2 easy ways to keep sicknesses at Bay in Winter
2 Ayurvedic tools to keep sicknesses at bay in Winter:
Neti Pot & Oil pulling!
Truly a magnificent science that keeps showing us the way to self-care and self-healing with ancient tools that are so simple and incredibly efficient.
Neti pot and oils swashing both take part on of an Ayurvedic “daily routine” AKA DINACHARYA in Sanskrit.
What is Neti Pot?
Neti pot is an nasal irrigation. A personal hygiene practice in which the nasal cavity is washed with warm water and good quality salt to flush out mucus and debris from the nose and sinuses.
Benefits:
Clear the nostrils to allow free breathing.
Remove excess mucous.
Reduce pollen or allergens in nasal passages.
Relieve nasal dryness.
Reduce cold and flu symptoms.
Alleviate sinus headaches.
Improve sense of smell and taste.
Reduce snoring.
How to do it?
The neti pot is filled with a saline solution. Add ½ teaspoon of sea salt to two cups of warm water. It’s important that the water you use is purified. Do not use tap water. If you don’t have purified water, you can use tap water that is boiled which will kill any contaminants in the water. Just make sure you cool the boiling water to a suitable level, as you don’t want to burn your nose!
Once you have prepared your saline solution and poured it into the neti pot, you then insert the spout gently into one nostril while you tilt your head to the side to allow the water to flow out of the other nostril. You then repeat on the other nostril. Try to allow the water to flow through the nostril for 15-30 seconds. It may take you a few tries to get it right. Don’t be nervous, it’s really very simple and you’ll get the hang of it quickly. The other tip which might seem obvious but is very important is to continue breathing through your mouth while using the neti pot. Do this while you are standing over the bathroom sink and be sure not to swallow any of the water. I recommend to put a little oil into the nostrils with the tip of your baby finger to bring a little moisture and decrease the drying effects of the salt. Especially during cold winter months.
What is oil pulling?
Oil pulling is an ancient practice done for centuries in southern Asia and India. it involves swishing a tablespoon of edible oil (coconut, olive, sesame or the like) throughout the mouth for usually one to five minutes.
Benefits:
Killing harmful bacteria in the mouth. The mouth contains hundreds of bacteria, some of which are harmful and may lead to tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. ...
Reducing bad breath. ...
Preventing cavities. ...
Reducing inflammation and improving gum health. ...
Whitening teeth.
how to do it?
Measure one tablespoon of oil, (such as coconut, sesame or olive oil.)
Swish it around in your mouth for 15–20 minutes, being careful not to swallow any.
Spit the oil on the toilet
Rinse your mouth well using water before eating or drinking anything.