Xylitol Nasal Spray
| 5 star (1) | 50% | |
 (1) |
50% |
★★★★★
After trying numerous different biocidal agents, from hydrogen peroxide to diluted Listerine, to clorhexidine mouthwash to colloidal silver, Xylitol stands out as the best one for the job. For not only does it have outstanding biocidal activity against pathogenic colonizations of the bacterial flora that typically reside in the human oronasal cavity, as confirmed by numerous studies to date. It also is, unlike all the other biocides mentioned (besides perhaps colloidal silver), not harmful to the mucosa in any way. Not only that: its application also actually helps to moisturize and thus lubricate the mucosa over and above saline solution. If my hunch is correct, this peculiar property of Xylitol helps to restore, during times of infection, the normal action of the cilia, those microhair-structures that push secreted mucus out and away from the site of the infection. What's more, Xylitol is readily soluble in water, and is thus a natural osmolyte, meaning that it alters the osmotic pressure water places upon the cells of your mucus membranes. A 5% solution contains the exact ratio of Xylitol to water that is needed to keep the solution isotonic to your body's cells, meaning that the solution will exert no untoward pressure on the cell membranes, and thus cause no further irritation of the mucosa. Whereas a hypotonic solution (5%) WILL cause irritation - something that must be avoided in order for the mucosa to effectively heal.
Unfortunately for the consumer, most commercial Xylitol products marketed for sinus health carry a hefty price tag - which is ridiculous, given how cheap the chemical itself is to manufacture, and how much Xylitol you're actually getting in a premade solution. Good thing that Xylitol is available in bulk form as a sweetener -- I purchased a 3 lb. Bag of Xylosweet bran from a local healthfood store for 20 dollars. Also, it's good news, I've discovered, that after over 10 years of having taken it in High School, I've just brushed up on my Chemistry by studying for and taking the Chemistry CLEP exam, which has really come in handy as of today.
For the past few weeks, I'd been making my own Xylitol solutions using store bought Xylitol crystals. I have not been exacting about the ratio of Xylitol to water until today, when it dawned upon me that trial and error wasn't really cutting it. My mucus membranes, reason being, were still feeling agitated by the act irrigating them; something, I reasoned, needed to change in my approach. So, taking an example from the studies and abstracts I'd read online, I set about trying to make a solution that was exactly 5% in my nasal irrigator, whose capacity is 240 ml.
Now, the specific gravity of Xylitol is 1.52 grams/ml, whereas water's is 1. What this means for our purposes as sinus sufferers, is that per every volume of water to be mixed, 0.075 of the same in Xylitol must be utilized to provide a 5% solution. For 240 ml of solution, this amounts to about 20 ml of Xylitol and 240 ml of water. Of course, I'm using crystalline Xylitol, which has air gaps etc. That makes for an imperfect conversion from volume to weight, but from the results I've experienced, I do believe that there is such a thing in this case as close enough. 20 ml amounts to about the same as a heaping tablespoon (roughly 4 teaspoons).
I have tried this amount and found that it makes for a very pleasant washing experience -- even smoother and more comfortable than what I've felt utilizing pre-mixed, store bought, buffered Neilmed sinus rinse packets. I use a pulsatile irrigator that can be purchased at most drugstores -- the NeilMed "Sinugator" -- and as a rule, I irrigate in multiple iterations per session, until all the purulent gunk has been pushed from the sinus cavity, and the discharge out of the exit nostril and into the sink runs completely clear.
After irrigating in this way today, I took an empty squeeze bottle of about 450 ml. In volume, and added 35 ml. of Xylitol to it, filling the rest with water, again attempting to recreate as close to a 5% solution as is practicable/necessary. I then squirted this solution into either nostril, while laying in bed, per a "sinus flooding" protocol originally developed by an ENT on the East coast for use with Mesosilver brand colloidal silver. To put it simply, I filled my sinuses up until solution was overflowing from the nostrils, and laid down in bed for about 5 minutes, my head flat on the bed with no pillow underneath it. Then, I pinched my nose and, while holding it, turned belly down, with my head leaning over the edge of the bed. I held the solution there for about a minute, discharged it into the sink, and irrigated one more time.
It's been about an hour since all this has transpired, and I am already feeling the positive effects. My right maxillary sinus cavity has been severely compromised by this disease over the years, with discharge often being bloody, and a practically permanent sensation of swelling and pain in the tissues that surround it, even when it's not acutely infected. The relief I'm currently experiencing from this is nothing short of remarkable, and I believe it has everything to do with keeping the ratio of Xylitol to water as exact as I can, with my methods being a little haphazard/inaccurate.
