Natural Health For Sinus Care Using the Neti Pot

The Neti Pot looks like a tea pot. It is designed and used to flush salt water through the nose and into and through the sinuses. Sounds horrible you say? While it may not be the most pleasurable experience for some, it has been practiced in India for hundreds of years as a discipline of yoga and one of the natural health therapies. Many people worldwide now use this simple, effective and portable method to increase their sinus and nasal health, and reduce or prevent colds and sinus infections. Clinically, nasal irrigation has been proved safe and effective with no significant side effects. Saline rinses are also a tool for post-surgical care for sinus surgery. This method has been in use all around the globe for a long time whether with a Neti pot or some other type of irrigation tool.

Use of the Neti Pot is appropriate for a great many sinus and nasal conditions including rhinitis from bacterial and allergic conditions, headache or pain from sinus infection, colds, bad breath, and nasal congestion and dryness. The use of the Neti Pot can help you to decrease your need for medication for these conditions, help you breath more deeply (a practice I am always in favor of!), and improve your sense of smell and taste.

To use the Neti Pot all one needs to do is mix warm water and non-iodized salt. The trick is to get the water the right temperature (not too hot!) and the right quantity of salt (not too salty or it will burn). The recommended quantities are: a heaping 1/4 teaspoon of finely ground non-iodized salt or a slightly rounded 1/2 teaspoon of coarsely ground salt (kosher salt) with 8 ounces of warm water. Mix the salt water solution in cup until the salt is dissolved and then pour into the pot. Turn your head to one side over the sink and insert the spout into the nostril so it forms a seal. Pour the solution slowly in to your nostril and let it run through your sinuses until it comes out the other nostril. After the pot is empty, refill and repeat on the other side. Then face the sink and exhale vigorously without pinching the nostrils.

The Neti Pot may take a little getting used to but the benefits are worth it. If you travel frequently you can get a plastic pot for on the road. It really helps after that dry recirculated airplane air. Use of the Neti pot is a time-tested therapy for natural health.