Have you ever tried a neti-pot?  If not, it’s soon going to become your new best friend if you have allergy and sinus issues!

Living in Chicago, the allergy season seems to never end!  Even the snow doesn’t seem to kill the allergens!

Ever since I discovered the neti-pot many years ago, it has been something I use on a regular basis when it comes to allergy season. I can’t do without it!

Many ENT’s recommend nasal irrigation (neti-pot) to help with colds, allergies, etc. because they know it works!

Its roots go back to being an Ayurvedic holistic way to treat sinus issues in a way that is safe and healthy and gives instant relief.  It also helps with bronchial and upper respiratory issues because you are getting rid of the excess congestion that can contribute to those kinds of ailments.

I’ve shared this information about using a neti-pot with so many of my clients in the past.  They wind up loving it and wish they had discovered it sooner!

You can order a neti-pot online and I have also seen them in stores like Target and Walgreens. They have salt that comes in individual packets, or online you can buy a bag or container of salt specifically for a neti-pot.  I like the Himalayan Institute brand, but there are others to choose from that get the job done!

Some clients travel with their neti-pot. They don’t want to take any chances on allergies that may arise in a different location. I have seen plastic ones which would make traveling with it pretty easy.

Let’s unpack this subject of nasal irrigation and see why using a neti-pot will be one of the best things you can use for your allergies and nasal health.

How does a neti-pot help my allergies?

• Rinses out the pollen and allergens that cling inside your nasal membranes
• Helps to greatly reduce nasal congestion, which means you get relief
• Breathing through the nose will be so much better
• Opens up your ears by reducing congestion that can clog your ears
• Brings health back to your nasal area by the usage of the salt

How do you use it?

• Fill a little pot with DISTILLED WATER ONLY.  No tap water ever!  You don’t want to take a chance on any bacteria from the water or the pipes.  I just pick up jugs of distilled water from the store.
• Heat water in a pot to lukewarm. Enough to fill your net-pot twice.  Water should not be too hot, or too cold. Fill the neti-pot with water.  Pour a 1/4 teaspoon of salt into the water. (The salt usually comes with a little spoon) Stir.
• Stand over the sink and tilt head to one side. Tilt your chin down a little also.  Insert neti-pot spout into your nose.  In a second, the water should start pouring out the other side of your nose.   Sounds gross, but it’s over quickly!
• Repeat on the other side.
• Blow your nose in Kleenex! Your ears may pop also as you blow your nose.
• It takes less than 2 minutes!  Whoohoo!

If you have a cold, you can use the neti-pot twice in a day. Morning and evening.

Now if it ever stings while you’re doing this procedure, your water may be too hot.  Lukewarm water is the key.  There are also many YouTube videos out there showing how to do it.

I have heard clients say they are scared to use this little pot!  I admit when I first bought it, mine sat in a closet for quite some time! Then allergy season hit and I had to give in and try it, and afterwards, I immediately called my sister to tell her I found the best thing ever!!   Good finds have to be shared!  I have been using it ever since.

Give the neti-pot a try if you suffer from allergies and want a safer holistic way to treat them!  Relief is just a water and salt rinse away!

Until next time,

~pat