Use of neti pot is one of the several nasal irrigation procedures. It is a ceramic pot, which resembles a small teapot. This articles provides information about how to prepare the saline solution and how to use it.
Neti pot was considered as an essential constituent of hatha yoga in ancient India. It was only during late 20th century, that it was introduced to the western world. It is used to relieve nasal congestion by practicing the technique of controlled breathing. Neti pot allows flushing of nasal canal and cleansing it. This is the reason why it was an important purification technique that was mandatory for the yogis before the beginning of their exercises. The solution, which is used for cleaning the nasal cavity, is passed through the spout of the pot, that causes a venturi like effect.
These pots are a popular choice even today for its various benefits, like cleansing the nasal cavity and evading the person from numerous medical conditions. It clears sinus infection, post nasal drip, sinus headache, asthma, bronchitis, and upper respiratory tract infections. Neti pot is also an effective way of evading mental tension and migraine. It improvise the health of other organs like eyes, pituitary glands, and pineal glands. These solutions can be a little costly; however, they can be prepared at home.
How to Make Neti Pot Solution
Regular tap water is never advised to practice neti, because it can irritate the mucous membrane inside the nose. This is the reason why you should use a proper saline neti pot solution. This solution is made using isotonic or hypertonic salt and lukewarm water, both these substances match the tonicity levels of the nose and body cells. This solution also triggers gag reflex during nasal irrigation; however, one can’t use the common iodized salt for making the homemade solution, because it cannot cause the same chemical effects of the isotonic/hypertonic salt. Here is a simple recipe which you can easily try on your own.
Material
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon uniodized salt (preferably sea salt)
- 2 to 3 cups distilled water
Procedure
Boil the water and let it cool until lukewarm. Now, add ½ teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of iodized salt into it. The best thing is to use finely ground sea salt or kosher salt. Stir the mixture well untill the powders get completely dissolved and your homemade solution is ready. If you are making the solution for sinus infection, then this is the best saline recipe for neti pot that you can try.
Baking soda added in the solution adjusts the pH levels of the body and reduces the burning sensation which can be caused due to the salt. Along with the aforementioned ingredients, some people also use finely crushed garlic (1/8 teaspoon) or 2-3 drops of garlic oil, grapefruit seed extract (2-3 drops), and 3% hydrogen peroxide (5-6 drops) to treat infection.
How to Use Neti Pot
Once you know how to make the solution, it is also important to learn the proper way of using the neti pot. For that, fill the solution in a clean neti pot and lean over the sink. Now, bend your head to the left side and adjust the neti pot spout into the right nostril. Now, close your right nostril with your index finger, breathe through the mouth, and stay relaxed. Now develop a steady stream of water from the pot inside the nostril. The stream will travel all the way through the nasal cavity and will come out from the other nostril. Now, reverse the procedure with the other nostril. When you are finished with the proceedings, deeply exhale and gently blow your nose.
Never use the neti pot without adequate knowledge. It is the best way to stay away from any problems. Always consult your healthcare provider in case you are having blocked ears or have undergone an ear surgery. Lastly, never allow children to use it on their own.
