Does a Neti Pot Work Well for Colds & Sinuses?
A neti pot can be beneficial to those suffering from the common cold or sinus issues, such as allergies or minor sinusitis. Steeped in ancient Ayurvedic medicine, the concept of washing the naval cavities (also called nasal lavage or nasal irrigation) has been around for thousands of years. While the nasal wash does not cure a full-blown nasal infection, it can keep colds at bay, as well as minimize the effects of seasonal allergies.
A 12-month study of 200 participants using neti pots was conducted in Sydney, Australia. The results were overwhelmingly positive concerning the overall benefits of using a neti pot for sinus issues.
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Inside the Nose
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A thin film of mucus lines the nasal cavities. This mucus acts as the body's natural defense by trapping dirt and pollen. By running a warm saline solution through the nasal cavities, cold germs and built-up allergens caught in the mucus are washed out of the body, leaving behind clearer pathways for easier breathing.
According to Mayo Clinic asthma and allergy specialist James T. Li, M.D., a neti pot can be used to treat colds, nasal allergies or other sinus problems. Many neti pot enthusiasts claim that using a neti pot on a regular basis can be a more effective treatment for nasal allergy and sinus issues than over-the-counter pills or sprays.
Ingredients
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Many neti pots purchased in pharmacies are sold with packets of powder. Each packet can be mixed with distilled or boiled tap water to create the solution. These packets usually contain two ingredients: sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride. The sodium bicarbonate (i.e., baking soda) acts as a buffering agent to adjust the pH of the solution. The sodium chloride (i.e., table salt) acts as the cleansing agent.
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The Solution
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Making a solution at home is easy and more cost-effective than buying packets. Store two airtight containers with the neti pot for convenience: one with baking soda, one with non-iodized salt.
To make the solution, dissolve 1/8 tsp. non-iodized salt and 1/8 tsp. baking soda into 8 oz. slightly warm distilled water. To use tap water instead of distilled water, bring the tap water to a boil and let it cool to a comfortable temperature (slightly warm) before mixing the solution.
Keep in mind that the baking soda is optional. Try the solution without the baking soda and see how the nasal cavities feel after several nasal washes. If any discomfort arises, add the baking soda to see if the discomfort subsides.
The Method
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Stand at a sink. Fill the neti pot with warm distilled or boiled (and cooled) water. Add the packet (or non-iodized salt and baking soda) and stir the solution well. Bring the neti pot to one nostril. Leaning slightly forward over the sink, tilt the head away from the neti pot (e.g., if the neti pot is against the left nostril, tilt the head to the right). Let the water flow into the nostril and notice the water's path through the nasal cavities. The water should flow out of the other nostril into the sink. Breathe through the mouth throughout the entire process, until all the water is gone.
This may take a little practice, and some solution may trickle down the throat, but it should be easy to master the correct technique.
Possible Side Effects
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Use of a neti pot has no drug interactions. However, some people may encounter discomfort, which usually arises from using a neti pot too frequently or using a solution that is not properly prepared.
If nasal cavity dryness occurs, refrain from using a neti pot as frequently. For example, instead of continuing a nasal wash every day, cut back to every other day or every third day and see if the dryness subsides. Or adjust the solution; add baking soda if none was previously used or use slightly less salt.
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References
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