Have you thought about using a Neti Pot?
You've probably heard stories about people finding their nasal relief miracle in a Neti Pot! Personally, I think it sounds like water boarding yourself...but could so many people be wrong?
The word "neti" is from the ancient Sanskrit from India. It literally traslates to nasal cleansing. The equipment to perform this technique has evolved over time with materials and production technology.
Use of the Neti Pot is for the most part safe.
About 10% of Neti pot users report discomfort or headaches after use. There have also been stories of contaminated water placing dangerous micro bacteria into your soft nasal passages causing severe illness. This is not the norm, however. Aside from the cleanliness of most water available, it is recommended to use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water.
Frequent use of a Neti Pot can promote good sinus and nasal health if you have chronic:
- Sinusitis
- Facial pain
- Headache
- Halitosis
- Cough
- Anterior rhinorrhea (watery discharge)
- Nasal congestion
For a complete, simple explanation of Neti Pot use watch this:
These are the recommended steps:
- Mix about 16 ounces (1 pint) of lukewarm water (distilled, sterile, or previously boiled) with 1 teaspoon of salt.
- To make the mixture gentler, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to buffer the solution.
- Highly recommended to use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water to make up the irrigation solution.
- Once you've filled the Neti pot, tilt your head over the sink at about a 45-degree angle.
- Place the spout into your top nostril, and gently pour the saline solution into that nostril.
- The fluid will flow through your nasal cavity and out the other nostril.
- Liquid that begins to run down your throat, simply spit into the sink.
- Blow your nose to get rid of any remaining liquid.
- Refill the Neti Pot and repeat the process on the other side.
- Be sure to thoroughly rinse the irrigation device after each use and leave open to air dry.
