Melissa Jones

I've had some misery with this virus/headcold. I've tried Alkalol before, in my neti pot, as a nasal rinse. Last time I didn't order it in time, and by the time I used it my sinuses were well past the virus and sinus infection stages, just very sensitive and painful. It didn't work so well at that point. I felt like I'd snorted curry powder! This time around though, I started using it much earlier on, while all I had was a virus.

For those not familiar with a neti pot or Sinucleanse, you pour a warm saline solution into one nostril, and it goes through the nasal passages/sinuses and out the other nostril. (You breath through your mouth.) After a couple tries, it's pretty easy, and that's coming from somebody who dislikes swimming or water in my nose. Alkalol is an alkaline saline solution that helps loosen mucus and clean your sinuses.

I also used only about 1/4 of the neti full of alkalol, with the rest just the usual saline mixture. I only pour it through for about the count of 3, then take a break to blow out my nose, then repeat, otherwise it really starts to make my eyes water.

It really helped this time, and I'm glad I had some on hand. I tried the decongestant and antihistimine nasal sprays that my dr. suggested, but they left a lasting irritation in my nose that almost defeated the purpose. (They can only be used for a couple days at a time anyway). The neti and alkalol had the same desired effect, with no side-effects.

I knew I needed to use my neti a few days ago when there was really a lot of dust and pollen in the air. I wish I'd followed through with that at the time, as I think all that dust didn't help me fight this virus.