Through the years, we all develop our favorite “go to” remedies. They sit on our top shelf (literally or figuratively); soothing and providing relief for what ails us. Then, as we explore and experiment, sometimes they are replaced with a new “go to” and move to our handy toolbox of remedies.  The neti pot is one of those remedies that I recently pulled out of my toolbox.

Years ago, before I learned about the magical powers of Goldenrod (Solidago, spp.), I  would get a postnasal drip each Fall from seasonal allergies that would develop into sinus infections and splitting headaches. I was miserable. My life changed when I was introduced to the neti pot. A neti pot is a small pot made from ceramic or a lightweight plastic. It holds a warm saline solution that you pour into and flows in and out of the nostrils. The pot has a handle on the side with a small, narrow spout on the opposite side that you put into the nostril. It looks like a genie’s lamp. Neti pots are used primarily for nasal cleansing, rinsing or nasal irrigation. They also help remove pollen, pollutants, allergens, relieve dryness, and it basically cleans out the snot.

Over the years, the neti pot was there when I needed it and was the only thing I used or needed for my allergies during my pregnancy and while my son was nursing. After, I discovered Goldenrod for my allergies, I needed the neti pot less and less, and so it went into my toolbox. However, this winter I had brutal headaches across my eyes, from ear to ear, no mucus or runny nose; it just felt like my head was in a vise grip. It was almost impossible for me to concentrate or execute tasks competently.   I did feel a little pressure in my ears so I decided to give the neti pot a try. And folks, what a brilliant idea it was! Always go with your instincts. The relief was almost instantaneous, thank goodness.

If you have pressure around your sinuses or face, sinus headaches, a crushing headache over your eyes, allergies, postnasal drip, or just feel like you are coming down with a cold, I encourage you to try a neti pot. You can purchase one at most drug stores, supermarkets, co-ops or health food stores. Some come with a saline solution kit, but simple kosher salt and water works great. Some people suggest sea salt, but I found that sea salt crystals do not dissolve easily and you must be diligent to ensure that all the crystals dissolve, if not, the process could become uncomfortable and irritate your nasal cavities. Kosher salt dissolves more easily than sea salt in warm water.

How to use the Neti Pot:

Step 1                                                                                                                                     Mix ¼ tsp. of non-iodized or kosher salt with a cup of warm water in the neti pot until all the salt crystals have dissolved.  It is important that your water is safe from all pathogens. If you are unsure, boil it and let it cool until it is warm.

Step 2                                                                                                                                   Tilt your head over the sink, keeping the nostril you are treating pointing towards the upper corner of the wall across from you, tuck your chin in a little.

Step 3                                                                                                                              Gently, insert the neti pot spout into your nostril, and allow the solution to gently flow into the nostril. The solution should flow through the first nostril and exit through the second nostril. If the solution goes down your throat, stop and tilt your head a little (chin in, nostril towards the top portion of the opposite wall), slowly adjust your head until all of the solution has flowed out your second nostril. If your nostrils are very clogged, be patient, the solution will eventually trickle through and then eventually flow.

Step 4                                                                                                                                Once you have emptied the neti pot, bend over the sink and blow three times to clear excess water and mucus from nostrils. Wipe with tissue.

Step 5                                                                                                                              Repeat step 1 – 4 on other nostril

Step 6                                                                                                                              When both nostrils are done, bend over as if you are touching your toes and hang your head down for a minute or so to encourage all the liquid to flow out your nostrils, blow gently into a tissue.

If you are adventurous, mix a light tea of Goldenrod and strain it through a coffee filter ~ you do not want any plant material in your sinuses. Then mix with a ¼ tsp. of salt and flush your sinuses. The astringent and anti-inflammatory properties really tighten up the tissues and reduce all the drippiness.  For postnasal drip with a cough, make a strong tea of Plantain (Plantago, spp.) and strain it through a coffee filter, add it to a neti pot with a ¼ tsp. of salt to heal irritated tissues. It is less astringent and more soothing than Goldenrod when used in this manner.

May you find relief.

All information is shared for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.