The nose rinse
Xylitol and saline nasal spray
Rinses and moistens your nose. The form most used for sinuses.
Good for: Colds & sore throat
What variations of xylitol exist?
A sweet-tasting sugar alcohol found in small amounts in fruit and birch wood. In saline nasal sprays it helps rinse and moisten the nose, and in gum and mints it helps protect teeth from cavities. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
Medical Disclaimer
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The nose rinse
Xylitol and saline nasal spray
Rinses and moistens your nose. The form most used for sinuses.
Good for: Colds & sore throat
The tooth saver
Xylitol gum or mints
Helps protect your teeth when you use it after meals.
Usually skip
- The sugar swap (Xylitol as a sweetener in foods)A lot of it can cause gas and diarrhea, and it's deadly to dogs.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Xylitol and saline nasal spray' on the label (the nose rinse)
Watch out for
- Nasal sprays with added decongestant medicine, if you want a plain rinse
- Kept where a dog could get to it
Check with your provider first if…
- Keep it away from dogs: even a little xylitol can poison them
- Eating a lot of it can cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea
- A nasal spray may sting for a moment at first
- You have sinus pain with a fever, or symptoms that last more than 10 days: see your provider
In the Lesher Wellness store
4 products in the store have xylitol. Here's which form, where the label says.
Medical Disclaimer
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.