Neti, Nasal Saline Rinse for Congestion

Winter is cold season. In the second half of the Winter and early Spring the weather is constantly changing. Here in the Northeast, it has been cold, warm, and then cold again. It has been wet, dry, and then damp again. There is always an increase in respiratory illnesses when the weather changes. The Neti Pot is a good tool to use in the Winter and Spring seasons. However, if used incorrectly it can do more harm than good.

Neti is a traditional Ayurvedic self-care tool that has been used for thousands of years. It is also used in Ayurveda’s sister science, Hatha Yoga as a cleansing technique. In the last decade it has become popular in the West. You can find neti pots and saline sprays in most US pharmacies.

Use a neti pot if you are slightly congested. It will help to clear your sinuses. If you are very congested, neti will not work. Neti pots are great for Spring allergies as it helps to wash allergens from your nasal passages. A neti pot should not be used if there is a sinus infection.

Use only clean, distilled, purified, or boiled (and then cooled to warm) non-chlorinated water. Put about ¼ tsp of sea salt into one cup of water. When I do this in my shower I do not measure, rather I taste. The water should be salty but not too salty. If it is not salty enough or too salty it will burn. Tilt your head to one side and place the spout of the neti pot into the higher nostril. The water should flow from one nostril and out the other. If you are too congested it will run down your throat. Clear your nose and then repeat on the opposite side. Follow with Nasya or nose oiling. Read about nose oiling.