Behind the Mask

Behind the Mask

Michael Jackson may be able to get away with wearing a standard-issue facemask over his nose and mouth when he goes out in public – but you and me? We’d probably be detained for questioning. (I’m just assuming you’re not an international pop star, famous for your eccentric fashion choices.)

But say what you like about Michael’s facemask use, I’ll bet he doesn’t come down with a cold or flu very often. As I noted in the e-Alert “Tis the Season” (12/19/07), the low humidity that’s typical of so many cold climates during the wintertime reduces the weight of exhaled respiratory droplets, causing them to remain airborne. And if those droplets contain a virus, and they happen to waft your way well, you might end up wishing you’d worn a facemask.

A new botanical formula developed by scientists at Nasaleze offers a simple but effective shield from those floating virus bugs, without risking fashion mayhem with a facemask.

Add a little spice

In several previous e-Alerts I’ve told you about Nasaleze, an organic powdered plant extract. When Nasaleze is sniffed into the nostrils, the powder combines with moisture in the nose to create a protective gel which acts as a mucous substitute for hay fever allergy patients who lack the natural mucous that filters air and blocks allergens in the nasal passages.

I recently received an e-mail from Paul Duxbury of Kisska International (the UK company that manufactures Nasaleze). Paul regularly keeps me abreast of Nasaleze research, and his new product – Nasaleze Travel (designed to help prevent colds) – is introduced with a study that appeared in the September/October 2007 issue of Advances in Therapy.

STUDY PROFILE
* More than 50 subjects were recruited in Finland and the UK
* Subjects were randomly selected to use either Nasaleze or Nasaleze Travel (which contains powdered garlic extract)
* For eight weeks in late fall and early winter of 2006, subjects were instructed to take one puff into each nostril daily, and to increase this dosage to three puffs daily when viral infection occurred
* During the study period, many subjects traveled widely, including trips outside their country
* Each subject kept a daily diary in which they used a five-point scale to assess their level of wellness, specifically in regard to cold symptoms
* Subjects in the Nasaleze group reported 57 infections compared to just 20 in the Nasaleze Travel group
* Subjects in the Nasaleze group reported 240 total days of infection compared to just 126 days in the Nasaleze Travel group

Healthy masquerade

Of course, Nasaleze was at a disadvantage in this study because it’s formulated to relieve hay fever allergy symptoms, not to prevent colds. But Nasaleze just happens to provide a good basis for a cold prevention tool because the gel formed by Nasaleze’s cellulose powder traps airborne viruses.

Once those viruses are caught, the other active ingredient in Nasaleze Travel goes to work. In addition to cellulose powder, the Nasaleze Travel formula contains powdered extract of wild garlic – a proven anti-viral agent that also has antibacterial properties. The garlic powder is odor-controlled, but peppermint has also been added to the mix to boost anti-viral activity and mask the garlic taste.

Paul tells me that it’s not necessary to take Nasaleze Travel daily, as subjects were directed to do in the study. But anytime you anticipate being in a public space – especially in an airplane, a train, or anyplace where air is constantly recirculated – one puff of Nasaleze Travel in each nostril may provide viral protection that’s actually superior to a facemask (and with no strange looks from fellow passengers).

You can find more information about Nasaleze Travel at nasaleze.com. And if you’re allergic to pollen or dust mites, the e-Alert “Say Hello to Your Little Friends” explains how Nasaleze relieves uncomfortable symptoms. Be sure to talk to your doctor before using Nasaleze or Nasaleze Travel.

Source:
“Preventing Airborne Infection With an Intranasal Cellulose Powder Formulation (Nasaleze Travel)” Advances in Therapy, Vol. 24, No. 5, September/October 2007, advancesintherapy.com