Neti pots exploded in popularity when they were featured on "The Oprah Winfrey" show in 2007. Neti pots are an all-natural way to help clear congestion without using over-the-counter medicines. If you're planning on purchasing a neti pot for your own use at home, it's important that you understand the function and procedure associated with neti pots, so you know which features to look for and how much to spend.
Function
The neti pot allows you to pour a steady stream of salt water through one nostril and out the other, helping to clear clogged sinuses and nasal passages. Obviously desirable in the fact that it doesn't use any sort of medication, Dr. John DelGaudio, chief of rhinology and sinus surgery at Emory University School of Medicine tells CNN Health that you can't overuse a neti pot. It's ideal for quick relief of congestive symptoms, whether from allergies or a cold.
Procedure
Knowing how to use a neti pot correctly can help you understand what to look for in a neti pot. You'll want a long spout, since you fill the pot with warm salt water and insert the spout into one nostril. Leaning over a sink, you tilt your head to the side with the neti pot inserted in the nostril at the top. By pouring the warm water through the nostril, it's expelled through the bottom nostril, along with any mucous.
Pricing
A good quality neti pot can cost as little as $20, according to the Mayo Clinic. It's why a neti pot makes for an attractive, low-cost solution to expensive medications, nasal sprays and other aids for congestion. Since neti pots are simple in structure, a very expensive pot probably has the same features, shape and procedure as a less expensive model.
Expert Insight
Experts seem to agree with the general population's fascination with neti pots. Bradley Marple, the chairman of the rhinology and paranasal sinus committee for the American Academy of Otolaryngology --- Head and Neck Surgery, tells "The New York Times" that nasal irrigation is a highly effective way to clear the nasal passages that cause congestion for cold and allergy sufferers.
Brands and Locations
Neti pots used to be difficult to find in mainline store and shops. As they have grown in popularity, it's become easier to find neti pots in whole food stores, health stores and even big box stores. Some popular neti pot brands include those made by cold remedy companies, including SinuCleanse, NeilMed, Himalayan Institute, Nasopure and Mucinex. While they may have different shapes and water capacities, they'll all retain the same basic design of a lid, a reservoir and a long spout for pouring.
