After a Politically-Charged Week, Let Us Unwind by Discussing Nasal Passages

A couple of weeks ago I got The Plague.  And by "The Plague", I mean a "summer cold".  An over-statement, perhaps, but have you had a summer cold lately?  It will knock a girl out.  Mine was made all the more lovely by the fact that it occurred when my husband was out of town on business.  Needless to say, it was a free-for-all of Domino's and DVDs at my house.  The kids loved it, although I have to say that I missed, you know, breathing. 

My sweet new bloggy friend Patsy told me that what I really needed was a neti pot.  She promised it was a sure remedy of The Plague, and that my beleagured nasal passages would thank me.  I trust Patsy on matters of spiritual significance, so I figured I could certainly trust her regarding mucous removal.

The problem was, I had no idea what a neti pot was.  So I Googled it.

Oh, my word.  This is what I found (and really, you have to watch at least the first half of this video before you read any further):

First of all, let me just say that whatever the neti pot people were paying that actress, it wasn't enough.  I can think of several things I would put on my list of Things I Don't Want The Internet To Watch Me Do, and topping the list would certainly be flushing snot out of my nose.

But I was desperate for relief, so the first thing the next morning, I loaded the kids into the van and went to Walgreens, in my pajamas.  I have never done that in my entire life, and I'm sure that my Southern grandmother was rolling in her grave. 

(And strangely enough, the Walgreens check-out guy pointed at my pants and asked, "Pajamas?"  And I wanted to say, "No, mister, I ALWAYS walk around in faded flannel pants covered with little cows jumping over the moon.  YES, THEY'RE PAJAMAS, and anyway, isn't this a pharmacy?  Aren't there bed-ridden sick people coming in here all the time?  Were you really expecting a cocktail dress?"  But I didn't say all that; I just looked at him sadly and blew my nose.)

Where was I?

Oh yes, the neti pot.  Here's what mine looks like:

I took my new little remedy home and read the instructions.  I was dubious; the whole thing looked to me like something that the Geneva Convention should be debating as a torture procedure.  But if you were paying attention in Western Civ 101, you know that closed-up nasal passages have a long history of driving women to recklessness. 

And I went for it.

As a result of my experience, here are some Eternal Neti Pot Truths that I can share with you:

1.  The first few times you do it, you will not be as graceful and calm as the woman in the video.  There will be snorting and coughing and near drowning, and it will not be pretty.

2.  It is best not done in front of an audience, especially an audience of little boys who are fascinated by anything related to body fluids.

3.  But if you reconsider on #2, above, those same little boys will think you are very, very cool.

4.  And?  Remarkably?  It works.  When I finished, there was actual oxygen flowing through my nasal passages.  It was a wonder.

And just when you think that I couldn't possibly have anything else to say about a little plastic implement designed for snot removal, I will tell you that oh yes, I can.  Because after my first treatment, I set the neti on the counter to dry.  A couple of hours later, I noticed it had disappeared.  I searched, high and low, all through the house.  Finally, I found this in my three-year-old daughter's room:

My sweet little daughter was having a tea party with my snot-removal mechanism.  Oh, I shuddered. 

Let's hope nobody in this family needs a bedpan anytime soon, or My Little Pony may have a questionable new watering hole.

Comments

[MamaHenClucks]

Thanks for the laugh out loud!

[Heather]

Oh my word, between the video and your list of Eternal Neti Pot Truths, I am sitting here laughing with tears rolling down my face. THANK YOU! After a long day, I need a good laugh!

[Susie]

I wish I hadn't watched that poor woman leak saline from her nose.

[Rebekah]

PLEASE forgive me for being a little off color here, but whoever mentioned they thought the shape of the spout was ... interesting? Sorry, but I had the same thought. Ahem.

I've also heard that they work great for fighting allergies. Flushes out all the pollen, etc. I will be trying it next spring ... or the next time I get a cold!

[Ronda]

I had heard of a neti pot before. I've been thinking about getting one to prevent sinus infections (like the one I currently have). Thanks for your insights & the sharing of the funny parts. I hope you're feeling better soon!

[Melanie]

"Somebody poisoned the water hole!"

[Tree Climbing Adventures]

A neti pot tea party! That's classic. My husband walked in the first time I used mine and I just had to look at him at say, "Whatever was left of the mystery is all gone now, ain't it?" Yup. But at least I could breathe.

[Christina Z]

I'm so jealous that you are such a good friend of Patsy!!!! I love her (but I only know her from speaking at Woman of Faith and her books).

