There’s a reason why Neti pot users gush over the power of this ancient yoga medical tradition. The Neti pot is a powerful nasal irrigation system that alleviates congestion and sniffles, provides allergy relief, and knocks out colds caused by bacterial infections and viruses. Although sticking a spout up your nose and watching as water drains in one nostril and out the other can look a bit off putting, we promise…once you try the Neti pot you’ll be hooked!
How It Works
Doctors have been using saline solutions to unclog sinuses and flush nasal cavities of pollen, irritants, mucus, and bacteria for a while now. The flow of the Neti pot, however, helps push irritants out of the nose much faster and more effectively than standard saline nasal sprays. Ear, nose and throat surgeons recommend the Neti pot as a post surgery aid to clear away crusting in the nasal passages.
The nasal and sinus cavities are lined with cilia, which oscillate back and forth to push mucus into the throat where it is swallowed, or into the nose where it is blown out. The Neti pot increases the speed and enhances the coordination of the cilia so that mucus is thinned and irritants are cleared away more effectively. As the saline solution moves through the nasal passages, you’re able to breathe easier, facial pressure and pain from sinus infections and congestion subside, and colds are cut in half as bacteria and irritants are flushed away.
Dr. Brent Senior, president of the American Rhinologic Society, says “I’ve seen people who are dealing with sinus infections, seasonal allergies, and non-allergic rhinitis (chronic stuffy nose) all benefit from using a Neti pot.”
Physical benefit aside, the ancient yogis used the Neti pot to enhance clairvoyance. The Neti pot is thought to cleanse your third eye (between your eyebrows) so that you have enhanced intuition and perception.
How to Use
Mix about 16 ounces of lukewarm sterilized, filtered water with 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt, such as sea salt. Pour into Neti pot. Tilt your head over the sink at about a 45-degree angle. Place the spout into your top nostril, and tilt the pot up so that the saline solution pours through your top nostril and out the other. Switch nostrils, and blow in between uses! We guarantee you will breath easier!
If you experience mild side effects, such as nasal irritation and stinging, adjust your salt:water ratio in favor of water. Use the Neti pot whenever you are suffering from sinus pressure and nasal congestion, and at the first sign of a cold.