hydraSense Product User Feedback

On March 1st I asked for natural remedies for seasonal allergies as I didn't feel comfortable pouring saline solution from a teapot look-a-like apparatus up (?) or down my nose.

I searched online for a natural nasal spray and found hydraSense made with isotonic 100% natural source seawater. Perfect and exactly what I was looking for, but first I made sure I could find it at my local drugstore. I found their site, registered and got a $3 savings coupon. I went to the drugstore and bought the full stream nasal spray as it was the only mist option available.

And as always Murphy's Law kicked into place. I didn't use it until recently and all I can say is I'm really glad I didn't try the netipot. The full stream was really quite forceful. I followed the instructions on the leaflet, but let me tell you I must be really clumsy. I totally made a mess of myself.

My tips before using this...

1. Tie your hair back if it's not short
2. Roll up your sleeve or better yet, wear short sleeves. (Only because I didn't tie my hair back)
3. Do a first spray test in the sink to see the spray stream or maybe I should have watched the video on their website.

From the shock and the forceful spray stream and a jerky, unsteady hand the spray went up one nostril and into my sinuses (as expected) and sprayed up my forehead and all over the bathroom mirror. It dribbled slightly down my throat and the solution came out of both of my nostrils and all over my sleeve (because I was holding my hair back). Talk about klutzy and clumsy!

BUT and this is a huge but

It did its job of making my nose feel cleaner and clearer. I'm really happy with this product so far. I haven't used it when my nose was really itchy inside or when I had full-blown allergies as that will be the ultimate test.

I'm happy to have found something that is not corticosteroid. It doesn't look like it's sold in the States, but I'm thinking there must be something comparable.

Just a side note: I haven't been compensated in any way, shape or form to write this review. I just wanted to share my experience in case anyone was interested in my follow up to finding a product that is natural and prescription free.

7 Easy To Grow Herbs

In places where daylight savings is observed, it was spring forward by turning the clocks one hour ahead on Sunday March 14th. Although it isn't officially spring yet, the scenery outside my window shows otherwise. Daffodils and cherry blossom trees were in full bloom in mid to late February, but it was typical of West Coast weather to have a few light dusting of snow in March.

What are you planting this spring? I've always wanted a herb garden.

Here are some herbs that are easy to grow and have good yields.

Basil - Aids in digestion, fresh basil is a good source of folic acid and dried basil is a good source potassium, iron and calcium.

Parsley - Good source of magnesium, calcium, and potassium. High in vitamins A, C and K and beta carotene.

Thyme - Good antioxidants, aids in digestion.

Fennel - Excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidant, potassium and is antimicrobial which helps alleviates the symptoms of colds, asthma and bronchitis.

Sage - Good antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial to cuts and wounds. It may also help in memory boosting, sore throats, cold, flu, and throat infections.

Chives - Contains anti-inflammatory properties, aids in digestion, stimulates appetite and is a good source of vitamins A, B6, C, E, K, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, zinc, riboflavin, niacin, and thiamin.

Dill - Provides relief to those who suffer from menstrual disorders, diarrhea and dysentery. Dill has antioxidant and disinfectant properties good for mouth care. It's also rich in calcium, vitamin B complex and flavanoids.

Natural Remedies For Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

With the Olympics here and gone and it's March already it means spring is around the corner. Unfortunately, spring has sprung in Vancouver before the Olympics arrived so I have been suffering...literally I might add seasonal allergic rhinitis. The cherry blossom tree is really killing me this year.

As I have mentioned in my other post about pollen allergen and what a person can do to prevent it doesn't mean it's convenient.

Allergic rhinitis or hayfever is inflammation of the nasal passages and it can cause congestion or runny, sneezing and itchy nose. One may also experience post-nasal dripping which is mucus draining from the sinus down the back of the throat. This may also cause sore throats.

Antihistamines work if the allergy causes sneezing, itchy eyes and itchy throats. It doesn't do a lot when the allergy is inside your nose. In the past I have used Flonase or Nasonex, a corticosteroid nasal spray. While it is effective, it's also something I rather not use. I prefer something more natural and I haven't found anything yet to try.

From WebMD on how to use homemade saline nasal spray.

To make the saline solution, mix two to three heaping teaspoons of non–iodized salt to one pint of water. It is best to use kosher salt that has no additives. Add one teaspoon of baking soda to this solution. Store your saline solution at room temperature and mix before use. If the solution stings when you use it, use less salt.

To use this natural remedy, fill the bulb syringe or Neti pot with the saline solution. Stand over the bathroom sink and lean your head forward. While leaning over the sink, tilt your head to one side and pour the solution directly into one nostril. Aim the stream of saline solution toward the back of your head -- not at the top of your head.

The solution will go into your nasal cavity and run out the other nostril and down the back of your throat. Gently blow your nose and spit out the drainage to clear the nasal passages and throat. While irrigating the nose, it is best to stand over the sink and irrigate each side of your nose.

Some people have mentioned herbal teas or acupunture.

I'm open to learning more about alternative ways to relieve my allergies this season. If you know of any natural over-the-counter products or other homemade solutions it would be great and please share them by leaving me a comment.