It is a bit like self-induced water boarding...but it works a treat.  Go figure.

Distilled water doesn't have Chlorene or Floride in it, or other possible volatile, heat activated chemicals. What you put in your neti pot is a matter of herbal knowledge.

Neti Potti.?... never used one and isn't it similar to having an enema except it's suppose to clear the crap of of ya' urrrmm brain.. urrm... head?.. 

Anyway, I too have major allergy problems and prefer to use a steamer / humidifier with eucalyptus oil.  Apparently the Aborigines have known long ago the benefits of eucalyptus as being so good that not only does it clears the sinuses it also kills bacteria, influenza. 

The other reason why I like to use a steamer/humidifier (with eucalyptus oil) is because it gets very dry here in winter; moisture in the air not only soothes the sinuses it also keeps the dust bunnies and other free radicals under control. 

My Grandma use to say in the old days (last century) people filled large pots with boiling hot water (to create steam) to help keep the dust and pollen down during the windy and dry seasons; because way, way back then most homes did not have flooring; it was just dirt. Oh my how times have changed since then.

Amoeba -  flesh-eating bacteria's scares the hell outta me. Not safe to go swimming in some rivers . When I travel overseas the travel agents usually provide information about the water and other safety concerns, but anyway I always thoroughly research before venturing off into the unknown. 

I too use a humidifier in the winter but I have never been able to find one that I'm satisfied with. I cannot use the noisy ones. I have used the Air-O-Swiss ones which are virtually silent and work great, but even after filtering they leave a white dust on everything. Guess I should try it again with distilled water. But not only that, I cannot seem to control the mold which grows on the plastic nozzle that shoots the moisture out. It gets black spots on it after a while...obviously not good. I clean it with a mold killer but it comes back very quickly. Have gotten a new nozzle and the same result. 

I use a cheap so-called crappy large Vicks humidifier/steamer the one with the night-light and use regular tap water and add a tablespoon of salt (really kicks up the steaming process, and also; salt is a natural cleanser) + I add Vicks 'menthol' vapor liquid (Swans is cheaper, half the price) although I much prefer to use eucalyptus oil but it's expensive.  

Surprisingly the cheap Vicks humidifier/steamer usually last me at least 10 years (more or less), the one I have now works as good as new, but I look after it, keep it clean.  
 
Seriously: it sure is a little noisy but because I've got it steaming like a wild fog machine in overdrive due to the addition of salt I only need to have it on for 30 minutes, if I leave it on for more than and hour I'll be needing a raincoat! Anyway, I asked the doctor about the addition of salt and they said that's cool!  

I also have my own brew of air-freshener that contains; water, 91% alcohol isopropyl, menthol and eucalyptus oil, mixed ingredients well and used in a spray bottle (always shake before use). It's fantastic; just a few sprays around the room will clear the sinuses and it also adds moisture. In Australia I use to buy a can of Parrot Eucalyptus (aerosol) but cannot get it in the US that's why I roll my own. 

Anyway; To be safe I don't place the humidifier near electrical appliances and never leave it unattended. Being doing this for years and never had any issues. I always rinse out the unit regularly and because of the salt the unit does not build up mold. 

Would grain alcohol not be better in your air-freshener? I don't like the sound of alcohol isopropyl!

sharke


Would grain alcohol not be better in your air-freshener? I don't like the sound of alcohol isopropyl!

You're right; grain alcohol would be much better but also probably more expensive?. 


I never overly use alcohol isopropyl and if available I get the 99% and then mixed with water.  

Undiluted; it's strong and I guess some people may get skin irritation when using it as a antiseptic / disinfectant but I've never had any problems. 

Also perfect for cleaning glass; never leaves a smear. 

 

and this.

Get to good air and you won't need an air freshener. Until then...travel crosswind and then
upwind.....good luck.

I used to live on Nantucket and the air was pretty good there. Trouble is I cannot handle living anywhere but a noisy city. It's in my genes (and probably in my jeans as well). 

Another thing alcohol is good for is as a deodorant. You just wipe your areas with it after showering and it kills all the bacteria on you skin that causes BO. No need for any sprays or roll-ons. 

sharke


Trouble is I cannot handle living anywhere but a noisy city. It's in my genes (and probably in my jeans as well).  

 

So what would happen if you were forced to live in a very small village on the top of a hill
out in the middle of Zurwog or wherever SpaceCowboy is.....population 20 and no alcohol
to drink or rub down with?.....would you like emplod or go crazy like you had snorted to much
neti and ameoba's were eating your brains?  ( Bub I bet you really like this part LOL)
But it takes you days and days so you walk around scaring the few hill people with your arms
held out like you lost your giant pipe organ in Florida...until you finally roll down the hill....into
the valley of the dead city folks that couldn't handle the quiet village and fresh air.