Maybe someone has recommended you use a neti pot and you are wondering what are they? How do I use one? Will it help me?
A neti pot is used to flush out your nasal cavity and this is often referred to as nasal irrigation using water and salt.
When might you use a neti pot?
Neti pots are used to
- Clear mucus and nasal congestion,
- Clear nasal congestion due to dust or pollen.
- Clear nasal congestion due to synthetic fragrances.
- Clear nasal congestion from chemical exposure.
- Reduce allergies including hay fever and seasonal allergies.
- Help those with sinus infections both short and long term.
- Sinus headaches and facial pain.
- Reduce the load from viral upper respiratory infections – virus infection in the nose.
- Reduce irritant based congestion – when you have been exposed to dust or something that has upset your nasal passage.
- Reduce pregnancy related sinus congestion.
- Reduce snoring if caused by sinus congestion, and this can help you and your partner sleep better.
- Reduce the nasal congestion associated with colds or the flu.
- Post nasal drip.
The neti pot may help you to breathe easier, and many also comment because their nasal passages are clearer their senses of smell and taste also improve.
What is a Neti Pot?
A neti pot looks like a small teapot and is usually made from plastic or ceramic. Neti pots have their origin in Ayurvedic medicine and Neti means nasal cleansing.
The design of the neti pot allows the user to flush out irritants such as dust and pollen, and to thin mucous by pouring saline solutions into the nostrils.
It is important to use a saline solution in your neti pot as water alone may irritate your nasal cavity. It is also important to use good quality water such as distilled water, or water that has been boiled and stored in a closed clean container or filtered water. Alternatively you can buy ready made saline solutions. If you are making your own the ratio is 1 cup of water to 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Using a neti pot can be messy and many choose to use their neti pot in the shower, alternatively you can lean over a sink.
You need to tilt your head sideways about 45 degrees. Place the spout of your neti pot in your nostril that is closest to the ceiling.
Slowly pour the contents of the neti pot into your upper nostril, keep your mouth open whilst you do this to help you breathe easier. The contents will start to pour out your other nostril. You are now doing nasal irrigation. When your neti pot is half way swap to the other nostril.
This will take between 3 to 5 minutes – once you have done it a few times it gets easier and less messy.
The aim of the neti pot is to clear out any excess mucus, irritation and invaders from the inside of your nose, and make your nose and sinus area healthier and clearer.
After every use make sure you clean you neti pot with good quality water and then allow it to air dry before you use it again.
Always wash your hands before and after using your neti pot to avoid the transfer of germs
Never share your neti pot with anyone else, you are likely to share germs that way.
If you suffer from sinus congestion, hay fever, allergies, frequent nasal congestion or colds and flus bother you, it may be worth giving a neti pot a go. It is easy to use and inexpensive therapy that can have amazing benefits in as little as 5 minutes.
We are all unique and what works for one person may not work for another. With your health be informed so you can make the best decision for you, and if in doubt seek the advice of a natural health care professional.
