Why You Should Use a Neti Pot Every Day
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One of the things I like to do regularly during the winter season is to use a neti pot. I used to only use one when I would get stuffed up, as a way to clear the blocked sinus passages.
However, a couple of years ago I was talking to my doctor about what he does to stay healthy during the winter. In addition to the usual healthy immune system support suggestions such as bone broth, Vitamin D, sleep, fermented foods, etc., he likes to use a neti pot every day to clear out the germs in the nasal passages.
I had never thought to use a neti pot prophylactically!
I started using one several times a week (I would like to say I use one every day, but I don't do anything every single day…too hard to remember!). I try to get my daughter to do it as well. We use it particularly after being in crowded places, traveling, etc.
What is a Neti Pot?
First of all, what is a neti pot? Neti pot is used for nasal irrigation. The neti pot has been around for centuries, stemming from Ayurvedic medicine but is just now becoming popular in the US.
Your neti pot will come with instructions but generally you fill the device with lukewarm/warm water (preferably distilled or previously boiled) with 1 teaspoon of salt. Oftentimes, the neti pot comes with little sachets of salt in the correct amount.
You fill the neti pot, dissolve the salt and tilt your head over the sink at a 45 degree angle. You place the spout into your nostril and pour the saline solution. The saline solution flows through the nasal cavity and out the other nostril.
Then you blow your nose and repeat on the other side.
Sometimes it is pretty amazing what comes out of your nose when doing the neti pot. 🙂
Types of Nasal Irrigation Devices
There are several different types of devices to use for nasal irrigation. I have these 3:
- Ceramic Neti Pot
- Plastic Neti Pot (easier to travel with)
- Squeeze Nasal Wash Kit (my daughter finds this easier than the neti)
Do you use a neti pot?
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Love this! Thanks for sharing! I am a chronic sufferer of allergies, due to being allergic to things that are difficult to avoid (such as dust mites, gross… and my dog…..) so I use my neti pot DAILY (sometimes twice daily), and I use rosemary and lavender in my salt solution to help combat these allergies. I think the neti pot is simply life changing, and you’ll frequently find me trying to convince someone that pouring salt water in their nose is a great idea 😉 I alternate between a traditional neti pot and a Neilmed squeeze bottle – if I’m a little more stopped up the squeeze bottle is helpful for pushing it all out!
When I first started using EOs in my salt solution, I was nervous, as I have always read that you should not put EOs in your eyes/ears/nose… but out of allergic desperation, I tried it anyway, and I don’t think I will ever go back to plain salt!
What could you use instead of Rosemary? I couldn’t find it on my list of EOs
Thanks,
Debi
Not sure. I have only used Rosemary, Tea Tree and Lavender in neti pot.
Hi–I use my neti pot daily, helps prevent colds, spring allergies and keeps nasal tissue moist in winter….never knew about adding essential oils, will try this…thanks!
Hi- I just recently started using my Neti pot more regularly due to allergies and the fact that I’m around little children daily. I get sinus infections every spring and fall but Im desperate and don’t want to go through another round of antibiotics again so I started adding thieves oil to my salt solution. It burns a bit but not terribly. I haven’t tried any of the other blends but am looking forward to mixing a batch. Thanks for the info.
I’d never thought of trying EOs in my neti pot. I’ll definitely give that a try!
I’ve tried the neti from time to time when I’m stuffed up, but never thought of using it prophylactically. I really am not fond of the sensation – for those of you who do it frequently, do you ever get comfortable with it, or were you always comfortable?
I have just gotten used to it over time. I still wouldn’t say I like the sensation but I am used to it!
Is it okay to put saline, salt and the YLEO in a plastic neti pot or should it be ceramic.
I have only used this blend in my plastic nasal irrigator. I am not too worried about the plastic and EOs since it is in the container briefly.