Nasal irrigation is a time-honored alternative method of clearing the sinuses. While conventional medicine may prescribe drugs that promote drainage, alleviate pain or dry up mucus secretions, the neti pot works by rinsing away dust and debris in the nasal passages and moisturizing the mucus membranes. The FDA does not oversee the production of neti pots or prepared neti pot solutions, so contact your doctor before using a neti pot to treat any sinus condition.
Congestion/Soothing
Jala-neti, the practice of bathing the nasal passages in a saline solution, is a popular practice of yoga adherents according to the website, INTERNETI, an informational site dedicated to the practice of nasal irrigation.
Fill the neti pot with lukewarm water and add a pinch of sea salt, kosher salt or pickling salt, and stir until the salt grains dissolve. The Mayo Clinic advises using 1/8 tsp. of salt in 1 cup of distilled water.
The neti pot features a long spout that fits into one nostril while the individual leans over a basin, tilting his head to allow the saline solution to run out of the other nostril. Rinsing continues until no sign of nasal discharge is visible in the drained solution.
INTERNETI suggests repeating the process on the other nostril, tipping the head in the opposite direction. Approximately four minutes is required to wash the nasal passages adequately. Consult your doctor before treating any medical condition with nasal irrigation.
Allergic Rhinitis
When sinus problems are the result of hay fever or allergies, the neti pot offers a potential solution, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
For cleansing away airborne allergens in the nasal passages, UMMC recommends adding both a pinch of salt and a pinch of baking soda to 2 cups of warm water in the neti pot.
Ask your doctor if nasal irrigation may be beneficial in treating your allergic rhinitis before using the neti pot.
Sinusitis
Fever, general fatigue, coughing, a headache behind the eyes and congested sinuses may indicate the presence of a sinus infection, or sinusitis, according to Medline Plus, a division of the Nation Institutes of Health. Medline lists the neti pot as an alternative treatment for sinusitis, but see your doctor for advice before using it. Your doctor may want to prescribe medications to fight an infection.
