It’s that time of year when stuffy nose sufferers are reaching for nasal sprays in hopes of getting some relief from their symptoms. Before you start spritzing, remember all nasal sprays are not created equal. Be wary of those that cause a rebound effect which means you will become dependent on them. If possible, find a completely natural one that will do the trick.

One that fills this bill for me is Sinus Survival Spray, which contains herbs in a saline solution. I’ve been making this spray part of my year-round nasal care routine. It provides relief for irritated or dry nasal membranes, and offers an alternative to nasal irrigation when not convenient. I have found it replaces my prescription nasal sprays, such as Flonase and Nasacort; costs much less, $7.95; and for me, is more effective.

This nasal spray is a great addition to my nasal care kit but definitely not a cure. Thinking of a nasal spray as a cure is just wishful thinking. However, Sinus Survival Spray contains some useful ingredients for providing relief during sinus or allergy season. It contains saline solution (salt water), aloe vera, golden seal extract, grapefruit seed extract (GSE), yarrow leaf and calendula. GSE, an anti-fungal, is especially beneficial in the light of recent research on the presence of fungi in the nostrils of sinus sufferers.

I get the most benefit from my nasal spray when I use it morning and evening after cleansing my sinus passages with my electronic nasal irrigator or neti pot. A neti pot or similar device rinses mucus and pollen grains from your nose and sinuses, and soothes your mucous membranes. Nasal sprays are more beneficial after cleansing because crud and debris has been washed away allowing the spray to be more effective.

Sinus Survival Spray can be used every two hours or as often as needed because it is non-habit forming. Close your left nostril and inhale as your spray the solution directly into your right nostril. Then repeat on the other side. For more information, go to www.sinussurvival.com.

Not convinced of the benefits of nasal spray, then consider making your own to experiment with first. Combine ½ teaspoon salt, a pinch of baking soda and one cup of lukewarm filtered water in a travel-size spray bottle.