Neti Pots and Colds

These nasal irrigation devices from ancient India can help you battle your nagging cold and sinus symptoms.

Neti pots use a lukewarm saline solution to clear the nasal passages. For people suffering from allergies or summer colds, neti pots provide a natural alternative to over the counter nasal sprays infused with dangerous chemicals like oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, xylometazoline, and naphazoline. Originally developed by yoga practitioners in India as a purification tool, neti pots are now gaining popularity worldwide. For more detailed information about neti pots, visit http://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-pain-pressure-9/neti-pots.

In springtime it's allergies; in winter, colds and flu. No matter the time of year, there always seems to be something clogging up our nasal passages.

As evidenced by the constant rotation of television commercials touting the latest in allergy and sinus relief, there is no shortage of medication for addressing these problems. But more and more, people who prefer to manage their symptoms naturally, or who want a more economical way to maintain nasal health, are looking back in time to an ancient healing tradition called neti.

Neti Pots and Colds: The Basics

Neti, developed hundreds (or perhaps even thousands) of years ago by yoga and Ayurveda practitioners in India, is a nasal purification technique that involves the use of neti pots. Neti pots can be made of ceramic, glass, plastic, or metal and are sold in most health food stores.

The pot is filled with a saline solution (specially packaged salt mixtures can be purchased, but grocery store sea salt and water will do just fine). Once the neti pot is filled, its spout is inserted into one nostril while the user tilts the head to the side to allow the saline solution to flow up the nasal passage and then out the other nostril. Then the technique is repeated on the opposite side. To ensure a smooth flow of saline solution, the user should breathe through the mouth while tilting the head. Neti pots can be used as needed to alleviate nasal stuffiness or daily as a preventive method of keeping nasal passages free and clear

Neti Pots and Colds: The Benefits

Neti pots can do the following:

Clear the nostrils to allow free breathing
Remove excess mucous
Reduce pollen or allergens in nasal passages
Relieve nasal dryness
Reduce cold and flu symptoms
Alleviate sinus headaches
Improve sense of smell and taste
Reduce snoring

A recent study performed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin's School of Medicine and Public Health found evidence that patients with daily sinus symptoms, allergies, and asthma may experience improvements with nasal irrigation. The study also offered strong evidence that nasal irrigation works well along with other, more traditional treatments for symptoms. Other devices such as bulb syringes and squirt bottles can also be used for nasal irrigation.
New York resident Jodie Tassello, who started using neti pots for a chronic sinus infection, says: "I was experimenting with so many different medications, but my symptoms kept coming back. When my friend recommended I try a neti pot, I figured I had nothing to lose. Within a few days, my sinus problems cleared up and haven't come back since. I now use my neti pot every day."

Neti Pots: Are They Safe?
Most research on nasal irrigation indicates there are no significant side effects from neti pots and concludes that the benefits outweigh any potential risks. Proper use of a neti pot is key to safe and effective use, however. If you have any questions on using neti pots, ask your doctor or other health care provider.