[Kim]

I tried this (and watched the video) for the first time in April. I had, what I thought at the time were bad allergies...then I went on a women's retreat in the mountains. Once I got up said mountain, I KNEW it was not allergies and after spending a miserable weekend up there I came back and bought one on the advice of several women at the retreat.

I poured the water in and it STOPPED!! I was SO plugged up it had no where to go...so off to the doctor I go. I had a sinus infection and an ear infection!! Okay, so once all the snot started to break up the neti pot worked great, but I must have sinusus the size of the grand canyon, cause I blew my nose for WEEKS on end!

I'm sure that was more than you all wanted to know...but that is my neti pot experience.

Love your daughter's use for it though. Sounds like something my youngest would do...and she's 11!
Blessings,
Kim

[Phebe]

Oh, Shannon, this made me literally laugh out loud! My 2 yr old just walked up while I was laughing and said "look, mom! A teapot!" Then I was laughing even harder, of course...

Phebe

[Missy]

I don't have a Neti Pot, but we do the same thing with a bulb syringe ("snot sucker") around here. We're quite enthusiastic about it. My kids think it's pretty cool to see the water go in one nostril and come out the other.

Every summer, my eldest gets a summer cough that won't go away. She usually ends up needing an antibiotic. This summer I hosed her nose every night and morning, and her cough went away in two days!

I told a friend about it last week. She was miserable with a sinus headache and maybe a sinus infection. After two days of nasal irrigation, her sinuses were totally cleared up! It works!

[kare Anderson]

I, too, have had success with the N. pot yet have found a preventive approach that has worked so far. That is getting an air cleaner that attaches to my home furnace aka "hvac" system. When they use electronic air filters they keep the air throughout my home more clean than fresh air. For those with asthma or other allergies, not "just" colds, it makes a big difference

[kelly]

this is awesome. i love that little girl is now playing tea party with it!

[Debbie]

I went to Walgreens to pick one up (before your post) and they were out. Can you believe that? The hottest thing right now is a snot remover?
Well my sister in law cracked me up after we went to visit them and as I was leaving she ran up to me to show me her "snot sucker" (what I call it). She should have been on a commercial. Can't wait until I am that excited. :)

[Lynnet]

Okay, this was way too funny! I can certainly understand that Mom is now one cool lady! The things we do! After reading your post and talking to my dr. (I just had surgery for a deviated septum and blocked sinuses a week ago), I bought one. After LOCKING my bathroom door (9 yr. old would think it was cool as well), I tried it. About drowned myself on the first try, but after that it was much better. I had to say, it helped tremendously!!! Thanks for posting the giggle of the day. :)

[daring one]

Oh gosh Shannon. My kids totally use it as a tea pot whenever I'm not looking and it completely sicks me out!

I could never really get it to work for me but have switched to flushing with a squeeze bottle. There will be no YouTube video to corroborate this.

[Amy]

That is so funny! Snot pot for a tea pot. I will never drink tea out of a tea pot again. From on it will only be brewed tea and then straight to my cup.
love your blog.
~Amy

[Jeana]

Snot your ordinary tea party.

We were just talking about Corrie this morning, and her bright eyes and smile and adorable personality. Love that girl!

[Elfie33]

I just see the boys. My son when he was small love to regal me with the grossness of things. You made me laugh, but I sure am glad your able to breath again...that's pretty important. :)

[Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba)]

I saw that one coming! Ha! Too funny. :) Glad you're feeling better.

I saw someone at Walgreens in her bath robe once. I immediately thought "Bless her heart." Some southerners say "Bless her heart" to mean "What a moron." Not me. I wanted someone to actually bless her heart, because she was so sick that she didn't feel well enough to change clothes before she went to Walgreens. I would have thought "Bless her heart" if I'd seen you, too... and also in the non-moronic meaning of the phrase. :)

But I agree; it IS a pharmacy/drugstore. If a person can't wear her night attire there, where can one... apart from one's home, I mean. :)

[carol]

I've wondered if that pot would work. Plus it is multi-use! A boy entertainment opportunity that doesn't involve video games and a tea pot. What more could your ask.

[carol]

I've wondered if that pot would work. Plus it is multi-use! A boy entertainment opportunity that doesn't involve video games and a tea pot. What more could your ask.

[Mama C]

this is the funniest thing I've read all week. My 3yr old and 5 yr old just watched this with me and my 5 yr old son was so intrigued watching the video that he did not want to go outside & play when a friend came to the door. Now that is funny to me. Thanks for the laugh.

[LeeAnn (AKA Frazzmom)]

I discovered the benefits of sinus flushing earlier this year when I had a sinus infection. My husband offered to make a video of me flushing so that I could post in on my blog, but I declined.... After all, watching someone flush green snot out of her nose is just not pretty.

