It’s often overlooked in health discussions, but maintaining sinus and throat hygiene can be a great help in the prevention of upper respiratory illness. Research indicates that upper respiratory disease progression can be lessened drastically by the application of appropriate sinus rinses.
Viruses and bacteria may reside in the nasopharynx, between the oral and nasal cavities, for up to 10 days before manifesting as diseases in the sinuses. While they are in the nasopharynx, they are vulnerable to preventative measures. These measures include nasal washes containing hydrogen peroxide, iodine, saline, and certain essential oils.
Nasal washes are most commonly performed with a Neti Pot. These devices originate on the Indian subcontinent. A sinus irrigation practice called Jala Neti has been performed for at least 500 years, as part of the yogic tradition.
When irrigating the sinuses, with a Neti Pot or any other device, it is advised to use distilled water, as plain tap water may contain microbes or harmful chemicals. You’ll want to add ¼ to ½ a teaspoon of kosher salt to your mixture to reduce sinus burning. Pre-measured saline is also marketed for this use.
Recipes We Found For Nasal Rinses
Recipes we found for nasal rinses include: 6 oz. water, 2 tsp Betadine (or ½ tsp Lugol’s iodine) 8 oz. water, ½ – 1 tbsp 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide 8 oz. water, 1 tsp colloidal silver To all of these recipes, add saline mix or kosher salt, as mentioned above.
Here is a link to a recent study about the efficacy of adding iodine to sinus rinses: While it did not decrease viral load in the nasopharynx any more than a control rinse without iodine, it did significantly decrease symptoms of Covid-19. Please be advised iodine is a powerful substance and may cause side effect and allergic reactions. If you choose to use this formulation, please research first and proceed with caution.
Another useful ingredient for sinus rinses is xylitol. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that has immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties. You can buy pre-made xylitol solutions, or buy xylitol on its own and add it to your sinus rinse of choice.
For your edification, we have also included this link to a study on sinus irrigation during Covid-19 performed in Bangladesh. Be advised that the page linked contains photographs of surgeries being performed, with minimal blood visible: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8026810/
Antimicrobial mouthwashes have also been recommended for their ability to kill pathogens that live in the mouth before they are able to make their way into the nasopharynx. Mouthwashes containing essential oils are advised for the diversity of benefits essential oils can offer, beyond simply killing microbes. Sustained use of antimicrobial mouthwashes can lead to negative changes in the oral biome so it is recommended that you take periodic breaks in your regimen.
Sep 16, 2022 at 1:19 PM
I have Lugol's 2% Iodine. What would the recipe be using that? Thank you, Marsha
Jan 12, 2023 at 4:02 PM
Thank you Marsha for your comment. You can follow the recipe in the blog with your 2% Lugals.
Jan 11, 2023 at 8:39 PM
Where do u get all this stuff to make these products naturally?
Jan 12, 2023 at 3:59 PM
To purchase these recommended items, please consult your local natural food store or food co-operative. Thank you for your comment.
Jun 17, 2023 at 6:30 AM
How long do I need to do the netti pot with hydrogen peroxide for?
Jun 20, 2023 at 2:09 PM
Depends on your condition
Jun 17, 2023 at 7:03 AM
Omg I just 1/3 of a table spoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide and it burnt really badly
Jun 20, 2023 at 2:07 PM
Just to be sure that you did not use 1/3 of a tablespoon only, you need to carefully follow the recipe laid out in the article which we have included here for your reference. When irrigating the sinuses, with a Neti Pot or any other device, it is advised to use distilled water, as plain tap water may contain microbes or harmful chemicals. You’ll want to add ¼ to ½ a teaspoon of kosher salt to your mixture to reduce sinus burning. Pre-measured saline is also marketed for this use. Recipes we found for nasal rinses include: 6 oz. water, 2 tsp Betadine (or ½ tsp Lugol’s iodine) 8 oz. water, ½ – 1 tbsp 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide 8 oz. water, 1 tsp colloidal silver To all of these recipes, add saline mix or kosher salt, as mentioned above. If there is still a problem discontinue use and consult your primary health care provider.
Jul 01, 2023 at 7:12 AM
Did you use distilled water and saline ?
Sep 03, 2023 at 5:20 AM
I used distilled water, saline, and 3% food grade peroxide and it burned like fire. I suffered through it. How is it supposed to feel?
Sep 06, 2023 at 4:23 PM
Did you do the correct ratio? This recipe recommends 1/2-1TBS to 8OZ of distilled water. At that ratio, it shouldn't burn. I have done a 1:3 ratio (0.75% concentration) the past two days (much higher than the recommended here) and it's uncomfortable but not burning like crazy. Typically a 0.5-0.75% concentration is recommended from what I've read.
Nov 17, 2023 at 7:33 PM
I just had the same experience. I used a 4 to 1 ratio of water to peroxide suggested by another source. That is much higher that what is suggested here - .5 to 1 Tbsp to 8 oz water. I couldn't get through it. I will try again with this ratio.
Dec 11, 2023 at 4:44 AM
A pinch of baking soda should be added also. It will buffer the burning.
Oct 04, 2023 at 4:38 AM
Thanks Dr. Lindon for this amazing protocol!!! I've been suffering for over 17 years! I will give it a try starting tomorrow and will let you know. Quick Question: How much Xylitol to add?
Apr 13, 2024 at 2:41 PM
Pain is weakness leaving the body. Thank you so much for the hydrogen peroxide recipe. I have been dealing with a sinus infection battle for over a week, not getting worse but also not getting better (seems my immune system has finally met an equal opponent). Like the other comments you definitely do experience pain at first but 10 minutes later I feel like a whole new man. What I think is happening is the virus/bacteria is so deeply imbedded in the mucous membrane the pain is coming from the foaming action of the peroxide. Even the residual mucus in the sink went from dark yellow to a white frothy foam. I would suggest to others if the pain is too much to just start with a saline rinse to remove any large mucus build ups then perform a rinse with the saline hydrogen peroxide mix.
Apr 24, 2024 at 1:38 AM
Rose here; Thanks for sharing your experience. My chiropractor suggested this recipe and I was hesitant to try it. I'm being treated by an ENT specialist and on my fourth round of antibiotics and feeling frustrated. This was brought on by an upper jaw tooth implant that pierced the sinus membrane. My Chiro did say it would burn (bracing for it) :)
Jun 17, 2024 at 3:42 PM
Sudy Baldwin Rose; Mine too, was brought on by an upper jaw tooth implant that pierce the sinus membrane three times. Would love to visit with you and share my experiences as well. susi@sudybaldwin.com.
Jun 18, 2024 at 11:25 AM
I see it says recipes PLURAL. So there are 3 recipes? At first glance it looks like one recipe. a) 6 oz. water, 2 tsp Betadine (or ½ tsp Lugol's iodine) b) 8 oz. water, ½ – 1 tbsp 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide c) 8 oz. water, 1 tsp colloidal silver To all of these recipes, add saline mix or kosher salt, as mentioned above.
Jul 11, 2024 at 3:40 PM
Baby shamppo breaks any biofilm & is safe. I researched it in 2017, when I got bad, I believe from black mold exposure. My regular Dr looked at me like I was insane. Now it's all over the internet. I add about 3 or 4 drops to my neti bottle mix, lugols, little baking soda, little peroxide, & a little xylitol.
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