Neti Pot: How to Clear Your Blocked Sinuses
I’ve been sneezing quite a bit lately and I think it’s due to the fact that our house is going through major work. There’s no escaping the dust in our house and we’re not even close to finishing.
I’d seen the technique of using a Neti pot in a yoga book some years ago so I decided that this is what I need to cleanse my nasal passages.
What is a Neti Pot?
Neti pots come in a variety of styles, ones pictured above is the type that I bought as it is made of plastic which means it wont break or discolour. You fill it up with lukewarm water (I used 50% boiling, 50% cold) plus a scoop of Neti Pot Salt
You then have to pour the water into one nostril at a time to irrigate your sinuses. When the hairs in your nose, know as “cillia”, become clogged with dust and pollen your body can normally remove them by sneezing or by blowing your nose. Over time however it may be necessary to give your body a helping hand by using a Neti pot.
A lot of people are put off at the thought of running water through their nose but I’ve found that it’s actually OK. As long as you make sure to use lukewarm water and to keep your chin in to prevent water going down your throat. I’ve noticed that after using it I’ve been blowing my nose a lot which is probably something to do with my body getting rid all the dust clogged up there.
Sinus conjestion can be a real pain for those who suffer from it. Some have to cope with block sinuses on a daily basis whilst others only become aflicted by it during certain times of the year. Don’t suffer from this condition without making some attempts to remedy your blocked nose. You might want to try using a neti pot to get rid of your sinus conjetion on you might want to look at other techniques.
Does anyone else use a Neti pot? How have you found it?
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August 11th, 2007 at 5:59 am
Hi April
I am glad you found out about using the neti pot for clearing the sinuses. I have been using it for a few years now and it works wonders. It can also help with headaches, and hay fever.
August 11th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Although I don’t have a sinus problem I’ve used it to try it out. That was about ten years ago. It’s a great product a few of my friends, who suffer from allergies, use it daily.
One of them doesn’t suffer from allergies anymore since they switched to an all raw diet.
August 11th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
I’m still getting the hang of it. You’ve got to make sure that you’re tilting your head at the correct angle etc. I don’t seem to be blowing my nose so much after using it now. Not sure if that means anything or not.
August 13th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
[...] Kerr presents Neti Pot: A Simple Way to Clear Your Sinuses posted at Natural Health [...]
August 14th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
[...] April Kerr is the woman behind Natural Health Remedies. This website is relatively new. I truly enjoy it I’m passionate about alternative healing. I’m always eager to connect with others that share my passion. April writes excellent original articles that talk about the gentle power of natural healing remedies. Check out her article titled Neti Pot: A Simple Way To Clear Your Sinuses. [...]
August 14th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Thank you for this. I’ve tried it in the past, with some success.
August 15th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Hi April,
My husband and I both use a neti pot for sinus problems, and it does help. We just use salt water but I read some people add drops of essential oil to the water also.
I found your wonderful blog through Vegan Momma’s Movers and Shakers — I am one of the other blogs she so kindly featured.
August 21st, 2007 at 7:56 am
Yes, I’ve used a neti pot, usually if I’m experiencing some sort of sinus problem.
I think it is very helpful. I tend to
forget about using it, but I think it
would be good to do on a regular basis.
And reading this post has reminded me,
so I’ll go use it now. Thanks!
January 31st, 2008 at 8:18 pm
I bought a Neti pot about 3 months ago and was planning on using it to alleviate my allergies which are a nightmare year round. I was too wimpy to try it until today when I felt that tickle in my throat that always signifies the beginning of a cold. It really helped! I could breathe better than I have in years! The only problem is the relief only lasted about 4 hours. Now my nose/sinuses are stuffy again. How often per day can I use it during a head cold? I don’t want to further irritate my nose by doing it too much……help please.
January 31st, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Twinmomred2
As far as I know you can use it quite a few times per day. As long as you are using luke-warm water with salt you shouldn’t do yourself any damage.
In some cultures using a neti pot is like brushing your teeth. They do it every day.