Befriending the Netti Pot and Epsom Salts

Like many of you, the flu that is spreading like wildfire struck me! After several meetings with contagious co-workers, I contracted the flu despite my almost-obsessive efforts to prevent it (taking vitamin C, zinc lozenges, colloidal silver, vitamin A, eating tons of vegetables, and homemade chicken soup, washing my hands every half hour).

I had to live with Mr. Flu for about a week, but my symptoms were not nearly as severe as most people I know, probably due in part to avoiding sugar, drinking lots of kombucha, and continuing to eat a lot of vegetables.

The two things that comforted me the most were the Netti Pot and Epsom salts. Many grocery chains (like Whole Foods and Wegmans) as well as local health food stores sell Netti Pots. You fill it with warm water and add a teaspoon of sea salt (I’d add less at first because it can be harsh). You stand over a sink and tilt your head to one side, pouring the Netti into the nostril opposite the side you are tilting toward. The water will drain out the other nostril. And then repeat with the other nostril. This is such an effective method of decongesting your sinuses! Every night I took a hot bath, adding a cup of Epsom salts. Epsom salts have magnesium, which your skin will absorb, soothing aches and pains.

If you are struck with the flu, take good care of yourself. Nurse yourself back to better health; soon your blah feeling will be a distant memory!