The neti pot is a small pot generally made from ceramic, clay, porcelain or a lightweight plastic that holds a warm water-based solution used to flow in and out of the nostrils. The pot has a handle on the side with a small, narrow spout on the opposite side used for insertion into the nostril. Neti pots are primarily used for nasal cleansing, rinsing or nasal irrigation.
Uses
The neti pot is typically used for two reasons---to aid with dryness or to clean out excess mucus buildup. People who suffer from allergies, colds and sinus headaches may use neti pots. Those who experience dryness during the winter months may use the neti pot for preventing cracking and bleeding that can occur from the dry air conditions. People who experience no nasal issues may still use a neti pot routinely to keep nasal passages clean.
Function
Learning how to use a neti pot is essential before attempting initial use. Using a neti pot should be done over a sink or in a bathtub. Having a washcloth handy will help capture draining fluids and mucus. Warm water along with the desired ingredients should be placed in the pot. The head should be slightly tilted back, to the side with the forehead and chin even across. Refrain from breathing out of the nose during the process. The tip of the pot should be inserted slightly until it forms a seal so the water cannot escape. The pot can then be slightly raised to allow adequate fluid flow into the nostril on one side and then out the other nostril. It is generally a personal choice as to how much fluid is used in each nostril. According to Neti-Pot.com, some neti pot users administer the whole pot in each nostril, while others use half of the pot of fluid for each nostril.
Ingredients
For dry-nose sufferers a saline and aloe solution diluted in water can be used once daily as long as the dryness persists. Ingredients used to cleanse pollutants, allergens and dried mucous may include herbal solutions bought from a health food store, saline and sea salts that can all be diluted with warm water.
Benefits
The benefits of a neti pot depend on what is used for. Some users report that it helps relieve overall sinus pressure throughout the nasal passages in the nose, face and head. Those with a cough or a combination of phlegm and runny mucous may find that the neti pot loosens mucous in the nose and removes blockages---flushing out the nose and reducing nasal drips in the back of the throat. For someone who has been exposed to irritants such as dust, mold or excessive dirt, the neti pot may clean the nose better than by just blowing alone.
Precautions
Because the neti pot is inserted into the body, some minor precautions should be kept in mind. Those experiencing extreme sinus blockage who can't blow the nose should not use the product. Children should have an adult present when using a neti pot and should be instructed on how to breathe properly throughout the process. The neti pot should be used only by one person to prevent the spread of illness. Anyone who has any type of open sore or infection or is seeking treatment for cancer should not use a neti pot unless recommend by a physician. If discomfort, choking or bleeding occurs, seek medical help immediately.
