CrowWeston676

Help with using a Neti Pot. Using the Neti Pot is a lot simpler than it may seem. The key is you create a warm saline solution (boiled or distilled only!) and allow it to go in one nostril, after which work its way through the nasal channel and sinuses, until it eventually exits out of the your other nostril. While the solution works its way through, the warm water assists to free up any debris which often can become lodged in the many twists and turns of your nasal cavities, whilst the salt sanitizes and helps fight infections.

For the water itself you need to use boiled plain faucet water or even better sterilized water, but boiled plain tap water is fine.You will then need some non ionised salt. This is normally often known as ‘Sea Salt’ which often typically large chunks of a raw salt in comparison to regular table salt which is very fine and processed. Quite a few people also like to add a small amount of Bicarbonate soda to temper the solution, myself I merely use salt, however you may find Bicarbonate works for you.

Next, before we do a single thing more you need to sanitize your Neti Pot.First provide it with an effective scrub as you would any normal kitchen utensil, however if using washing up detergent always make sure it’s rinsed off well! Upon having cleaned it within the convention way, it is then time to sterilise and this can be done in one of three ways:

The initial one is to position it in to a Microwave oven in exactly the same as you would for a baby’s bottle, but please note that you may need to be careful with all the plastic models, if you do it for no more then 1.5 minutes you should be fine and not cause any damage, but monitor the event to be certain for the initial couple of times.

Second is to position the neti pot into some boiling water, but be careful to never scold yourself. Use some thongs if need be.

The final is to use a baby bottle sterilizing product.

As for the temperature it needs to be the same as our body and that is 98.6°F (37°C) - Basically Luke warm, so never to cold, and surely not too hot.

Once within your sterilised pot give it a stir and you’re all set.

If it’s your first attempt its worth obtaining a towel draped over your neck just to catch any solution that you spill.

Lean forward over a hand basin or large bowl and tilt top of your head upwards looking straight ahead. Position the end of the Pots spout into your nostril applying enough pressure to ensure that it ‘seals’ the spout on your nose.

Begin to breath in a relaxed way through your mouth and after that tilt top of your head sideways in order that the spout and pot is above your upward faced cheek. Carry on and breathe via the mouth the complete time and stay relaxed.

You should now find that the solution begins to exit the other nostril. If it does not give it some time and if still it isn't coming out move the top of your head back to the starting position and permit the solution drain. Now try the other side.


 * Note: When you appear too blocked for the solution to get through, try some cold water as this can on occasion reduce sinus inflammation enough for any solution to get through. After it is flowing again, switch back to the warmer solution.

Do each side twice or up until the solution finishes.

How frequently should I do this?

You should begin with one per day and then move up to twice daily (morning and evening).

As usual with things medical a disclaimer is needed; I'm not a qualified Doctor, I am a keen user, so the material on this website is not intended to be a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For all things medical a physician should be consulted first for anyone who is unsure.

neti pot solution are usually recommended by ENT specialists as well as people who find themselves recoverying from Sinsus surgery, and Saline is FDA approved, so this is considered a safe practice, but unfortunately we cannot know your particular circumstances so an expert really should be consulted for anybody who is unsure. It's also not suggested to try to use a Neti Pot against younger children without seeking professional guidance first.

And finally, remember it is essential to only use sterilized or boiled water, avoid using untreated water