How To Avoid Dangers Associated With Neti Pot

What to look for when buying a neti pot:

Neti pots are popular these days. Health stores offer them as do a variety of online outlets. EBay can be a good place to look as well. Neti pots are typically made out of stainless steel, plastic or ceramic.

The best choice is ceramic neti pots since they are not as cheap and flimsy looking as plastic pots and more comfortably around your news than stainless steel pots.

How to properly heat the saline water solution for your neti pot:

Start by filling up your neti pot with around 8 ounces of lukewarm water. Your nostrils are very sensitive to extremes in hot and cold, so getting the water temperature just right is important. Water that is too cold will be very uncomfortable while water that is too hot is downright painful. Water similar to your body's natural temperature is perfect - use your fingers to detect this.

Take one teaspoon of sea salt or non-iodized table salt and dissolve it in the pot. Mix it thoroughly until the solution is fully dissolved. Use filtered water if available, although warm tap water will suffice when you're in a hurry.

Flush your nostrils:

While a neti pot is highly portable and can be used almost anywhere, it is recommended to use it in the comfort of your own bathroom over the sink or in the shower. Most people flush their noses with their neti pots over the bathroom sink. It is important to stay relaxed and breathe through your mouth before inserting the neti pot spout into your nose and flushing it with the saline solution. It can be difficult at first, but a little practice will help alleviate any discomfort you might experience.

You need to flush both nostrils with the neti pot. Many people do this in one of two ways – either they use up the whole neti pot on one nostril, refill it and use it for the second nostril or they split the solution in one pot between the two nostrils. Whichever method you choose you should remember to tilt your head to one side and gently insert the spout into one nostril and tilt the handle up to let the saline solution flow inside your nasal passage.

Parting thoughts:

Once you've flushed your sinuses remember to gently blow your nose. Don't forget breathe deeply and slowly normalize your respiration. There is no need to panic if you feel a little dizzy; this is a normal side effect of increased air flow. If you still feel stuffed up and congested go for another round with the neti pot.