We’ve recently added a nebulizer to our home remedy options. Nebulizing can help you heal faster from viral or bacterial respiratory illnesses, sinus infections, or general head colds by helping mucous flow out of the body more quickly and easily.
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A nebulizer lets you breathe water vapor into your nostrils through a mask. Most also come with a mouthpiece for when you want the vapor to go directly into your lungs. Nebulizing is safe for any age, and many of the nebulizers come with child-sized masks.
Why is this a good “prepper” tool?
Our medical system is overburdened. The more you can avoid hospitals or extra trips to the doctor, the better.
It’s also not realistic to avoid all illnesses, all of the time. Instead, it’s better to have the tools at home to help our bodies move through sickness more efficiently and easily. This helps you avoid secondary infections and antibiotics that can mess with your gut health.
What kind of nebulizer should I buy?
The most effective nebulizers are ones that you plug in and place on a table. Their motors are stronger and blow the vapor into your lungs better than smaller, portable ones. For this tabletop style, you’ll be spending anywhere from $70-$130.
Where do I buy one?
You can buy them from a medical supply pharmacy or even online! I bought mine locally from a store called Pharmasave. I bought a MedPro Compressor Nebulizer, which, according to the pharmacist that helped me, is a popular and reliable brand. One of my Suburban Prepper Mom group members said that she has had good success with this one that she bought online.
What can I nebulize?
A YouTube or internet search will show you several ideas but please use your own discretion and common sense. Here are some things you can safely nebulize:
1. Saline Water
This is a great place to start. Saline water on its own is sanitary and is going to help soften mucous and keep it flowing out of your body when you have a respiratory illness or head cold.
You can make your own saline solution from salt and distilled water, but who wants an extra task when you’re feeling sick? Save yourself and just buy the little tubes of pre-made saline! Aim for a 5% – 9% dilution.
Nonetheless, here is a recipe for saline:
Saline Recipe
2 cups distilled water
1 tsp saltLet the salt dissolve thoroughly. If necessary, strain the liquid through a sieve to remove particles. This can be refrigerated for up to three months.
2. A medication prescribed by your doctor.
There are specific pharmaceutical medications designed to be used with a nebulizer.
3. A saline-based mixture recommended to you by a naturopathic doctor.
Beyond this is where the experimentation begins for many… I’ve heard of people nebulizing NAC to clear the lungs, or even xylitol for its antibacterial effects. But I will share the mixture my naturopath, Dr. Tonya Holcomb, recommends:
Naturopathic Nebulizing Mixture
5ml 0.9% Saline
Source: Dr Tonya Holcomb, Fiercely Empowered Mamas Program
3 drops of food grade hydrogen peroxide*
1 drop of Lugol’s 2% iodine (optional – this ingredient potentially increases the anti-viral effects).
*Once opened, hydrogen peroxide has a shelf life of only six months (three years unopened). Given how small of an amount you use each time, consider buying a small bottle so it isn’t wasted or split one bottle among a few friends. You can move the peroxide into a dropper bottle to help you get the correct measurement.
Disclaimer: A quick internet search will bring up articles warning of the dangers of nebulizing ingredients like peroxide. Obviously, you are not nebulizing straight hydrogen peroxide! As long as you stick to the quantities above, it is considered safe for adults and children. But I’m not a doctor. I’m telling you what works for us and has been recommended to me by my licensed medical professional. With any medical intervention, do your own research, ask your own medical professional for advice, and listen to your body.
What can’t I nebulize?
Here are some things you should avoid nebulizing:
1. Tap Water
Stick with saline. Tap water or even bottled water may not be as pure or safe.
2. Essential Oils
There are ways to use high-quality oils to help clear congestion, but nebulizing is not one of them. These oils will break down the nebulizer’s plastic components over time. It can also be way too potent in a nebulizer and harm the lining of your mucous membrane.
3. Stronger Potencies
Don’t use a stronger potency of your medication or naturopathic protocol than what has been prescribed to you. You should be using precise measurements with the nebulizer.
4. Vicks Rub
I know there are Vicks pads you can use with the Vicks portable nebulizer but just skip it. It’s better to choose a natural, non-synthetic option. Plus a tabletop nebulizer is much more effective than smaller, portable ones.
What are alternatives to nebulizing?
Maybe you can’t budget for a nebulizer just yet, and that’s okay. Here are some ways to get mucous flowing in the meantime:
1. Steamy Showers
Add a eucalyptus shower bomb or a properly diluted essential oil spray to your shower routine – this will help you safely breathe in a sinus clearing essential oil.
2. Essential Oil Steam Tent
Boil a pot of water on the stove with one drop of a pure essential oil such as eucalyptus or a blend designed to help airflow (ie. Breathe Easy blend from DoTERRA). Remove the pot from the heat source and give it a moment to cool (so you don’t scald your face with steam). Cover your head and the pot with a tea towel so the steam is directed to your face, and inhale.
PS – if you are looking for a rep or a person knowledgeable on essential oils, ask in our Suburban Prepper Moms Facebook group. There are a few ladies in there who are experienced reps for Young Living or DoTERRA, or who have other experience with herbal remedies and floral essences, who would happily help you out. I love when our community can learn from and support one another!
I’d love to hear if you try out nebulizing or have already seen success with it! Let us know in the comments how it works for you.