It could have been great for my stats though!

[The Roost]

Girl that is amazing! Speechless really.....kinda freaky.....I am getting one tomorrow.

[Missy @ It's Almost Naptime]

Ok, I must make some comments on the video.

1) Good to see Squeaky Fromme is getting some acting gigs. She needed a new hobby.

2) Did you notice that the narrator's voice sounds, well, congested? Hello? Marketing?

3) That is one sad little bathroom. Green gunk on the faucet and all. I guess prisoners can't be choosers.

4) I love how she tells you "if needed, adjust your head position by bending closer to the sink." Thank you for that wisdom.

This was one of my favorite posts you have ever written, by the way.

[Angie]

Oh my goodness! The actress looks like a Stepford wife. She is a little TOO serene.

[Tammy Elrod]

Thank you for the greatest laugh I have had this week! I loved the story, especially the part at the end with the Neti pot at the tea party. Just to consider another option for a similar result: I use an ear syringe with room temp salt water. Mix 1/3 tsp of salt with 1 cup water. (Water should feel neither hot nor cold). Gather water in the syringe, close one side of the nose, place tip in other side, and close nose around tip. Squeeze water gently into nose, then let it drip out removing the other "excretions" along with it. Alternate sides until all water is gone, then blow nose gently. I have used this for years and it oftens keeps me from having to be treated for a sinus infection. It also gives instant relief from the pain and pressure in the sinus cavities. On a similar kid "funny" note - I am forever having to hunt down my ear syringe because my 5 year old daughter and 7 year old son are fascinated by it. I never know where I might find it next. I hope you feel better soon. Tammy

[Stonefox]

This one ROCKS!! Awesome fun! I have one of those pots, but haven't hitched up the courage to use it. Well, I think I just found the inspiration I need, thanks to you!

[Qtpies7]

I have seen those. I just cannot fathom doing it. Not even with a horrid summer cold. I have a fear of water in my nose and, oh, I don't know, DROWNING. I certainly don't want to inflict that upon myself.
Even if it works.

[megank]

Really funny!! I had to laugh softly b/c the computer is in the baby's room, but had he not been in here I would have laughed way loud.

I thought about trying the pot, but opted for an allergy shot. If that doesn't work, I'm off to by the pot; Neti Pot that is.

[Polka Dot Mommy]

I had to share that video with Hubby. That's just ICK. But I am pondering where I might be able to find one! :)

Cheers!
Jamie

[Joy]

Oh my Gosh....dying laughing. I'm a mom of three boys. They would love it!

[Stretch Mark Mama]

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!

And one more thing?

HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE!

But you know--4.6 months from now, all sorts of people are going to be back at your blog, trying to remember what in the snot was the name of that hilarious contraption--so they can unstuff their sinuses.

[Deborah]

That is funny! I love my Netipot.. my sinuses are so much better since I started using it regularly. It's not my favorite thing to do, but it sure gives me a lot of relief!

[shellie]

Thanks for giving me entertainment today! Too funny about where your neti pot ended up..=0)

[Tracy]

I have the plague. I hope I live until the pharmacy opens, I will be the one crawling to the snot aisle in my pajamas and flip flops.

[Jackie]

You are hysterical! Seriously! I need to re-read this blog post when I need a good laugh.

[Kathy C.]

That was absolutely hilarious!!!! :) Oh my...I think one of my favorite bits from above is...
3. But if you reconsider on #2, above, those same little boys will think you are very, very cool.
Having a son myself, I totally understand this. :)
Love the tea-party, Oh, I bet you were just wondering if she drank out of it, lol. :)

[Christee Evans]

This is a hilarious story. I have never heard of a Neti Pot...until now. I'm not sure if I would ever be daring enough to try it, but it will depend on how sick I feel! You're right, the video is a little disturbing to watch. I never knew you coudl even do that without choking! I'm glad that it worked for you & your daughter was able to find another use for it though!!

[Tammy]

Hilarious! I'm one of those who doesn't go underwater without plugging my nose, but since sinus surgery three years ago I've become a big sinus irrigation fan. I'd rather flush that stuff out in the privacy of my own bathroom than try to blow it out at the office.

I have to second the commenter who says that NeilMed's Sinus Rinse is much easier to use. Same brand as your cute pot, but its a squeezing action, rather than the turn-and-pour.

Great post!

[Ann Voskamp (Holy Experience)]

(Can I just slip in with a Saturday morning whisper, that several times yesterday this little story bobbed again to the surface of my running stream of thoughts and made me smile. Shannon? You write, girl. Thank you.)

