Joe - I FEEL YOUR PAIN....

Hi Joe,

Sorry to hear you're going through so much pain. I hope you can look at this as something that will move you to a new place of understanding (easy for me to say, I can breathe!)

I spent two winters with my sinuses COMPLETELY congested. At some points, I wanted to die...really. It is enough to make you insane!

Now that I'm much better, I can better see what triggers the problem for me. There is a *huge* link to my digestive system.

So, some thoughts based on my personal experience.

CONGESTION:
1. SUPPLEMENTS:
First, I know that all you want is to breathe. Fenugreek and Thyme supplement has REALLY helped me lately. It is a natural decongestant. I just bought "Nature's Way" Fenu-Thyme at a local HF Store, but you could also try tea if you want. It also aids in digestion, so it may (or may not) help with the gas.

Bee pollen - buy a good quality, local bee pollen. I take about 1 to 1.5 tsp. 2 times per day (3 if it is a bad time). I'm surprised at the results I've seen. I just put it under my tongue for a few seconds, then chase it down with some water. It is believed by some that it can help counter the negative effects of stress also.

2. SINUS IRRIGATION:
When I was congested over the last two winters, I bought everything...I mean *everything*. So, I have a Water Pik and Grossman sinus irrigator attachment, a Neti Pot, cans of ready-made sinus irrigation solution, that you put right to your nose...you name it I've tried it!
My pick - is the Neti Pot with Sea Salt and distilled water. It is easy, fast and cheap. The Water Pik and Grossman irrigator is expensive and cumbersome. Quite honestly, our bathroom is small with no counter space, so it is a pain for me to use. I can use the Neti Pot anywhere.
We have a saying (or more of an understanding) in our house that sometimes it is just not worth the extra x% if you can achieve 90% of your objective with something. In other words, the Neti Pot helps irrigate, moisten, move things in the nasal passages. You may pay five times as much, but only achieve 10% additional benefit with something like the Grossman product...why bother.
If you buy a Neti Pot, buy one that has the spout coming from the very bottom...more efficient. Ceramic is better than metal, but look at this one as far as the shape:
http://www.westom.com/coolsite/nose_neti.htm (attractive pose for this guy...note to self, don't let hubby take photographs during this process)

3. HOT AND COLD SHOWERS
This really helps clear my sinuses. I keep going back and forth b/t hot and cold right on my face. If it is too shocking, I'll slowly move from hot to cold...makes it a little easier.

GAS:
1. COLONIC:
The majority of my gas issues went away after my first 7-day fast. But, I still have small rumblings sometimes, deep in my tummy. I went for a colonic after my last fast a few weeks ago. It was 50 minutes of just releasing gas. A colonic may help with the gas, but note that I went to someone who uses a machine, not gravity. That seemed to help move it (I usually opt for gravity, but the person with the machine does intense massage during the colonic...it is amazing how it helps things move).

2. TEAS/HERBS
The following herbs are said to help alleviate gas:
Sarsaparilla; spearmint; fennel; cinnamon; parsley;
Ginger tea is also a nice treat (fresh ginger grated into hot water, let steep) and helps with digestion.

MISC:
1. Movement - if I just run up and down the steps a few times, it offers temporary relief. Maybe you can try some very light movements to open things up.

I think the one thing that helped me turn the corner is eliminating ALL carbs from my diet. I now notice that I actually digest my food. Read this website: http://www.scdiet.org. The book, "Breaking the Vicious Cycle" really makes you understand the "whys" around how carbs compomise health. I don't believe this diet is just for those with IBS or Chrone's.

I hope you will be able to relax as much as possible. Not just resting, but really make an effort to relax every part of your body. This will be good for you.

QUESTIONS:
Are you producing anything from your sinuses, or do you mostly feel a deep congestion?
What color is the production?
What exactly are you taking right now (food/broth wise and supplements)?
Are you having regular BMs now?

Keep us posted on what makes the difference for you.

In good health,
KM Tweet