Use a Neti Pot For Relief From Sinus Congestion

What is a Neti pot and how do you use it? The neti pot or nostril pot is a vessel that resembles a teapot and is designed to allow you to safely flush out your sinuses with a warm saline formula. It’s simple design is perfect to allow the user to flush out and irrigate their nasal cavities. The pot allows for a steady stream of saline solution to pass from one nostril to the other. There is no excessive pressure involved as the process works entirely from the flow of gravity.

Sinus congestion is caused by blocked nasal passages that have excess mucus and debris. Simply put, the sinuses are not draining and the result is a stuffy nose and blocked feeling while breathing through the nose. The neti pot can help relieve this condition by washing out and irrigating the sinuses and help keep the nasal cavities clean. Excess and dried mucus can harbor bacteria and allergens and make the situation worse.

The neti pot comes to the rescue here as the nasal flushing process is very simple and easy to do. The user will need an actual nostril pot. We mentioned that a warm saline solution is used–this is easily prepared by either using a premixed salt product or by mixing your own salt formula. New users may want to start with the premixed salt products as they usually are designed to allow you to mix the correct saline concentration for the neti pot.

The amount of salt to use depends on the volume of your neti pot, so it is best to mix the formula according to the instructions that come with your neti. There are some key things to keep in mind.

The ideal salt concentration for most people will match the normal saline content of your own body. Too much salt, as well as too little can cause a stinging sensation that will cause discomfort for the user. Be sure to get your solution mixed accordingly. The water used should be warm…around the normal body temperature or just slightly hotter. Do not use excessively hot water. Add your neti pot salt and stir to mix well.

Once you have your solution mixed, it is time to begin the actual flushing process. This is best done while leaning forward over a sink. Position the pot’s spout against one nostril and position your head so as to allow the water to flow into the upper nostril and exit the lower nostril. This is a simple process as all you are doing is forming a watertight seal against the edge of the nostril and tipping the neti to keep a steady flow through the nose.

The concept of pouring water directly into your nose may seem odd, but if you resist the urge to swallow and learn how to progressively tilt the pot up as it empties, then you can master this procedure. Nasal flushing done this way doesn’t interfere with breathing and you can even talk while the water is flowing through the sinuses. The sinus rinse is done on two steps–basically you will repeat the process from the other nostril and simply reverse the flow. Remember to always face the pot and flush from the nostril that corresponds with the way you have your face turned. Looking left = left nostril.

Once you have flushed from both sides, you will need to gently blow your nose into a tissue and remove the excess water. You may see excess mucus and debris during this stage. If you see this you have essentially loosened the mucus and helped to remove it.

The neti pot can offer a simple and easy way to get rid of sinus congestion. It can be used daily as a way to help maintain better sinus health. Keeping the sinuses irrigated and free from bacteria and allergens can be a part of your daily hygiene routine.