We don’t even have the cold and flu season behind us and we’re almost ready to welcome another nose-blowing agent: SPRING allergies!
For all of this, my go-to solution is usually nasal irrigation via the neti pot. The neti pot has its origin in Ayurveda (a sister science to yoga), and was introduced in the US. “Neti” is actually a Sanskrit word, meaning “nasal cleansing.”
In fact, I’ve been a fan of it for so long that I made a tutorial video on how to neti back in 2010.
What is the neti pot?
The neti pot is a small, teapot-like device that uses a saline solution to flush out the nasal passages. It’s a safe and natural way to cleanse your sinuses without the use of medication. The saline solution helps to soothe and moisturize irritated nasal passages, while flushing out allergens, pollutants, and other irritants.
What are the benefits of nasal rinsing?
Nasal rinsing, or irrigation, can relieve symptoms of chronic sinusitis, as well as acute sinusitis caused by an upper respiratory tract infection.
Sinus rinsing can help loosen thick mucus. It can also remove dust, pollen and other debris. And it can be an effective therapy to help relieve nasal symptoms of sinus infections, allergies, colds and flu.
It can also help moisten nasal passages that become dry due to dry indoor air.
This practice is best done with purified salt water, or store-bought saline. Plain water without salt will almost definitely irritate your nasal passages. Saline allows the water to pass through delicate nasal membranes without burning or irritation.
How to perform nasal rinsing with the neti pot
- To use a neti pot, fill it with warm saline water and tilt your head forward and sideways over a sink. Getting the tilt right is important to help you avoid getting salt water into your inner ear.
- Insert the spout into one nostril and allow the water to flow through your sinuses and out the other nostril. You may want to blow your nose after rinsing one side. Repeat on the other side.
Keep it hygienic
It’s important to use sterile, distilled or boiled water when using a neti pot to reduce the risk of infection from tap water. Avoid using tap water, unless it’s been sterilized with boiling and then cooled to room temperature.
It’s also important to clean and dry the neti pot, with sterile water, after each use.
Avoid sharing your neti pot with others.
Things to consider before starting nasal rinsing
Nasal irrigation with a neti pot is generally safe for most people, but it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before trying it, especially if you have a chronic sinus condition, sinus problem, irregularity in your nasal cavity or are prone to nosebleeds.
If your immune system isn’t working properly, consult your health care provider before using any nasal irrigation systems.
Children can nasal rinse with the neti pot too!
A survey conducted in Italy in 2014 with 860 primary care pediatricians revealed that the majority of them suggest nasal irrigation for preschoolers as a way to prevent and treat upper respiratory tract issues. Additionally, a controlled trial in 2009 demonstrated that nasal irrigation is a viable complementary therapy for addressing pediatric acute sinusitis and could aid in improving symptoms related to allergies. The benefits of this treatment include a decrease in coughing and improved nasal issues, particularly since coughing is often caused by postnasal drip.
Click on image to see how to clear your sinuses after using the neti pot nasal rinse.
Do you already know how to use the neti pot?
If yes, then skip to the section where I show you how to effectively clear the water from your sinuses (this is something people are getting wrong way too often!). Find it here.
