I put in a tablespoon of cinnamon, about 20 cloves and one drop of Oregano Essential oil. I boiled it on the stove until it blended and then inhaled it for a few minutes.
My cough stopped almost immediately. When it came back I went and inhaled more. Cough left again. This works 100 times better than the cough medicine my physician gave me. Thanks so much.
Cinnamon, Clove and Oregano Oils
★★★★★
I regularly get sinus infections due to a deformity in one of my sinuses. Until a few years ago when I found this cure I had regular bronchitis and lastly in 2005 I had serious pneumonia. I opted out of health insurance years ago so I had to take responsibility for my own health.
I got onto one of those $39.95 sites with the magical cure but this one WORKED! So here it is for all of you.
The following essential oils are 89% antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal. Cinnamon, Clove and Oregano. First, get the best quality you can.
These oils work magic together BUT, you can use just one or a combo of two if that is all you can get. Put 2-3 drops of each oil in a steamer or a steaming pan of water. BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET THE OILS ON YOUR SKIN...They burn. Cinnamon and Clove burn. (Cinnamon Oil is the main ingredient of all those lip plumpers :-) Now, inhale the steam with your eyes closed and take it in as deeply as you possibly can, breathing through the nose and the mouth alternately. When I did this with my pneumonia, I felt a kind of crack in my lungs after three or four breaths and everything started to come loose. I coughed up all the guck and was completely well in 5 days. I was so sick that I had bruised my ribs from the coughing and I was very, very weak. Now at the first sign of anything respiratory, I do this. I have never had a reoccurence of bronchitis or pneumonia and very seldom get any sinus trouble anymore. How happy I am that we can all share these wonderful old rememdies with each other! Thanks to this site and all of you.
Coconut and Oregano Oils, Grapefruit Seed Extract
★★★★★
