Moisten the nasal mucosa with saline solutions

Moisten the nasal mucosa with saline solutions

09/05/2012

Nasal sprays clear the nose, but at the same time dry out the mucous membranes. A good alternative is mild saline solutions. They rid the nose of annoying colds and contribute to the moistening of the nasal mucosa.

Conventional nasal sprays dry out the nasal mucosa
Experts advise against cold or hay fever to mild salt solutions instead of conventional nasal sprays. The latter dry out the nasal mucosa, so that the nose is cleared of the cold, but at the same time attacked. On the other hand, saline solutions have a moisturizing effect, so that the mucous membranes do not dry out and even cure is promoted, reports Johannes Gottfried Mayer from the research group Klostermedizin of the University of Würzburg. They could also be used preventively, explains Mayer. Because well-moistured nasal membranes protected against invading foreign matter. This is for example beneficial for allergy sufferers with hay fever and could alleviate the symptoms.

Salt has been a well-known natural medicine since antiquity. „Today, bathing in very saline water - such as in the Dead Sea - or corresponding spas, for example, psoriasis is used very successfully“, explains the expert.

To prevent colds with saline solutions
Nasal rinses also have a preventative effect against colds. Ten percent saline solutions (saline or Ems salt) are very well suited and easy to prepare. Likewise, water or herbal preparations can be used for nasal irrigation. They are sucked directly from the hand over the nostrils. Nasal showers are also available in pharmacies and drugstores. Anyone who uses the rinses regularly should thus prevent the development of a cold. (Ag)

Read about:
Moist room air against dry noses
Self-treatment for a cold
Home remedies for colds

Image: Dieter Schütz