Quick, Natural Relief for Ear, Nose, and Throat Problems

If you're troubled by frequent sore throats, sinus congestion and infections, or earaches, you know that the cure can be just as unpleasant as the illness. Whether you choose over-the-counter or prescription treatments, the side effects can be a nuisance. Repeated use of antibiotics can reduce their effectiveness, and even non-drowsy cold formulas usually list drowsiness as a possible side effect. Not to mention, frequent use of cold and sinus treatments quickly becomes costly.

You don't have to dash to the pharmacy with every stuffy head or scratchy throat. Look no farther than your kitchen cabinet for a cheap and effective way to treat congestion and even infections.

For sore throats:
1. Stir about a half of a teaspoon of table salt into a cup of warm tap water. Warmer water will do more to loosen congestion, but it should not be hot enough to cause discomfort.
2. Gargle a few times for about 10 seconds.

For earaches:
1. With the same salt solution, use an eye dropper to place several drops into your ear canal while lying on your side.
2. Leave the solution in your ear for at least half a minute.
3. Holding a cloth or paper towel to your ear, sit up to allow the solution to drain.

For nasal congestion or sinus infection:
1. With your head tilted back, use an eye dropper to apply salt solution to each nostril. Again, you'll want a towel or cloth handy, as the solution will drain once you are upright.

For maximum effectiveness, you should repeat treatments at least twice a day. Post-nasal drip should be treated with a combination of gargling and nose drops. Usually you will experience a reduction in symptoms almost immediately after treatment, especially with nasal congestion. You should feel more permanent relief in just a day or two.

It's true that salt water in your nose isn't a pleasant sensation. But the momentary discomfort is well worth how quickly you'll feel relief from your symptoms, and how much money you'll save on cold medication. Over-the-counter saline solutions are available, but with a lower salt concentration, they are not as effective at loosening congestion or fighting infection.

Natural remedies should never replace professional medical treatment, any more than over-the-counter treatments do. If you have a fever that persists, you should see your doctor immediately. But doctors have long admitted they have little ammunition against the common cold, and who wouldn't like to experience relief without the cost of an office visit?