Neti pots use a form of nasal irrigation that has been used in India by Yoga and Ayurveda for centuries. These Practitioners use nasal irrigation as part of their purification rituals. This method has recently become popular in the West as a means to help relieve nasal congestion caused by allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. The increased pollution in our cities seems to be leading to an increase in the number of people who suffer from some form of nasal congestion and regularly washing out the sinuses with a warm salt solution can be a big help in combating this pollution problem.

Using a neti pot is very safe, pleasant and quick! It takes less than ten minutes so easily fits into a busy day. The salt solution used is made to the same concentration as your tears so there will be no discomfort when you use it. If you find you experience any stinging sensation it's because you have the wrong concentration of salt. Empty out your pot and try again. The warm salt water flowing through the nasal passages cleans out any mucus, pollen, dust, dirt and bacteria but it also cleans the tiny hairs that beat continuously to make sure mucus flows through the passages. When these hairs are clogged they do not effectively move mucus which is when you experience that clogged up feeling. The salt you use should be non-iodised. I use sea salt but this comes in rather large lumps so does take a bit longer to dissolve than regular salt. I find the easiest method is to add some boiling water to the salt, allow it to stand for a few minutes then add cold water. I then put it in the microwave for 30 secs and I have a solution at the perfect temperature.

How to Use a Neti Pot 

1. Make a warm salt solution of one quarter non-iodised salt to 8 ounces of water.
2. Stand over the sink with your head tilted to one side.
3. Put the neti pot spot into the nostril on the raised side of your head and slowly raise the pot until water flows into the nostril. It will then flow through the sinuses and rip out the other nostril. If you find it dripping down into your throat adjust the angle of your head a little.
4. Relax and breathe gently through your mouth.
5. After about half the solution has been used swap sides and direct the solution through the other nostril.
6. Always keep the nostril that you are irrigating higher than the nostril from which the solution is exiting.

Drying Out The Nostrils

To prevent any discomfort or infection you must dry out the nostrils properly after using the neti pot. To do this stand with your head hanging down and breathe out ten times. Then tilt your head to one side, breathe out ten times then repeat on the other side. Now stand up straight and breathe out ten times with a finger over one nostril then repeat with the finger over the other nostril.

 My Personal Experience Using a Neti Pot

I have suffered from sinusitis since I've been a child and have spent my life with headaches, dizziness, tiredness and all the other problems this causes. My only relief came from taking decongestants although I've tried many other solutions including an operation on my nose to straighten a deviated septum and steroid sprays prescribed by my doctor. Since a friend told me about Neti Pots I've found the relief I've been searching for all my life! I use a Neti Pot two or three times a week as a preventative measure and increase it to every day if I feel any signs of my sinuses clogging up.