A neti pot can be used to irrigate the nasal passages, relieving congestion and allergy symptoms. To use a neti pot, you will need the neti pot itself and a saline or salt solution. You can purchase both saline solutions and commercial mixes for making the solution over-the-counter. However, the ingredients needed for a saline solution are simple and readily available, so you can experiment with making your own saline solution. To avoid potential contamination, do not store prepared solution longer than recommended in the recipe.
Water
Water is the main ingredient in the neti pot saline solution. The Mayo Clinic recommends using distilled or purified water rather than plain tap water, which may contain impurities, including chlorine. The Santa Barbara City College Student Health Services recommends lukewarm water, noting that hot water can be irritating, while cold water is not as soothing as warm water. Warm water will also help the ingredients dissolve more quickly and thoroughly.
Salt
You also need salt for making the neti pot saline solution. Choose a salt that does not contain iodine, such as sea salt or pickling/canning salt. Natural salts such as sea salt contain trace minerals, which may be beneficial. The saline solution should be isotonic, that is, in a concentration of salt that matches that of your body. Recipes vary in their recommendation for the amount of salt to be used; experiment with various concentrations to determine the most comfortable solution for you. Make sure the salt is dissolved completely before using the solution.
Baking Soda
Water tends to be acidic, so adding baking soda will buffer your saline solution, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association. Recipes vary in their recommendation for the amount of baking soda to use, with some recipes leaving out baking soda entirely.
Corn Syrup
The ASAA's recipe for neti pot saline solution calls for the addition of white Karo syrup, a corn syrup typically used in baking and candy making. According to the ASAA, the addition of the syrup makes the solution more like the natural saline in our bodies.
