You’ve probably seen them in the drug store or at your local health food store – glass gadgets which resemble small teapots with very long spouts.  These little devices can be a wonderful springtime support to help flush dust and pollen from your nose as well as help bring relief to dry nasal passages.  Using a neti pot is easy and quite addicting once you get the hang of it!

You can buy a neti pot at the drugstore, health food store, or online.  You can make your own ‘saline’ solution by mixing 1/4 teaspoon non-iodized salt to 8oz of distilled or sterile water until dissolved.  The water should be warm (not hot).

Begin by tilting your head sideways (so your face is horizontal) over the sink or a bowl (some people like to use their neti pots in the shower).  Put the spout of the pot in the upper nostril, making sure that the spout is in all the way so water doesn’t leak out.  The important part to remember is to breathe through your mouth and relax.  Slowly pour the solution into the upper nostril.  After a few seconds the water will gently flow out of the lower nostril.  At first, some water may drain into your throat.  Not to worry – simply spit it out.  Play with the angle of your tilt.  You may have to lower your forehead in relation to your chin until the water flows smoothly in and out.

Between nostrils, you can remove neti pot, stand upright and GENTLY blow your nose to clear it out.  Reverse the tilt of your head to the other side, and repeat the process on that side.  That’s it!  Be sure to rinse out your neti pot with distilled or sterile water and let air dry after each use.  Use twice a day for optimal results.