If you suffer regularly from sinus related issues, you might want to consider adding space to your nose to become the master of your allergies. Needless to say, most or none of you have ever heard this advice before and you might be wondering what I am talking about.

Many, many moons ago I had the good fortune to learn about using a neti pot to clear away my allergies. At the time, it sounded a bit radical. Actually pouring salt water through my nostrils – eeeew!

I had severe allergies when I was an infant and had been sneezing myself awake every morning for most of my life. The lovely allergy grid test with 90 allergens tested in squares on my back showed that I was allergic to 45! I often joked that actually I was really allergic to mornings. So after hearing that neti pots had been used in India for over 500 years, I decided what the heck, I’ll give it a try.

I’ll admit, pouring water through my nose on each side at first seemed a bit crazy and definitely scary. After all, couldn’t I accidentally drown in the process? Immediately after my first pot of salt water, my sneezing stopped and I was hooked. Flash forward 20 years and my neti pot still lives in the shower and anytime I feel a bit sniffily, I pour a pot or two through and oil – instant clear breathing.

Now as a neti pot evangelist, I advise all of my clients to purchase one, even if they don’t have allergies. You see, your nose is your gateway to health. Most common colds are not colds, simply infected sinus cavities. If you live around children, the best prevention you can do, in my humble opinion is to use a neti every morning. This will ward off any cooties your kids bring home. Children can also learn to use these magic pots.

As a Professional Organizer, I find myself working in client homes and offices. I see what their environment is doing to them and how it might be working against them. Not only do I add space to their life, I also let them know how they can add space to their nose and be healthier during the process. After all, in my profession I tend to kick up a lot of dust! Many of my client’s kids now use a neti pot on a regular basis and suffer far less colds and flues than their peers. As an avid user, I might also add Echinacea or Xylitol to ward off the flu or colds when I feel them trying to niggle their way into my body.

I am not a doctor, merely a humble Professional Organizer and Image Consultant. Feel free to Google and check out the neti research for yourself or simply try one out. They are very inexpensive and now, thanks to Betti Neti, they come in a lovely assortment of colors. Up until the Betti Neti line of pots came onto the market, I had only one choice of color, white! Besides being eco-friendly (endorsed by The Surfrider Foundaion) I also like the Betti design with indentations on the sides for a sure grip if the handle does not accommodate large hands (like my husbands)!

Overall, to date, the Betti Neti is my favorite pot and I send everyone to their website. Great job with their bio-friendly mother earth attitude and innovative colors!

Innovative Ideas for Immediate Results

“How to Master Your Muck” is essential reading for anyone who owns a business or who works from home and has an office that needs Read the rest of this entry »

Kathi Burns, CPO® is  one of the featured experts on the popular “Ask The Organizers” panel this year at the NAPO National Conference.

Click here for more details and to register. If you are currently considering entering this profession, this is a great way to get started and a rare and golden opportunity especially if you live in the Southern California area!