Why are we asking this now?
The arrival of winter brings home another popular discomfort of nose blockage or congestion due to allergies and cold infection. It is caused when airborne virus affects the nose causing the body to release chemical named histamine, that enhances blood flow to the nose causing inflammation and produce offensive nasal discharge which blocks the air-passage resulting in nose-congestion and subsequent discomfort in breathing. There are, however, two school of thoughts to deal with this offense; one is consuming over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal decongestant and the other is a more natural and time tested cure by the usage of Neti-Pots.
Is there a right answer?
The Neti Pot has been an age-old invention originating from Ayurveda. It is a tea-pot like structure and requires you to pass saline warm water through one opening of your nose to the other by tilting your head over one side and parallel to the floor, thereby cleaning the nose of blockages and dirt. The procedure might seem a little weird but is organic, unpretentious and involves no side effects or chemical-intake. Nasal decongestants, on the other hand, are basically drugs like phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine paired with antihistamines. Available in the form of gel caps, capsules, syrup, nasal sprays, etc., it is popular because of ready availability and belief of instant results. However, with people clamoring more for organic stuff, the scales are definitely tilted towards the Neti-pots with the right combination of natural decongestants.
The Neti-Pot Story
On one hand
It is thoroughly an organic method practiced for more than thousand years through Ayurvedic treatments and has displayed no side effects. The neti-pot helps clear both head colds and also in curing sinuses. It is non addictive unlike the decongestants and can be assembled at home without a visit to the medical store in times of need. It helps you keep away from antibiotics that cause further harm to our body structure. For breast feeding mothers, pregnant ladies or people suffering from allergies and other serious diseases, this could be an harm free option. A regular clean up of the nose through this procedure ensures good riddance of air-pollutants, pollen and bacteria trapped in the nostrils preventing further internal infections. After usage, the benefits are instantly visible when you breather freely and clearly without any obstruction.
On the other hand
Availability of the Neti-pot, however, is not guaranteed in all places. Some people find the process to be rather bizarre when contrasted with an easy pill in the mouth or spoonful of syrup. The cleaning of the pot is also a vital issue as germ and contamination from previous usage can further encourage spread of the disease. It also does not possess a lid to keep out debris and external elements from getting into the pot, so the storage is an important issue to look in.
Bottomline
Neti-pot promotes good nasal health and is widely relevant to treat chronic sinusitis, facial pain, headaches, coughs too.
The Nasal-decongestants Story
On one hand
Easy availability marks nasal decongestant’s popularity and scale. It also can be stored easily at home. Moreover, they are easy to consume and readily accepted by individuals. It also helps reduce the mucus formation to help the situation better.
On the other hand
Over the counter treatments like that of nasal decongestants have been reportedly caused more harm when taken without the doctors’ advice. Taken over long period of time it damages our immunity system and cause further side-effects. Although its effect shows sooner, decongestants grant instant gratification without affecting the basic symptoms. The medicines cause the blood vessels in the nose to narrow down for a specified time-gap after which the situation returns back to the earlier position calling for some more applications. Furthermore, antihistamine medicines make one drowsy, cause headaches, nausea, palpitations and other side effects that hamper health situations in the long run. Specially considering pregnant ladies, mothers who are breast feeding, people allergic to antihistamines, suffering from high blood pressure issues, children, etc. can be reversely affected by these drugs.
Bottomline
The use of drug is better avoided and should be checked for detailed description before consumption. However, the topical ones like nasal sprays or vapor-rubs are definitely more helpful and convenient to use specially when out in public areas.
Wrap-Up
Natural treatments are, however, always the one that is beneficial in the long term. Here we need to consider the polluted atmosphere that surrounds us and the amount of chemicals that goes into our body in the form of pesticides, germicides and regular medication drugs. A little less if possible is always a better choice to keep our internal structure healthier. People are more conscious now and often opt for natural and organic lifestyle. Then why not go for a natural nasal decongestant like steam intake, some spicy chicken soup paired with the Neti pot to effectively darn that cold.
