How to Use a Netti Pot

Member

By rachellevine
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating:

(8 Ratings)

The Netti pot (also spelled neti pot) is a great way to clear the sinuses and nasal passages of mucus and pollution. They help with allergies, colds, and sinusitis. The netti pot also helps clear the nasal passageways for breathing exercises. This age-old very simple healing technique will feel weird at first, but soon become a valued part of self care.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Netti Pot
Solution for the Netti Pot or salt
Warm water
A sink

Step 1

Rinse out the netti pot to make sure it is clean.
Step 2

Fill the netti pot with warm water. The water should not be hot. It should be just a little warmer than room temperature. Remember, this is going to go through your nose, so you don't want to burn your nasal passages with hot water. Ideally 8 oz of warm water are used.
Step 3

Add saline solution to pot or add 1/4 tsp of finely ground salt (or 1/2 tsp of course salt).
Step 4

If the pot has a lid, put the lid on. Shake or stir the pot to mix the salt with the water.
Step 5

Stand in front of the sink and lean forward slightly. Tilt your head to one side so that one nostril is over the other.
Step 6

Place the spout of the netti pot in the nostril that is raised (the one further from the sink), and gently tip the pot until the water starts to come out through the spout into your nostril. Keep your mouth open and breathe through your mouth.
Step 7

You will feel the water fill your nostril and it will drain right through to the other one. If you have your head tipped too far backwards, the water will run into your mouth. The saline solution is not dangerous, but not exactly tasty either.
Step 8

When the pot is empty, blow your nose gently. You might feel your ears pop slightly as you do this. Keep blowing your nose until all the mucus and water is out of your nose.
Step 9

Repeat the rinse of water and salt through the other nostril. Blow your nose gently again to remove water and mucus.