Neti Pot: A natural way to detox your sinuses

If you’re not fond of using allergy meds or other over-the-counter sinus remedies, there’s a natural detox program for your sinuses. The neti pot has been used for thousands of years in the Hatha yoga tradition in India. And it rinses out the sinus cavity, riding it of bacteria, dust, mold and other built-up allergens.

This is a tool to use when you’re sick or have sinus congestion and a drippy nose.

“I find it to be the first line of defense in dealing with complicated sinus problems and allergy problems,” Evangeline Lausier, MD, assistant clinical professor of medicine and director of clinical services at Duke University’s department of integrative medicine, tells WebMD.

Some of the pros:

• Nasal irrigation helps to thin out mucus.
• It improves the coordination of the cilia to remove bacteria and other irritants.
• It can relieve sinus symptoms.
• It can complement sinus medications.

The cons:

• It’s not an everyday long-term solution. In fact, a 2009 showed that it could be counterproductive when used over the long-term.
• It could remove natural antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral agents.
• A small percentage of users experience mild side effects such as minor nasal irritation.

Tips for using a neti-pot:

Choose your type

Neti pots come in all shapes in sizes – ceramic, plastic, big and small. But whatever size you choose, you may want to consider a pot made out of ceramic. It’s generally easier to clean and they’re a little sturdier than plastic versions. They’ll also last longer.

Use distilled or sterile water

It’s best to use distilled or sterile water. Rarely, Naegleria foweri infections have been reported when people submerge their heads or irrigate their sinuses using tap water.

In order to lower that risk, you can purchase distilled or sterile water, boil water, use a filter or disinfect your water.

Use a saline solution

Make sure your pot also comes with neti pot salt, or purchase some non-iodized sea salt and baking soda. Pour in the sea salt and baking soda into the pot and let it dissolve in the water, which will help draw fluid across the sinus membranes.

Gently blow your nose after

The key word here is “gently.” It’s important to blow your nose and get rid of excess fluid after you’ve used your neti pot, but it should be done without much effort.

Additional tips

• Make sure the pot is clean before using it.
• Stop using it if it makes your sinuses worse.
• Don’t use it if you have a high fever or severe sinus infection.

Want more information on the neti pot and detox programs? Contact us at our Palos Verdes spa today.

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