Neti pots are small pitchers made from either plastic or ceramic material that is equipped with two openings at the spout and at the bottom. The neti pot is used by some persons for a sinus wash as a part of their daily personal hygiene regimen. The pot is filled with water and salt which is then used to cleanse your nasal passage. This is supposed to help with nasal swelling and with the relief of symptoms associated with nasal dryness, sinus infections, flu ,cold and other sinus irritations.
Things you will need
- Neti pot
- Salt (non–iodized)
- Water
Instructions
- First you need to get a neti pot, if you don’t have one it can be bought at any department store that caters to household supplies. Once you have received it make sure you clean it thoroughly with soap and water.
- You may need to boil the water a bit so it becomes lukewarm, or use the tap water if you have a water heater. Then use the water to fill the pot and add ¼ – ½ teaspoon of table, sea or pharmaceutical salt that has no iodine and then stir this solution until the salt dissolves.
- Go to the bathroom and lean your head forward over the face basin so that your neck bends slightly over with your eyes pointing downwards. Now gently place the spout of the neti pot inside your right nostril and form a seal to prevent the salt water from leaking. You can ask someone for assistance to do this for you. While this is being done secure that your mouth is still opened and you are breathing continuously so the water doesn’t drain from behind your nose into your mouth.
- Tilt your head a little to the side so that your right nostril goes directly above your left nostril. Then tip the neti pot to allow the salt water to pour into your right nostril. This will allow the water to naturally flow from your right nostril and drain from your left nostril and into the sink.
- Once all the salt water has been used up, remove the spout from your right nostril and inhale and exhale through both of your nostrils. Take a piece of tissue and blow your nose until it feels clear.
- Once you feel better then use the neti pot to repeat this process again for your left nostril again. You may need to mix a next batch of salt water for the right nostril.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do not continue to use the neti pot once you experience any form of discomfort. If the discomfort continues, it may be necessary for you to consult your doctor for a checkup.
- * Do not share your neti pot with anyone under any circumstances; this is not hygienically safe as each person should be equipped with their own.
- When you are using the neti pot for the first few times, you can minimize the amount of salt you use until you get used to it. The salt may irritate your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin so use small portions at a time to see the type of effect it has on you first and then you can apply more salt if you wish.
- Before you use the neti pot, you can use a thin layer of petroleum jelly and place it on the inside of your nose to help to soothe your skin. This is useful for persons who have very sensitive skin.
- Always clean your neti pot thoroughly before and after every use. From time to time you may need to soak it in a sanitation solution.
