It could be said that almost everyone could benefit from cleaning out their nasal passage ways with a saline solution in lukewarm water from time to time. If only because of the high amount of pollution and chemicals in our air today, and the vast array of health problems these are linked too. 

People suffering with allergies have reported to benefit largely from using a neti pot (this technique is called ‘nasal irrigation’) and it has helped many to reduce the amount of anti-histamines and other medications they have used to control their allergies and sinus trouble. Even the ear, nose and throat surgeons are backing nasal irrigation, specifically from neti pots for their patients who’ve undergone sinus surgery as they have found it helpful in clearing away  the crusting that builds up in the nasal passages after an operation. 

Many of us suffer daily with acute sinus symptoms from allergies and environmental irritants so the answer may just lie in the regular use of a neti pot! As the manufacturers claim that these devices alleviate congestion, and facial pain and pressure. The good news is there is also a lot of research that can back up these claims.

The role of the nasal passage way and specifically the hair lining the walls of the nostril (cilia) is to help block out all the toxins and undesirables that would upset the balance of good health in a person, if they were to enter the body. With many people focusing on cleansing their bowels out with enemas, it makes sense to apply the same rule to our nostrils – think of it like changing the filter on your hoover regularly as I assume most of you do right as it would get backed and broken. All of these natural alternative drug free methods use the same principles and aim to help the body cope with the extremely large amount of toxins we have been faced with in the last 60 years, by reducing the build up of toxins before it enters the body and burdens the body.

The neti pot is a small watering can type pot (either made of plastic or ceramic – please see at the top of the article) that originated from people practising Ayurveda and Yoga in India thousands of years ago, in order to help cleanse the body of excess mucous. Mucous is vital in the body and its role is to protect us. It is needed by the digestive system, reproductive system, and the respiratory system. For example the lungs produce mucous to trap foreign particles that enter the body through normal breathing that may harm the lungs. The neti pot helps to deal with the mucus produced by the nose and throat only, which the presence of such is quite normal. It is when this area produces too much that comfortable breathing is not possible,  and so must be cleared. This would be where usually the person would blow their nose or clear phlegm from the throat, and where a neti pot is a great option that can be perhaps more effective.

People that would especially benefit from using a neti pot are the following:

  • Pregnant women – the growing child puts pressure on the whole body and this includes the sinus area
  • Elderly people – the older we get, the more our body begins to decline in its ability to do its job properly
  • Athletes – more toxins than normal can be released during over exertion
  • People who are bed ridden – due to the lack of movement and flow of fluids, sinus congestion is common
  • People who travel lots, including those that travel by train, car and especially plane put a lot of pressure on the sinuses due to breathing in lots of recycled air, and air that contains contagious diseases. Using a neti pot can also be useful in reducing jet lag for those who suffer with it.
  • People suffering with chronic sinus trouble and those that suffer occasionally with nasal congestion and facial pressure because of it

Our breath usually flows more through one nostril than another at any given moment, switching its current back and forth at different times of the day. This is not by any means accidental, as with all things in the body. This in fact represents a fluctuation in our energy, activity and awareness through time, providing important information on what is happening inside ourselves.

Also, according to Ayurvedic principles when there is a constant blockage in the left nostril and the right nostril is flowing fine with breath, the person may suffer from insomnia, irritability and hyperactivity. Whereas when the right side is blocked and the breath is only flowing through the left nostril, then the person may suffer from tiredness, lethargy, poor digestion, poor circulation and dullness of mind.

Instructions On How to Use a Neti Pot:

1. Prepare your saline solution by dissolving 1g of special coarse neti pot salt, or 500mg of fine neti pot salt in a measuring jug with 100ml of boiling hot purified water. Allow the salt to completely dissolve by stirring it until you cannot see any salt pieces. Once this is done, add 100ml of cold purified water to the above solution to lower the temperature as you are aiming for lukewarm consistency, and you should never use boiling hot water for nasal irrigation.

2. Having prepared your saline solution, stand over a sink and fill your neti pot with it. Find out which nostril allows easier breathing (press a finger on each nostril, and breath through the other), then put the neti pot into that nostril.

3. Next bend your head forward over a sink and then tilt it to one-side. Open your mouth wide and breathing through the mouth, while tilting the neti pot gently upwards until water begins to flow out of the lower nostril.

4. It is important to breathe calmly through the mouth and to tilt the neti pot slowly, to avoid the saline solution going down the throat. If you should swallow some, don’t worry it’s harmless but do try to avoid it!

5. After the irrigation is completed, stand up straight and forcibly exhale through both nostrils to expel any remaining fluid. Have some tissue paper handy so that you can blow your nose and catch any remaining fluid.

6. Repeat the irrigation procedure with the other nostril, tilting your head to the opposite side this time.

7. After you have irrigated both nostrils, bring your head forwards and then to the left and then to the right, so that any remaining fluid can drain. If this does not help, put your hands on your knees to support yourself and let your head hand down and turn it to the left and then to the right.

With regular practise irrigation becomes quite natural and pleasant. How regularly you perform this is up to you. Some people do it daily, while others may only use it when they feel the need to. When pollen count is high, you could use the neti pot several times a day to help keep the nasal passages clear and free of allergens.

If you are considering using a neti pot then upon purchasing it you will get the full instructions explaining how to do so correctly, and this includes how to clean your neti pot. You must also use special neti pot salt as some salts on the market are unsuitable as they contain chemical additives which will be harmful to the body if inserted into the nasal passage way.

You can buy a neti pot from us here at Great Health Naturally, but due to high demand we only have more stock arriving in June. So to place a back order (no money will be charged to you until the items are back in stock at which point we will notify you) then please let us know by visiting the contact us page.

N.B: There are special circumstances when you should check with your natural health care provider before using a neti pot, such as those that have a chronic health condition, who have had nosebleeds or recent nasal surgery. Also it is vital that only clean, purified, water is used that has been boiled and then cooled. Please also note that neti pots are not intended as medical devices and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

About the Author:

Amy Morris is the owner (and founder) of Great Health Naturally Limited. She is a qualified and UK registered Natural Nutritionist, holistic lifestyle adviser and organic retail specialist. Amy is based in beautiful green Surrey, UK. She enjoys consulting and helping her clients (and anyone who will listen!) become informed, educated and empowered so that they can take control of their health and achieve great health naturally.