I’m sure most of us have hear of xylitol as a sweetener to foods, drinks, and gum, but it also has other applications. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is found in the fibers of many fruits and vegetables. It is also produced in small amounts by the human body. It is extracted from birch wood to make medicine. Xlear (pronounced “clear”) manufactures a saline nasal spray with xylitol for kids that has 10 times the amount xylitol versuses any other saline rinse currently on the market. It has a suggested retail of $6.99 for a 22 ml (.75 fl. oz) and is made in the U.S.A.
Kid’s Xlear Saline Nasal Spray with Xylitol is safe for all ages. It is to soothe and moisturize sinus and nasal passages. It also washes away everyday pollutants, allergens, and infections. This product is non-habit forming and has no known side effects. Here are the ingredients:
purified water, xylitol, saline, and grapefruit seed extract (preservative).
I tried this product on myself and at first, my nose was a bit drippy after application, but then it felt like my nasal passages were cleared out. It did not leave a salty aftertaste like I have noticed with some saline rinses.
I think Xlear Kid’s Nasal Spray is a nice, natural option to treat children when congested. I had heard a webinar this winter on xylitol and its uses. What I was told is that it makes the surface slippery so bacteria can not attach, like bacteria of the mouth that can lead to cavities (dental caries). In the application of nasal spray, decreasing the amount of germs from adhering to mucous membranes and nasal tissues that would have the potential to cause disease or infection. The speaker in the webinar mentioned that xylitol was even being considered for application in dressings for burn patients to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
Disclosure: I received this product for review purposes. The thoughts and feelings expressed are my own. No other compensation was received.
