How to use a Neti Pot

Using the Neti Pot is much simpler than it may seem. The principle is that you take a warm saline solution and allow it to enter one nostril, work its way through the nasal channel, until it eventually exits out through the other nostril. While the solution works its way through, the warm water helps to free up any debris which can become lodged in the many twists and turns of the sinus system, while the salt sanitizes and helps fight infections.

How to make the saline solution.

For the water itself you can use boiled tap water or better still distilled water, but boiled tap water is fine.

You will then need some non iodized pure salt. This is normally known as ‘Sea Salt’ which is typically of larger chunks when compared to regular table salt which is very fine and processed. I use one called Celtic Ocean – Flower of Ocean Celtic Sea Salt which is a pure sea salt. Some people also like to add a small amount of Bicarbonate soda to to temper the solution, myself I just use salt, but you may find Bicarb works for you.

So without further ado, here is the recipe:

  • 10 Ounces = (.29 liters) of pre-boiled or distilled water.
  • Half a teaspoon of non iodised sea salt.
  • Half a teaspoon of bicarbonate soda (optional)

It is best to mix within the pot, so that takes us to our next section.

Sanitise your pot!

Before we do anything more it is important to sanitize your Neti Pot.

First give it a good scrub as you would any normal kitchen utensil, however if using washing up detergent make sure its rinsed off well! Once you have cleaned it in the convention way, it is then time to sterilise and this can be done in one of three ways:

The first is to place it into a Microwave oven in much the same way as you would for a babys bottle, but please note that you may need to be careful with the plastic models, if you do it for 1.5 minutes you should be fine and not cause any damage, but monitor the event to be sure for the first couple of times.  Note: don’t even go there for the stainless steel model in the Microwave! The ceramic models are fine to be used in a Microwave.

The second is to place the Neti Poti into some boiling water, but please be careful not to scold yourself. Its best to use a pair of tongs to be safe.

The third is to use a baby bottle sterilizing product such as Milton tablets.

As for the temperature it need to be the same as the body which is 98.6°F (37°C) – Basically Luke warm, so not to cold, but certainly not to hot.

Once in your sterilised pot give it a stir and you’re ready to go.

How to use a Neti Pot

If its your first attempt its worth getting a towel draped over your neck just to catch any solution that you spill.

Lean forward over a handbasin or large bowl and tilt your head upwards looking straight ahead. Place the end of the pots spout into your nostril applying enough pressure so that it ‘seals’ the spout to you nose.

Start to breath in a relaxed way through your mouth and then tilt your head sideways so that the spout and pot is is above you now side on head. Continue to breath through the mouth the whole time and stay relaxed.

Please see the following for the angle required.

You should now find that the solution starts to exit the other nostril. If it does not give it time, and if still it is not coming out move your head back to the starting position and let the solution drain. Now try the other side.

* Note: If you seem to blocked for the solution to get through, try some cold water as this can sometimes reduce sinus inflammation enough for the solution to get through. When it is flowing again, switch back to the warmer solution.

Do both sides twice or unti the solution runs out.

Here is a good video demonstration:

How often should I do this?

I recommend you start with one a day and then move up to twice a day (morning and evening).

Where to get a Neti Pot?

Now you know how to use a Neti Pot – If you need recommendations on buying or selecting a Neti Pot then head over to Where to Get A Neti Pot

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