There are many “home” remedies for clearing nasal congestion and sinusitis through cleaning the nasal passages, usually involving passing a saline solution through them, e.g.
Pouring a neti pot (Image from Science-based Medicine article.)
A recent Cochrane review, Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis, supports use of this technique originating from an ancient Ayurvedic practice. Read the full story at the Science-based Medicine blog. Do take note of the caution that this is likely only to be beneficial in moderation.
Yes, yes, I only put this up to show the photo. It’s fetching, arresting, isn’t it?!
I want to make clear that the reason this ancient practice can be considered valid is that it has been tested, not because it’s “ancient wisdom” or some equally fuzzy notion!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Sciblogs NZ, Grant Jacobs. Grant Jacobs said: Cleaning that grotty nose with a neti pot: now validated science? http://tinyurl.com/ykr6b3o [...]