Nasal Irrigation with a Neti Pot

Nasal irrigation is the personal hygiene practice in which the nasal cavity is washed to flush out excess mucus and debris from the nose and sinuses. Nasal cleansing with Neti pots began as an Ayurvedic medicine technique in ancient India.

When is it best to use a Neti Pot? 

When you're experiencing congestion, allergies, sinus infections, snoring, colds, flu, or mold exposure.  Also get relief from sinus pain, pressure, and congestion.

Sometimes the simplest of solutions are the easiest to overlook. And nothing is simpler for promoting good respiratory/sinus health than using your trusty Neti Pot!*

How it works:

The basic explanation of how the Neti pot works is that it thins mucus and helps flush it out of the nasal passages. A more biological explanation for how the Neti pot works have to do with tiny, hair-like structures called cilia that line the inside of the nasal and sinus cavities. These cilia wave back and forth to push mucus either to the back of the throat where it can be swallowed or to the nose to be blown out. Saline solutions can help increase the speed and improve coordination of the cilia so that they may more effectively remove the allergens and other irritants that cause sinus problems.

Health Benefits Include:

• Promoting nasal hygiene (as part of one's routine)
• Aiding in recovery after nasal surgery
• Treating the following conditions:
  • Nasal congestion
  • The common cold
  • Sinus infections or irritation
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Allergies
  • Nasal dryness

How to Use a Neti Pot:

• Fill the Neti pot with approximately 8 oz of warm water. Add a heaping ½ teaspoon of finely ground sea (mineralized) salt and stir until it is thoroughly dissolved.
• Bend over the sink and turn your head to one side and tip your head downward (chin toward chest). Keeping the pot level, place the spout into the top nostril until it has a snug fit. Breathe through your mouth and slowly tip your head downward allowing the warm water to travel up through your sinuses and out the other nostril. You may need to adjust the angle of your head slightly to allow the water to flow out the other nostril. Use half the water and repeat on the other side.
• If you experience an uncomfortable sensation, adjust the level of salt. Sometimes too little salt can be as uncomfortable as too much salt.
• Once you’ve irrigated your sinuses, you can gently blow your nose with a tissue to flush out excess water. Be sure to have the tissues handy for this purpose.
• It can be helpful to bend over at the waist (with the top of your head pointed towards the floor) and exhale to release any trapped water.
• Follow the Neti pot by lubricating the inside of the nose with oil. This keeps the delicate tissues nourished and healthy.

At Vibrance Ayurveda we carry Baraka Neti Pots™ and salt jars in a variety of colors. They’re beautifully made, attractive, and best of all, effective!

We recommend you include some medicated salts for cold and flu season (for any bacterial or viral infection really!) and Sesame oil for nourishing the nasal passageway after using the Neti Pot. 

Whether you’re an experienced Neti Pot user or experiencing a little anxiety over the process revisiting these simple steps below can help. 

*Neti Pot is best used when you need it vs. consistent daily use.