If you’ve tried all types of allergy relief solutions to no avail, it’s time to learn how to use a neti pot for allergies and sinus relief.
A neti pot is essentially a nasal irrigation system. It flushes out allergens and alleviates sinus infections by introducing a warm saline solution into the nasal passage.
It is surprisingly easy to learn how to use a neti pot for allergies and sinus relief. The key is to develop the right position.
Interested in using a neti pot, but aren’t quite sure where to start? You’ll find everything you need to know about how to use this strange looking contraption below. You’ll also find useful information on how to maximize the benefits of a neti pot and what precautions you should take when using one.
What is a Neti Pot?
Have you seen pictures or videos of people holding up what looks like a teapot to their nose, and wondered what it was? That teacup lookalike device is a neti pot.
The term neti pot comes from the ancient yogic practice of Jal Neti, which focused on cleaning the nasal path starting from the nostrils right down to the throat.
Ancient yogis strongly believed that proper breathing was the key to staying healthy and disease-free. These yogis used the Jal Neti technique regularly to clear their sinuses so they could breathe properly without any blockages.
Today science has proven the importance of clearing your nasal passages and sinuses, and one of the most effective ways of doing this is through the practice of Jal Neti. To do Jal Neti you need to use a neti pot.
What exactly is a neti pot? It is a small device that looks like a teapot. It has a container with a handle at one end and a long, narrow spout on the other end. The spout is narrow enough to be inserted gently into one of the nostrils to perform Jal Neti.
If you suffer from frequent sinus infections or allergies, learning how to use a neti pot could help to clear your nasal passages and help you breathe more freely.
How To Use a Neti Pot the Right Way
I will admit it seems a bit intimidating at first, but once you learn how to use a neti pot the right way, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is.
There are several little things you need to keep in mind when using a neti pot so you can get the benefits without hurting yourself.
You do need to focus so you do not hurt yourself so try to pick a time when you are not likely to be distracted.
Here’s how to use a neti pot the right way:
Use a Premade Solution When Starting Out
The solution used with a neti pot is a simple saltwater solution but you have to use the right dilution.
When you’re starting out, I would highly recommend using a starter neti pot kit. Starter kits come with a neti pot and the solution. I highly recommend the Himalayan Chandra Neti Pot Complete Sinus Cleansing System Starter Kit. It is one of the best starter neti pot kits and has received rave reviews by people who have used it.
Premade solutions are also easily available in any drug store for when you run out or if you buy just the neti pot separately.
If you decide to make your own, use either distilled or bottled water, not regular tap water. You must be very careful when adding the salt. Too much can be harmful and too little may not have the desired effect. Ideally, you should add 1 teaspoon of salt per 16 ounces of distilled water.
For the first few times, it is advisable to use the readymade solution so you are not worrying about the exact ratios of salt and water.
Whether you make it yourself or use a premade solution, it will be mixed with lukewarm water before using it with the neti pot.
You’ve got everything you need and found the right spot, it’s now time to start using your neti pot to clear your passages and get relief from your allergies.
Find a Good Location
The first thing you need to do is to make sure you choose a good location in your home to use your neti pot. The water that you pour into one nostril is going to exit from the other nostril. With that in mind, you will want to use your neti pot in a place where you don’t have to worry about the water making a mess all around.
You can either use your neti pot over the sink or stand in your shower or bathtub. The shower really is the best place. You won’t have to mop up the floor and you can remove your clothes before you start so there’s even less to worry about.
If you do use the neti pot over the sink, you need to lean your head over the sink enough to where the solution that drips out goes into the sink and not on your floor.
Once you get used to using the neti pot and develop the right technique, you will reach a point where there is no water dripping on the floor or on your clothes.
Insert the Spout Into Your Nostril
Stand in the shower or over the sink, and tilt your head to one side.
Now place the tip of the spout near your upper nostril and start pouring the solution slowly into your nostril.
The spout must be inserted just far enough so the water goes into the nostril and does not just spill out at the sides. Do this slowly and gently so you do not accidentally insert it too far into the nostril as this can be painful.
