Sinus congestion. A bad headache. Sniffling. Sinus infections are the worst.
When I first developed the tendency for sinus infections, I felt like my head was going to explode. It lasted four brutal weeks. Did I mention I was pregnant? Double crummy.
When I finally discovered the magic secret to getting rid of sinus infections in record time, I couldn’t believe I waited so long to try this amazing natural remedy. I was instantly sold with the quick relief and benefit that these little pots have brought into my life. If you’re not familiar with Neti pots, let me acquaint you and tell you why you should be using one and how to use them.
Neti pots are really simple little devices. They are essentially just a little pot, normally made out of ceramic or plastic. They work by cleaning out your nasal cavity. You just fill them up with a mixture of distilled or boiled water and salt, and then pour through your nose to rinse out the cavity. They are used to treat sinus issues like sinusitis, nasal allergies and colds. Some people even use them regularly to cleanse out all the environmental toxins and prevent allergy and sinus symptoms. I use mine frequently even after these nagging sinusitis symptoms clear up.
Why is cleaning out the nasal passages so important?
Simple. They are one of our body’s first areas of defence against bugs and illness. The Neti pot actually originated with Ayurvedic medicine in India, and “Neti” is Sanskrit for “nasal cleansing.” They have been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine to deal with sinus and allergy problems. Using them regularly keeps out of the nasal cavity and helps regulate the sinuses. If you suffer from chronic sinus issues or allergies, these can be a huge blessing. Net pots are normally made out of ceramic (like the one shown) and are fairly inexpensive (you shouldn’t have to pay more than $20 for a good Neti pot.
How to Use the Neti Pot
Using the Neti pot is actually really simple as well. All you need is a pot, water, and a saline salt solution.
- Measure out 1 cup of distilled water and warm up in a pot on the stove for just one or two minutes, bringing the water to bathtub temperature. You want to make sure the water is a comfortable termpature – not too cold, not too hot. Alternatively, you can also use regular water as long as it has been boiled for several minutes and then left to cool to room temperature. We pick up jugs of distilled water at our local pharmacy or grocery store and I find that easier and quicker.
- Mix the water with 1/4 teaspoon of fine ground sea salt, or a salt solution like this one
- Measure out 1/2 cup of the saltwater solution into the neti pot for each nostril. Tilt your head over the sink, place the spout of the pot in the upper nostril and pour in the water, lifting your elbow up gently as you pour. The water will flow through and out the other nostril. Repeat on the other side, blowing your nose after each side as needed.
- Rinse out the Neti pot after each use, or if you are sick with a cold or other infection, wash with soap and water to ensure no germs are left on the pot.
For more detailed instructions, I found this video to be especially helpful.
Photo credit: Victor Koldunov
I absolutely love my neti pot! I bought one to try during my second pregnancy when I had a sinus infection. I had been sick for four weeks, and Echinacea and a neti pot cured me in just a few days. I was so overjoyed to avoid antibiotics as I didn’t want to mess with that while pregnant if I didn’t need to! They. are. awesome.
I’m so glad it worked for you. I’ve been plagued with sinus infections for this pregnancy and my neti pot has helped so much!