A veterinarian friend of mine, Suzanne, asked me the other day about nasal cleansing (the most popular being the Neti pot system — a ceramic pot that looks like a cross between a small teapot and a watering can). Although nasal douching (yup- that’s actually what it’s called) using the Neti pot has been around for centuries, its use is on the rise in the U.S., thanks to an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show and some news coverage and magazine articles. The Neti pot originally comes from the Ayurvedic/yoga medical tradition. That is how I first learned about it. Although nasal irrigation ( sounds better ) is recommended by ear, nose, and throat surgeons for their patients who’ve undergone sinus surgery to clear away crusting in the nasal passages, many people with sinus symptoms from bacterial infections, allergies, and environmental irritants also have begun to regularly use the Neti pot or other nasal irrigation devices for overall improved health.This system alleviates congestion, facial pain and pressure, and reduces the need for antibiotics and nasal sprays. Research backs up these claims, finding that nasal irrigation can be an effective way to relieve sinus symptoms. The basic explanation of how the Neti pot works is that it thins mucus to help flush it out of the nasal passages. Simply buy a nasal device ( health food store or drug store) almost fill it with warm water ( not hot) add pinch of non-iodized salt ( usually health food stores carry this- not drug stores) and….ok watch a utube neti pot demonstration 🙂 ps did i mention that you can put wheatgrass juice in the neti pot ?
