Did you know that 80% of our immune system is located in our noses? If you battle frequent allergies, sinus infections, colds, and other respiratory issues, your mucus membranes are likely weak and vulnerable to infection. But there is good news – by following a few simple tips, you can keep your mucus membranes strong and healthy, and help reduce your risk of infection. Read on for helpful advice on how to take care of your mucus membranes.
- Chronic colds or flu
- Getting sick every time you board a plane.
- Seasonal Allergies.
- Feeling like your head is stuffy every time the wind blows.
- Heightened sensitivity to pollen and dust.
- You will always be the first one to come down with a sinus infection after you mow the lawn
Do these sound like you or any of your loved ones? You’re not a sitting duck when it comes to sinus inflammation, There are things that you can do to help your body clear the dust and the invaders so that you can avoid taking many rounds of antibiotics.
The Body’s Fly Trap
We have mucus membranes that line the mouth, nose, and throat. These membranes also line the sinus cavities. These are holes in our head, in our face, located above the eyes, the upper jaw, and the forehead. Mucus membranes are there as a protective barrier to catch dust, pollen, and bugs. The membranes can catch viruses and fungus bacteria that float through the air. They cleanse your body of these harmful particles by catching them on their surface, so you stay healthy.
The mucus membrane acts as a fly trap for these organisms, covering them with gooey mucus so that they become inactivated. Think of the mucus membrane as being the first barrier to the outside world as a protective mechanism against things in our environment that could come into our bodies and harm us.
What if the barrier leaks and becomes compromised?
Pollen, dust, dirt, virus, bacteria, and fungus all have a direct path to your nose and your bloodstream, and most likely you will get sick. This is especially true for people who deal with chronic allergies and sinus infections. Chances are the barrier has been compromised and it’s easier for these things to pass on through.
This then leads to compromised immunity. When the mucus membrane breaks down there, isn’t sufficient mucus to cover the membrane. Eventually, the membrane dries and cracks. The cracks are like a highway for infection. They allow these microbes to get right into the bloodstream and cause even worse damage, leading not only to swelling but also inflammation that can result in an increased amount of thick mucous production.
Aid the mucus membranes
One of the ways to ensure proper mucus membrane health is to keep the nasal passages hydrated and moisturized. What this does is it cuts down on the number of infections and reduces inflammation of the membranes.
1. Stay hydrated.
There are so many ways that we can become dehydrated. For instance, flying especially dehydrates us as well as living in dry, hot climates. Many of us just walk around chronically dehydrated. The significant changes in altitude on airplanes, combined with the recirculated cabin air, dry us out. The recirculated air acts as a breeding ground to redistribute germs around the plane.
Needless to say, it is important to drink 32 ounces of water any time before you board a plane. The practice of staying well-hydrated stands alone as an important way to help your mucus membranes stay hydrated and do the job they were designed to do. If you don’t drink fluids, your body will have a hard time making mucus. Furthermore, it’s easy for things to become dry and cracked.
So remember to drink your water.
2. Moisturize the nasal passages
I have some recommendations.
Start with a simple saline spray. The saline spray acts to moisturize yet gently disinfect any invaders that are trying to pass through the broken-down mucus membrane.
The colloidal silver nasal spray works well too.
You can use unscented, natural lip balm in a pinch. Using a Q-tip, run it along the insides of your nostrils. Then, simply massage up from the outside with your fingertips, all the way to coat the membranes.
3. Have you heard of nose oils, the Nasya Oils, in particular?
The ancient medicine of India, Nasya oil is a popular treatment that comes from Ayurveda. It’s an herbal-infused combination designed to support your sinuses and health in general around these parts – including but not limited to nose and throat areas.
It’s been traditionally used to lubricate the nasal passages, help improve the voice and support clear vision.
The purpose of applying herbal nose oil is to lubricate the passages. Lubricating those passages, it helps moisturize the air that we are breathing in.
Try this particular one which promotes clarity and stimulates memory as well by enhancing brain circulation.
You will need:
- a one-ounce bottle with a dropper
- carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil or Sesame oil (which is what’s traditionally used in Ayurveda)
- a high-quality essential oil of your choice (doTERRA or Young Living brands are highly recommended)
The traditional blend for Nasya oil is five drops of peppermint extract, four eucalyptus oil, and two tea tree oils mixed together in a glass bottle. Then, fill the rest of the bottle with the carrier oil. shaking well to combine them all evenly throughout each layer so that when it’s time to use this healing elixir on yourself there will be no wasted product.
To get the most out of Nasya oil, it’s important to know how to use it properly. Here are some simple instructions:
- Lie down on your back in a comfortable position. Tilt your head just a little back with your nostrils open towards the sky.
- Next, place three to five drops of the Nasya oil in each nostril. Allow gravity to pull the oil back up into your sinuses.
- Thoroughly massage up on each side after you dropped in it. Take a big sniff of it.
- Rest for a few minutes, allowing it to penetrate and seep in.
Following these steps will help ensure that you get the most out of Nasya oil and its benefits.
All of the essential oils are antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral.
Keeping your mucus membranes healthy and strong is one of the best ways to fight off infection. By following some simple tips – like staying hydrated, moisturizing the nasal passages, and using Nasya oils – you can help your body stay healthy and functioning at its best. If you’re looking for more information on how to keep your mucus membranes in top condition or want to learn about our other services, please schedule a discovery call with us today. We would be happy to chat with you about all the ways we can help support your health and well-being!
If you’re experiencing seasonal allergies. sensitivity to pollen and dust, and symptoms of sinus inflammation and would like help getting to the bottom of it, we’d be happy to schedule a discovery call with you. During this call, we can discuss your symptoms in more detail and come up with a plan tailored specifically for you.
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DISCLAIMER: The information in this email is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content is for general informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional
