Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Choose the Best Natural Nasal Spray?

Harriette Halepis
Harriette Halepis

People who suffer from sinus congestion often find that nasal sprays help to relieve sinus symptoms. Not only do blocked sinuses make it difficult for sufferers to breathe, but a number of other complications, including headaches, a stiff neck, and lack of sleep, can easily arise. Selecting a natural nasal spray is an effective way to relieve sinus pressure.

In order to be considered a natural nasal spray, sprays must not contain any medicinal ingredients. Sprays using saline-based solutions are immensely popular. Salt mixed with water, known as saline, proves to be an effective way to reduce sinus symptoms. While scientists do not link this with any side effects, this is not the case with medicinal sprays.

Nasal spray.
Nasal spray.

There have been a number of concerns from the scientific community regarding medicinal nasal sprays. These sprays often contain chemical ingredients such as phenylephrine, xylometazoline and oxymetazoline. Speculation surrounds the use of these chemicals, since they may pose a health threat. In addition, many sinus sufferers often report addictions to chemical-based nasal sprays.

Nasal sprays that contain capsaicin, a chemical found in hot peppers, may help relieve congestion.
Nasal sprays that contain capsaicin, a chemical found in hot peppers, may help relieve congestion.

While there isn't enough evidence to support the assumption that chemical nasal sprays may be hazardous to one's health, physicians do not recommend that pregnant women use medicinal nasal spray. Instead, natural nasal spray is often recommended, since it proves to be just as effective as a medicinal spray.

Capsicum natural nasal spray is quickly gaining in popularity due to its effectiveness. Capsicum is an ingredient derived from the cayenne pepper plant. This is often referred to as pepper spray, though it is not to be confused with the chemical spray that goes by the same name. Nasal pepper spray is a natural way to reduce sinus symptoms.

Health food stores often have natural nasal spray.
Health food stores often have natural nasal spray.

Consumers must check natural nasal spray labels before purchasing any product. Often, pharmaceutical companies will combine natural ingredients, such as capsicum and saline, with chemical ingredients. When natural and non-natural ingredients are combined, the result is a chemical nasal spray.

Effective natural nasal sprays can be purchased at local health stores, online, or in some pharmacies. If you are pregnant, or if you suffer from any medical ailments, it is best to speak with your doctor prior to using any kind of nasal spray -- natural or otherwise. Aside from nasal sprays, various homeopathic sinus remedies may be helpful. These remedies include drinking plenty of fluids, applying heat to the affected area, and sitting inside of a steam-filled room.

Discussion Comments

Colby

I find the natural nose spray sinusoothe to be really helpful for me. I have year round allergies which usually lead to sinus infections so I can have both at the same time which is a pain. This spray clears away my congestion and I haven't had a sinus infection since I started using sinusoothe ten months ago.

ysmina

When I was seven months pregnant, I had the worst migraine ever which my doctor said was because of my sinuses. She recommended a natural nasal spray for me since it's not safe for pregnant women to use the chemical ones.

I don't remember the name, but this spray was great, it really helped relieve my migraines. As far as I remember, it was made of different natural oils like cinnamon and tea tree oil. So there were no side-effects associated with it. I think the oils in it are good for allergies and inflammation which is the cause of my migraines. I definitely recommend this for pregnant women. Just ask your doctor for the best natural nasal spray if you're in the same situation.

burcinc

@turkay1-- Yea, you can use that solution as a nasal spray. I buy an all-natural nasal spray that's called "ocean spray." It's basically the same thing you use, just saline and no chemicals. It works great, I've been using it for years.

I think the unnatural nasal sprays should be completely taken off the market. I have a friend who was addicted to nasal spray. I'm not sure which chemical was present in the spray she used but it took her a long time to be able to stop using it. She started buying the all natural kind I use and mixed it with her old one until she could wean herself off of it.

It's very scary and since I knew about this before, I bought the all natural kind from the beginning which is the best and healthiest way to go.

candyquilt

Although I don't exactly use it as a spray, salt water is an excellent way to clean the nasal passages and I use it whenever I have nasal allergies or a cold.

I basically add sea salt into warm water and stir until the salt melts. Then I take some of the water into my palm and inhale the warm water so that it rinses my nose. If you trust yourself, you can also inhale it into the nasal passage and let it come out from your throat. If you are not experienced though, you should avoid doing this.

The salt is an antibacterial agent, so it will help to clear out infections. The warm water helps clean and remove obstacles from the nasal passage so you can breathe more easily. I think this is the best natural way to clean and treat the nasal passage. I suppose it could also be used as a spray if you just put it into a spray bottle, although I've never tried it that way.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Nasal spray.
      By: duckman76
      Nasal spray.
    • Nasal sprays that contain capsaicin, a chemical found in hot peppers, may help relieve congestion.
      By: atoss
      Nasal sprays that contain capsaicin, a chemical found in hot peppers, may help relieve congestion.
    • Health food stores often have natural nasal spray.
      By: kirillica
      Health food stores often have natural nasal spray.
    • Nasal spray may help relieve sinus pressure.
      By: Sebastian Gauert
      Nasal spray may help relieve sinus pressure.
    • Natural nasal spray may not contain any medicinal ingredients.
      By: JPC-PROD
      Natural nasal spray may not contain any medicinal ingredients.
    • Saline-based nasal spray consists mostly of a salt-water solution.
      By: ia_64
      Saline-based nasal spray consists mostly of a salt-water solution.