Jan 08 2008
Of fame and nose bidets
Hubby was reading a NY Times article about the neti pot (or “nose bidet”), an ancient Ayuvedic remedy that is used for nasal irrigation and relief from common sinus infections and allergies. Since its television debut on Oprah, the neti pot had been catapulted from mysterious yogi practice to mainstream whitebread America, even sold in stores such as Walgreens and Wal-mart. (I’ve come to the conclusion that anything or anyone featured on Oprah is an instant favorite of millions of Americans, just because. If it has Oprah’s stamp of approval on it, it must be good. Right?)
Of course, as a big proponent of natural remedies, I was interested. Except for the part about liquid flowing in one nostril and out the other. That doesn’t sound pleasant at all. But, if it would solve my allergies and sinus woes without drugs, it would be worth a try. If I come across a neti pot on my next jaunt to Wal-mart, it just might make its way into my cart.
But, perhaps the most amusing thing about the article was the reference to the dozens of videos that have popped up on YouTube demonstrating the use of the neti pot. One such video has gone viral with over 240,000 views, by a cartoonist named Drew who not only demonstrates the proper use of the neti pot, but also some unorthodox methods that you probably don’t want to try if you value your sense of smell. This includes irrigating his nasal passages with coffee, and later, a spot of Kentucky bourbon. Get the kids out of the room before the end of the video, however, since the bourbon flush elicits an explosive expletive in response. And, understandably so. That’s gotta burn.
For your viewing pleasure, here’s the video. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
The video got us thinking about the phenomena of Internet fame. All you have to do is be willing to do something sensational/gross/dangerous/stupid and put it on YouTube and (wham!) you’re famous!
Hubby: “Jeremy would be famous if we filmed him snorting that line of chili powder and put it on YouTube.”
Me: “Yeah, he could be an Internet star!”
Hubby: “Do you want to film me shooting you up with your drugs so you can put it on YouTube?”
Me: “Okay.”
Hubby: “Are you that hard-up to be famous? Dang, woman!”
Me: “Maybe.”
[tags]nose bidet, neti pot, nasal irrigation, homeopathic, allergies, natural remedy, health[/tags]
A 30-something Christian girl, blissfully wedded to her perfect match (the yang to her yin) of 14 years. Living life in Hawaii, less than 5 miles from her hometown, a slave to her mortgage payment, but seeking balance in her pursuit of family, faith, recreation, and rest.
Funny you mention this, I was just urging Noe to go find one to help us both out! My allergies drive me insane, her sneezing too (sometimes); and my body is too sensitive to medications. I’ll keep you posted on our experiments, I wasn’t brave enough to view the videos, but maybe we’ll document ourselves!
I’d say “hang in there” but I should say, “keep sitting”
NEENZ.
NEENZ: Yes! Let me know if you get the neti pot (and from where)! Aw, you ought to watch the video, it’s quite humorous!
For what it’s worth…I actually use something similar that works on the same principle…the NeilMed Sinus Rinse. Got mine at Longs. Kinda looks like a huge nasal spray bottle with a big hole at the top. Works kinda like the neti pot but you keep your head upright and squeeze the saline in one nostril until it comes out the other. Seems to work for me.