When I am able to purchase one in a few days, I am next going to try using a 5% Xylitol solution with a Vick's personal steam inhaler, which many sinus sufferers have rated highly on amazon.com. I will report back with my findings. Until then, I cannot say how encouraged I am by my findings today. I have lost so much health and hope owing to this disease, which prevents me from exerting myself at work, and also exercising routinely and vigorously -- something that someone wired like me needs to do to keep sane and healthy. As of now, it seems like this method, in combination with continuing to take care of my overall health, limiting dairy/lactose consumption, limiting/eliminating alcohol consumption, and refusing any kind of smoke inhalation, may just let me hit the gym and bang out some heavy squats and deadlifts very soon, without having to worry about getting yet another full blown sinus infection afterwards. I'm ecstatic about this, and hope it can help anyone else save some money and relieve themselves from suffering.
(Lafayette, La)
09/04/2012
(England)
04/05/2016
I've spent much of today reading all your problems and potential cures. I suffer. Chronic sinusitis from time to time. I have tried acupuncture, bought herbal tabs from same person. Tried cider vinegar, fluxonase nasal spay from the Dr.I believe this dose started with a combination of things: mainly the cold air & constantly changing climate including the damp. I was given a course of antibiotics called Clarithromycin dose 500 mg which can certainly help, but as I saw the clinician she was clearly being careful and just gave me a 5 day course. Unfortunately this isn't enough. Two days later I saw the doctor and prescribed a further course of the same 7dys. I believe they help if given soon enough, which in this case they weren't. I kept going but my upper body ached and I did spring cleaning which involved scrubbing several things that has accumulated damp throughout the winter.
After reading your letters I now realise mine is also caused by fungus as well as allergy to cold air. In this case I also had a tooth out which had a small abscess by it- clearly this hasn't helped. So after dentist I went shopping, someone has to do it! I started to feel pretty unwell, eg no strength, ears blocked, couldn't breathe properly, latter been going on for several weeks. I had to go to bed, keep warm. No point phoning dr as she would only refer me to ENT( ear, nose, throat) at hospital, already been down that route incl camera down nose- which if you are worried doesn't hurt at all, as nostrils numbed with a spray, also had a scan previously. So to treat myself. I shop ( asda) own version of Vick.
Put small, eg., quarter teaspoon, into inhaler I bought, added hot water and inhaled. This inhaler has a piece that covers mouth and nose. I covered my eyes with a cloth as they smarted the first time.
ALSO I'd forgotten I had a homeopathic remedy from a previous episode. These are called nat. mur. 30c by nelsons available from health shop eg in England Holland and Barratt. Ask in shop for how to use as writing on side of container is very small, also ask them to open them as this isn't always easy either. Press the bottom of the container fairly hard until 2 pills drop into the lid. Do not touch them with your hand but pop straight into your mouth. Chew or suck. Follow instructions, which say adult dose is 2 pills every 2 hrs for first 6 doses then 4 times daily for 5 days or until symptoms improve. They cost around £6 for a tube of approx 84 pills.I have inhaled now for 3 days, you can use a bowl+Vick+hot water and head over bowl method with a towel covering so you inhale the steam if you haven't an inhaler unit. I have drunk plenty of hot drinks, mainly weak fruit juice.
After 4 days I'm starting to feel a lot better. I aim to have a bath as the steam will help. Thank you all for all your encouragement. I look forward to your feedback.
(Australia Gc)
05/30/2016
I am reading these treads and not sure where to jump in. I have a chronic sinusitis, now for over 2 years everything I have tried just does not stop it. All I am doing it trying everything I that I read as I am running out of ideas, even trying to reduce inflammation in the body hoping it will all settle down [with supps], it has consumed my life as my whole day revolves around flushing and taking supplements. Now I am not sure if everyone gets the same symptoms or not but I will ask, does everyone get bad brain fog sometimes to the extent when I can hardly function, eg I was at the ENT surgeon the other week and I was in a mental daze not sure what happened. This mental daze is a big concern.
The infection is Antibiotic resistant and each day is a struggle to do things
Has anyone know how effective a BSD treatment verses a FESS treatment is?? I know the FESS leaves scar tissue and is not effective in all cases, because of the infection and scarring can be problematic??
Can you long time sufferers please help me as I am researching and researching trying to find a solution .
(Usa)
05/31/2016
Hi Nick, I heard this trick recently and thought you might want to give it a try.
Take some liquid out of a jar of real fermented sauerkraut, which is packed full of beneficial bacteria. Sauerkraut is easy to make yourself if you cannot find it at your local grocery (in the refrigerated section). Dip a cotton swab into the liquid and swab the inside of your nose. Since you have had this infection for some time it may take longer to get under control. Natural remedies can take longer to work.
You may want to add some fermented foods to your diet, as well, to boost your immunity. Kefir is a good one.
There is a great liquid probiotic made by livingstreamsmission that can be nebulized if the sauerkraut liquid swab does not work for you.
Good luck!
(Australia Gc)
05/31/2016
Hi Lucy thanks for the tip, as some have said I have also thrown the kitchen sink at it! I am taking probiotic, but have amped it up last month with some from iherb 150 billion .But have not used it in the flush yet. I have tried most things in the flush [most of what everyone says they use ]it is crazy as I can flush about a dozen times a day. I am working on my gut as it is the main part of the immune system and also, last week I started taking supps to reduce inflammation.
