How Do You Use a Neti Pot?

If you suffer from chronic sinus problems, nasal congestion or postnasal drip, you may want to consider using a Neti pot. Originally from the Ayurvedic tradition, a Neti pot resembles a genie’s lamp and uses a saltwater solution to irrigate nasal passages and sinuses, making nasal mucus thinner and flushing out irritants. It’s fairly easy to use, but may take practice before it feels comfortable and is done correctly:

Dissolve one-quarter teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water, and pour the solution into the pot.

Over a sink, tilt your head about 45 degrees to the side, and place the spout into your higher nostril.

Gently pour the saltwater solution into that nostril, letting the solution flow through to the lower nasal cavity. (If the solution runs into your throat, just spit it out.)

Once the solution is gone, blow your nose to get rid of any remaining solution, and then repeat the process with the other nostril.

Be sure to clean and dry the Neti pot between uses. If you don’t want to buy a Neti pot, you can try a similar technique by pouring the solution into a cupped hand, pressing a finger from the opposite hand over one nostril, closing it and inhaling the liquid through the open nostril. You can inhale directly from a small cup or glass in the same way, or you can use a clean rubber bulb to gently squirt the solution into your nostrils.