Things You'll Need:
- NETI pot
- Warm water
- Clean salt such as kosher salt or sea salt
- Measuring spoon
- Tissues
- Grapefruit seed extract, if desired
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Step 1
Be sure your water is the right temperature. If it is too cold, it could feel shocking and if it is too hot you might burn sensitive nasal tissue. Run the tap until the water is very warm but not hot. You can test the temperature on the inside of your wrist as you would a baby bottle.
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Step 2
When your water is nice and warm, fill your NETI pot. Add one quarter teaspoon of any clean salt, such as kosher salt or sea salt and stir until dissolved. Commercial NETI pot salt preparations are also available. You may also wish to add a 2 to 5 drops of grapefruit seed extract at this time.
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Step 3
Turn your head to one side and slightly forward, keeping it over the sink. Keep tissues handy! Bring the NETI pot to your nose and gently pour the warm solution into one nostril. The spout of the NETI pot can be just touching the nostril or slightly inserted. It shouldn't be deeply up in the nose. The warm salt water will flow up one nostril and out the other into the sink, cleaning out mucus, allergens and germs. You will be able to breathe normally through your mouth during the entire process. Remember to keep your head tilted slightly forward to prevent any water from running down your throat. When the NETI pot is empty, you will need to blow your nose. Don't be alarmed if you see a large amount of mucus in the tissue, along with all the water.
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Step 4
Repeat the process, pouring the warm saline into the other nostril. You will probably need to blow your nose a few times. When you are all done, rinse the NETI pot and dry it thoroughly.
Comments
HillbillyHeart said
on 10/12/2008 I wouldn't add more than one drop of grapefruit seed extract if you're not familiar with it. It can feel pretty extreme to the nasal passages.
AbbyNormal said
on 6/12/2008 This is an excellent article.