During our cold Wisconsin winters we can sometimes feel like moisture is being wicked away from our body. We get some relief with the use of indoor humidifiers, but even then, I find myself using more hand & body lotion and drinking more water. To help relieve nasal dryness, I occasionally use a NetiPot with a salt/baking soda solution. I typically reserve the NetiPot for summer and fall when I do a lot of yard work. The solution is great for helping flush dust, pollen and other airborne contaminants.

In December, Heather gave me an Olbas Natural Inhaler. This lip balm size tube is suppose to last for three months, and so far it’s still going strong. If I feel like my nose is a little dry or stuffy, I insert the Olbas Inhaler into each of my nostrils and inhale.* It’s a quick fix. The vapors provide a soothing and cooling sensation. What are the ingredients? Menthol, Oils of Peppermint, Cajeput and Eucalyptol. Menthol’s ability to chemically trigger the cold-sensitive receptors in our skin is responsible for the well-known cooling sensation when inhaled. In addition, Menthol has pain relief properties.

* Please Note. DO NOT insert the tube all the way up into your nose.

An alternative to this product is sucking on a menthol lozenge or sipping mint tea. There are also some mist humidifiers or vaporizers where you can add scented essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, pine and lavender and many others. When I was a massage therapist back in California I used an aromatic diffuser. Great for small rooms like an office or bedroom.

So the next time your nose feels dry or stuffy, reach for an Olbas Natural Inhaler. Your nose will thank you for it.