Blocked Sinuses

[sophie_1003]

I'm taking sudafed but it doesn't seem to work brilliantly and only for a short time. Apart from steaming (nose is too sore from blowing it lots) what home remedies can I try until I get to chemist tomorrow for nasal spray? TIA

[icemaiden]

Grab yourself some menthol crystals from the chemist. Tiny little pot for under £2. Then place just two crystals in hot water and inhale. Your nose will be lovely and clear in no time.

[sophie_1003]

Thanks icemaiden; will pick some up tomorrow, am miserable at the moment!

[JonnyBoy12]

Thanks also from me as well, ice maiden. What brand name of menthol crystals do we buy then? Are some better than others?

[albaqwerty]

IF and only if, you can't for wahtever reason get the crystals, a smidgin of mentholatum dissolved in boilg wate for an inhalation might be helpful. :Please go to the doctors at your earliest opportunity tho.

[sophie_1003]

Thanks all; actually found some olbas oil last night and shoved a load on a tissue and that seems to have done the job for now. Why should I go to the doctor; I always get blocked sinuses with a cold but could it be associated with something worse?

[Sqad]

Very unlikely.

[sophie_1003]

Ooh good; I started worrying then! Have always brushed it off as an annoying symptom of all the colds I get!

[boxtops]

Sophie, when you are at the chemist, see if you can pick up a little jar of Tiger Balm (the red one, not the white one). You rub it (with great care) across the area of your sinuses on the outside. It stinks and the capsicum in it makes your skin hot and your nose run, but it works for me!

[sophie_1003]

Ooh we may have some Tiger balm; not sure which one though; probably the white! They seem much better today but will bear all this in mind for next time!

[icemaiden]

I can't remember the make of the crystals. But they are so cheap. I got mine in lloyds chemist. Olbas oil never worked for me. Which is why I only use the crystals now.