Neti pots look like Aladdin’s lamp, but can using one answer the wishes of millions of allergy and sinusitis sufferers? Well, lots of patients say yes! The Neti works on everything from sinusitis and bacterial infections, to allergies and environmental irritants. Research backs up these claims and now eye, ear and throat specialists are saying – go for it!
If you’re game, there aren’t any hard and fast guidelines. Most Neti pots come with a paper insert that will tell you how it should be used. Instructions vary slightly from product to product. For most, you mix about a pint of lukewarm water with a teaspoon of salt (although many new Neti pots come with their own pre-measured saline solutions). Once all the saline is dissolved, which is usually in an instant, tilt your head over the sink at about a 45-degree angle and place the spout into your top nostril. Now gently pour the saline solution into that nostril.
The water should flow through your nasal cavity and into the other nostril. It may also run into your throat. If this happens -- no worries --just spit it out. Blow your nose to get rid of any remaining liquid, then refill the Neti pot and repeat the process on the other side. One note of caution: if it’s not coming out the other nostril because it’s completely blocked, don’t use a Neti. If it works, great! Studies show that using it daily can relieve even severe sinus symptoms.