If you do this right, the solution will pass through the nasal passage and come out through the lower nostril.
Stay Relaxed When Using the Neti Pot
It is important that you stay relaxed while using the neti pot.
It might feel a little weird at first, but it will not hurt you if you follow these instructions.
Open your mouth and breathe through your mouth during this time and just try to relax while you insert the solution.
If any solution goes into your throat, don’t panic. This is also normal. You just have to spit it out.
After doing this with one nostril, tilt your head the other side and repeat the process with your other nostril.
That’s it! That’s how you use a neti pot. You’ll see how simple it is after a few tries.
How Often Can You Use a Neti Pot?
‘How often can I use a neti pot?’ is one of the most common questions I get asked.
Typically, you only need to use it as needed. This might be when your nose is stuffed up and you cannot breathe freely or when you have symptoms of sinus problems or allergies.
It is advisable to discuss the use and frequency with your doctor.
Additional Tips When Using a Neti Pot
Here are some more tips to follow to use neti pot successfully:
Do not use the neti pot right before bed – You might still have a little drainage after you are done using the neti pot, so it is best not to lie down immediately after or the water will drip onto your pillow. Wait at least an hour before lying down after using a neti pot.
Try using the shower – This truly is one of the best ways to use a neti pot. There is less clean-up and it is easier to manage overall.
Don’t lean over too quickly – You may be tempted to lean over immediately after pouring the solution into your nostril. Don’t do this. Give it a few seconds and only lean over as much as you need to. This allows the solution to work its magic before draining out.
Wash your hands thoroughly before using the neti pot – This is a good rule of thumb to ensure only clean, filtered saltwater enters your nostril. Wash your hands before touching and using your neti pot.
Use the pot regularly during cold and allergy season – While you can just use the neti pot when you already have symptoms, you can also try using it routinely. When you enter allergy season, it is a good time to start using the neti pot more often so your nasal passage remains allergen-free.
Always use distilled water in your neti pot – The water you use for the saltwater solution should always be as clean as possible. This means using distilled or filtered water.
Rinse your neti pot after using it – You don’t want that saltwater solution to sit in the neti pot. When you are done using it, throw the remaining water out and rinse it well.
Benefits of Using a Neti Pot
There are several benefits to using a neti pot. One of the biggest benefits is that it helps relieve the pressure from sinuses and allergies.
You can use your neti pot all year round, but it is particularly useful during cold and allergy season. This is because when it is allergy season, you tend to breathe in a lot of allergens such as pollen and pollution, which inflame and irritate your sinuses.
The neti pot is a wonderful way to relieve your symptoms and help you find relief.
Other Benefits of Using a Neti Pot
- Helps relieve stuffiness and congestion from a cold
- Alleviates pressure when you have sinus or allergy problems
- Clears your nasal passes so you can breathe better
- Reduces nasal dryness and cracking of the skin
- Eases sinus headaches
- Improves sense of smell
- Reduces snoring
- Helps you breathe deeper
You will find great relief with a neti pot if you have allergies, are a frequent sufferer of the common cold, or if you suffer from regular sinus infections.
Which is the Best Neti Pot to Buy?
Some are ceramic and look similar to a small teapot, while others are made of plastic and may be shaped slightly differently. Some come with a number of accessories to make the process easier.
While the shape of the neti pot or the material it is made of does not really impact its effectiveness, what is important is to choose the right size.
A smaller neti pot is easier to handle, especially when you are starting out. You have to tilt your head and direct the spout into your nostril. This can be difficult if the device is large and bulky.
Having a small spout is also important as this will make it easier to insert it into the nostril.
When starting out, I would highly recommend a set that comes complete with a neti pot and saltwater solution. When the solution runs out, you can then either buy the solution separately or make your own at home.
The Himalayan Chandra Neti Pot Complete Sinus Cleansing System Starter Kit is a best seller on Amazon for good reason. For one low price, you get everything that you need to get started. You do not have to buy anything else to start your nasal wash routine.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