[nottryingforaboy]

Too funny. I've been debating on getting a neti pot for a couple years now. I should just do it.

[Stacy]

Ours looks exactly like that. I wish I could get my hubby to use it more often since his sinuses are perpetually plugged- so much so that he often can't get the water to go through.
LOL about the teapot.

[Carol Shrader]

OH, I'm so laughing out loud. And God love that actress...she was hilarious and yet, very informative. I had never heard of a Neti pot...but after seeing it, I was certain it would be used as a teapot in my home as well...so was glad your daughter thinks the same! :)

[cherry]

First time here...and uh almost wet my pants....toooo funny..I was lauging outloud. love your blog. cherry

[sometimessophia]

Hysterical post! I've wondered if this product works in RL. Thanks, I may be brave enough to try one now.

The tea party scene is priceless...

[Organizing Mommy]

I can not stop laughing. I had no idea there was a way to connect your nostrils like that.

Wow.

[Anissa@Hope4Peyton]

Ok, I am the ONLY one that thinks the spigot on that pot looks more than a little pornographic. I'm sorry, I can't help it. There is no way I could stick THAT in my nose!

[mkmlane]

Oh....this is my first visit to your site and I think I peed my pants laughing. You made me forget about my headache for a second. Thank you! I hope you are feeling better soon!!!

[Dawn]

Thank you soooo much for posting this. My DS and I suffer sinus issues...him more than me, but I have been giving this idea a lot of thought. I'm glad to know a real person has tried it and found it actually worked...I'll be getting mine today!!

[Julie Gillies]

Thanks, Shannon, for the laugh.

[Cindy Anderson]

Yep, you have struck gold and the secret to nasal happiness. I first heard about it from Dr Oz (Oprah Show)). I gave a neti pot to my husband (of 40 years) for Christmas (he is very difficult to buy for) and he loved it! And I don't have to hear him snorting and gagging salt water from his hand every morning! I share the neti pot knowledge with everyone that has a sinus problem... it's just a little personal crusade I am on.

[Courtney]

That dang little genie lamp cured my chronic sinus infections after only 3 days, and I had been on every medication in the universe. I'm all for them!

[Jessica]

This totally works! My husband and I have been using the neti pot for over one year. Every time we start feeling our throat getting scratchy, we use the neti pot 2 times a day and the sickness never embeds. I HIGHLY recommend this thing. :)

[Patsy Clairmont]

Glad I could contribute to your "healing journey."

Carry on!!

[GiBee]

Oh, my word -- priceless!!!

[Abby]

Oh my dd just asked why are you laughing mom...too funny! Email me I would love to have you do a guest feature spot on our blog. We could use some laughs!!

[Amber]

You are too hilarious! I love the neti pot! I have a clay one...I am sure my little Evelyn will be using for tea parties soon! Agh!

[Amy @ MomsToolbox]

Oh my gosh!
I know you have like a million other comments on this one, but I am laughing so hard I can't help but leave another one.

My parents have been singing the praises of those things for years and I have been deathly afraid. (eeeyw!)

Next time the need arises, I guess I'll head to Walgreeens in my Pjs, too. And then let the boys (ages 5 and 7) watch. And then check my daughter's (age 2) room for the teapot.

Oh my goodness, you make the whole, ungracious thing sound so hilarious! And I hope you are still feeling much better. :)

[Lee Ann]

Shannon, very well said and it brought a smile to my face. Welcome to the world of the netty! I use one when I get the least bit congested, but Reed can't stand them. I will say that yours is a lot cooler looking than mine, though. Wanna trade? :)

[Sara]

Yet another reason I LOVE your blog... I had to link you a feeble "award". It's hanging out over at my blog...

And yes, the Neti works. Although - yours looks WAY too much like a tea pot... Mine is the one in your video clip. My 6 year old daughter is a champ at it - rocked at it at the age of 5 - WAY better than mom at the snot flush - even keeping her hair dry in the process.

Blog on...

[pam]

I have had two reconstructive sinus surgeries and I use a squirt bottle with pre measured packets by Neil Med. I recomend the in the shower method it works like a charm.

[shannon martinez]

Okay. I am laughing out loud. I skipped the nettipot and went right to the "snot rocket" as my 6 yo obsessed with bodily fluids son calls it. By the way...it works great for their little colds and sniffles too and the grosser the "output" the more entertained they are! The snot rocket can be viewed at www.sinusrinse.com

[Elaine]

I am pretty sure the other 164 commenters before me have probably said this too but can I just say that I will NOT be by your house for a tea party anytime soon? Just sayin... ; )