How to Use a Neti Pot to Relieve Symptoms of Sinusitis

Commercial saline (salt & water) nasal rinses help to flush the nose to improve breathing and reduce sinus headache pressure. The Neti pot, which uses salt and water too, adds a twist to the process - warmth. In addition, after the initial expense of the Neti pot, because you are making your own saline solution from tap water and table salt, the Neti pot becomes more cost effective than buying pre-mix saline for repeat nasal irrigations. Research has shown that nasal irrigation does help to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis, like sinus pressure, and that's good news for people who suffer with chronic sinusitis or allergies.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Purchase a Neti pot. A Neti pot looks like a cream server or tiny tea pot or Aladdin's lamp. Made of ceramic, metal, or plastic and available at drugstores, the Neti pot cost between $10 and $20.

2. Fill the pot as directed with warm water and salt.

3. Leaning over the sink, tilt your head left 45 degrees. With the Neti pot in your right hand, place the spout into your right nostril, lifting it so the water flows. The watery solution will come out our left nostril and/or go into your throat. There's no harm in the water going into your throat. Mucus, in general, will either go down your throat or out your nose so it is not unusual for the water to go down your throat; just spit it out

4. You may choose to continue to rinse through your right nostril with the remaining water in the Neti pot, or you can switch to the left nostril, with your head tipped 45 degrees to the right. Refill the pot if necessary. Gently blow your nose after each nostril rinse, but without closing one nostril.

5. While you are experiencing severe nasal restriction, you can repeat the process daily. You should then drop off to about three times a week. If you experience irritation, reduce the amount of salt and/or frequency.

6. Clean the pot with soap and water or in the dishwasher if the directions say that it is dishwasher safe.