No More Nasal Congestion With a Neti Pot
Millions on Americans deal with sinus problems on a daily basis. Nasal congestion can lead to horrible headaches, facial pain, and clogged nasal passages. Like many natural solutions we look toward India for the answers. For over hundreds if not thousands of years cultures in this area of the world used a small pot called a neti pot to assist in nasal clearing, this special device was shapped like a small watering pot and used to irrigate nasal passages. Typically a spout is on one end and usually a handle on the other end of this pot. If one has ever seen a Genni lamp, this would be a good visual aid. These pots are usually made from clay, glass, metal, plastic or ceramic. Neti pots have been used for centuries, but it’s only been recently that The Oprah Winfrey Show brought light to this ancient nasal cleaner.
Typically, to use a neti pot you’d mix 16 ounces of lukewarm water with 1 teaspoon of a solution. In many cases salt is used (minus the iodine). 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 solution into that nostril.
The fluid will flow through your nasal cavity and into the other nostril. If the fluid runs down you throat, just spit it out. After the neti pot is emptied, blow your nose to get rid of any remaining liquid, then repeat the process on the other side.
According to Dr. David Rabage, MD who’s the assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, “The basic explanation of how the neti pot works is that it thins the mucus to help flush it out of the nasal passages.” Dr. Rabage is the leading researcher on nasal irrigation. He also states, ” The tiny, hair-like structures called cilia that line the inside of the nasal cavities work by moving in a wave like fashion 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.”
In studies, people with very severe sinus problems found relief from using the neti pot daily, but three times a week was often enough to subside symptoms. Research has also found neti pots to be safe, with only 10% of regular users experiencing mild side effects such as nasal irritation and stinging. Neti pots can be purchased for around $20 at your local health food store.