(Australia Gc)
06/01/2016
(Minnesota)
05/31/2016
(Australia Gc)
05/31/2016
Hi Shelly, thanks for the feedback, I have just started that this week a combo of Serrapeptase + Nattokinase . It is to break down the biofilm of the bacteria, I am taking other supps as well to break down this biofilm which the bacteria have and then become resistant to treatment . I am rotating supps so I do no build up resistance, As I said I am throwing everything at this.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Xylitol Nasal Spray
(Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
08/24/2011
Hi Francisca - I have a recipe (probably the same as yours) for xylitol nose spray but I haven't made any yet. I use the neti pot every night and it seems to have resolved any sinus problems. I also use a Q-Tip and put a few drops of oil in my nostrils to prevent them from drying out (it's very dry here). I use sesame oil but I'm sure any good oil would do.
Xylitol Nasal Spray
>1/2 cup distilled water
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1-1/2 teaspoons Xylitol
2 drops GSE
Pinch baking soda
Do AM and PM
Tilt head forward (bend over slightly). Spray twice in each nostril - keep head tilted forward for 15 to 30 seconds to allow spray to penetrate. Lay down for a few minutes to allow solution to enter sinus.
If your mixture is cloudy, I wouldn't use it. Actually, I wonder if you would need the GSE at all if you keep the mixture in the fridge to preserve it. Personally, I think the GSE would sting. Try making the recipe without the GSE, keep it in the fridge for preservation and see how that works.
I was wondering, since you sneeze during the night and first thing in the morning, could it be your pillows? My husband got a new pillow (I don't sleep with pillows) and he has been very stuffed up every morning lately although he's fine after a hot shower. Maybe there is something in your pillows that doesn't agree with you. I know there are special "anti-allergy" pillows, pillowcases, etc. you can buy.
Hope you find something that works for you. Take care, Bess
(Somewhere, Europe)
08/24/2011
Francisca: I've had a lot of success with those millions of sneezes and runny nose, by just rinsing with diluted HP (the regular stuff from the store) and breathing thru my mouth while the stuff is still there, oh, maybe for 1/2 minute. I do this a few times a day when I have anything going on with nose/throat/lungs.
I bet you can do that with Xylitol and whatever else you want, melted in water, and just breathe thru it while it is in your mouth.
(Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France)
08/24/2011
(Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France)
08/24/2011
Thanks Bess, I can't find the recipe I used for the nose spray but I think that it is the same you have. Of course I can try again and keep it in the fridge! Only two drops of GSE shouldn't make a lot of difference other than preservation. You came up with the right idea saying that my nose problems could come from the pillow but somehow I don't think so as we travel a lot and I have this everywhere. Sometimes also during the day. And on the top of the pillow case I put a satine pillow case (seems to be good against wrinkles and for the hair). And my pillow is anti-allergic. I think that all my allergy like nose problems come from an over sensitivity to temperature changes, therefore I have them during the night as somehow my body temperature seems to go down (have had this since I was a child, sometimes better, sometimes worse) and I go to the bathroom meaning that I get cooler when I get up. The same happens in the morning. Even if I read in bed I tend to sit up so I am colder than while I was sleeping. Anti-histamines stop all this but I try to avoid them. My hope was that the xylitol spray would quiten all the sneezing and nose running.
(Somewhere, Europe)
08/25/2011
No, Francisca, no need to get complicated. I just dilute the regular Hydrogen Peroxide 3% further in water in the cover of the HP container, put it in my mouth (NO SWALLOWING) and swish it around in my mouth and then just breathe some breaths while it is still in my mouth. I got the idea from Bill Monroe's inhalation system. I thought: if he squirts it in there, maybe just breathing while it's in my mouth, will help too, and for me, it does!
Xylitol Nasal Spray
(Austin, TX)
02/06/2009
oh wow. i love xylitol. i am diabetic and have not been able to eat sugar for years. since i found xylitol i have occasionally used it for mouth rinses and also on foods when i want a sweetener. you know that it is poisonous for dogs?
well, i just want to say that i ate a tablespoon of xylitol (hahaha) mixed with VCO and cocoa powder and peanuts.... you probably know what happened...
i had very bad cramps and diaharreah (sp?) the next day... be careful with the amount of xylitol you use - i don't know if snorting it into your sinuses can have this effect - but it is a crazy side effect IMO.
i also use a home-made version of a neti pot. what i do is put sea-salt (and occasionally a little baking soda too) in a glass of warm water and hold one nostril closed and stick the other one in the solution and inhale it. it comes out my mouth and washes down my throat. i can't get it to come out my other nostril using this method - but it does seem to wash allergins, etc. from my sinuses.
djh
(North Port, FL)
06/28/2009
I am inquiring to the last paragrafh of your e-mail. I have been suffering with sinusitis for 5 days now I went to the doctor two days ago and she put me on 500mg Amoxicillin which sorry to say doesn't seem to be helping I tried the baking soda, sea salt with the water this morning and immediately noticed a difference in my being able to breathe better. After you tried this did you have any further complications that I should be aware of?
