What is a Neti Pot and How Do You Use One?
**
A neti pot is a container, similar looking to a small teapot and an Aladdin’s magic lamp, designed to irrigate nasal passages with a salt and water (saline) solution. It has been used for hundreds of years in Ayurvedic medicine and is now becoming popular in the United States. You can buy one from most drugstores and health food stores, as well as online, and the cost is typically under $20.
The neti pot can help treat colds, allergies, sinus problems and infections. Cleaning the nasal passages can relieve congestion and facial pressure and pain. The solution is said to help remove irritants, allergens and bacteria from the nose more effectively by pushing the mucus out. Using this device may eliminate the need for medications, including antibiotics. It is often recommended by ear, nose and throat physicians to treat a variety of sinus conditions, and research has shown positive results when using one.
According to one study involving 26 children with allergic rhinitis, those who were treated with nasal irrigation had significant improvement in their symptoms, and were able to reduce their need for steroid nasal sprays.[1] In another study involving 121 adults with chronic nasal and sinus symptoms, those who were treated with saline irrigation reported a greater decrease in the frequency and severity of their symptoms than those who were treated with a nasal spray.[2]
How to Use It
You can buy a special salt designed for this purpose or you can use a non-iodized salt without added chemicals like crushed sea salt. Do not use table salt. Previously boiled distilled or filtered water should be used. Mix the solution as instructed or roughly add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water.
- Add the salt and water solution to the pot.
- Stand in front of a sink, bend forward and tilt your head to one side at about a 45 degree angle.
- Apply the spout into your upper nostril and let the solution gently flow through the lower nostril.
- Blow your nose, refill the pot and repeat on the other side.
The solution should not enter the mouth as long as you are not tilting your head backwards. If it does reach the back of your throat, just spit it out.
Safety Concerns
It is sufficient to use once a day when relieving symptoms. Some recommend using once a day to prevent future problems. However, according to research, cleaning the nose everyday may make one more susceptible to sinus infections.[3]
Possible side effects are usually mild and may include nasal irritation, stinging and bleeding. If you experience any of these side effects, you may be able to avoid them by using less salt, changing the water temperature or using this treatment less frequently.
Keep the neti pot clean and make a fresh solution each time you use it.
References
- Pub Med: Nasal saline irrigation facilitates control of allergic rhinitis by topical steroid in children
- University of Michigan Health System: Sinus problems are treated well with safe, inexpensive treatment, UMHS study finds
- ABC News: Neti Pot Once a Day Can Cause Infections
- Web MD: Nasal Saline Irrigation and Neti Pots
- Mayo Clinic: What is a neti pot? And why would you use one?
- Neil Med Pharmaceuticals: How To Use Sinus Rinse & Neti Pot
Photo Credit:
Disclaimer
Please read this disclaimer regarding the information contained within this article.