When dealing with seasonal allergies, dry coughs and scratchy or sore throats, we must remember that the effected tissues are a little different than other tissues in our body. These areas include the sinuses, adenoids, and tonsillar tissues. When you take a supplement and/or a medication, it will have to go through the entire blood stream to get back to the these areas and research is now showing that sometimes it doesn’t even make it back to the tonsils or adenoids at all. Viruses and Bacteria love to attach and make their home in this dense and porous tissue. Even dust can settle here and cause stuffiness and night time snoring. If you have allergies, a sore throat, or a cough that persists, you should contact your healthcare provider. If you’re just starting to feel that little scratch or drip, or if you have an issue with snoring or dust allergies, there are ways you can catch it before it becomes a bigger problem. My best advice is to handle the tissues from the source. A Neti pot is one great way to clear the sinuses and wipe out the bacteria, viruses, and dust or other irritants. This is a ‘genie in a bottle’ shaped vessel that allows you to pour a sea salt solution through the sinuses to flush out the junk. It takes a little practice to use, but once you’ve got it, you’ll be amazed at the benefits. If you are someone who suffers from chronic sinus problems and/or allergies, I highly recommend using the Neti pot daily until your symptoms subside (along with the essential oils listed below). For post nasal drip causing coughing and sore throats, the fastest way to the tonsillar tissue is to gargle. We use this recipe for gargling:

GARGLE RECEIPE

1 heaping tablespoon of Sea Salt

2 – 3 drops of Iodine (optional but recommended)

2 tablespoons of Peroxide

8 ounces of Purified Water

When using this recipe, the solution makes direct contact with the tonsillar tissue to help clear it out at the source. Put it into a glass jar with a lid and use a mouthful every 30 minutes for 3 days. Gargle it for at least 30 seconds each time. If you would like to use it on your children, put it into a spray container and spray it on the back of the throat.

As an aside, If you have had your tonsils and/or adenoids removed, you can still use the gargle, spray, and/or Neti pot with great results. And check out my book on Amazon "Allergies Made Easy, Your Complete Guide to Eliminating Your Allergies Once and For All".  Remember to consult your healthcare provider before using these or any other natural alternative suggestions.